Grace for Beginners
The Impact of Grace
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is to further our understanding of God’s amazing grace. Of special note in this lesson are mistaken concepts of grace and a review of examples that demonstrate how God’s grace works.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Comprehend the benefits to one’s life produced by God’s grace.
- Feel: Value the benefits produced by God’s grace.
- Do: Demonstrate our knowledge of grace by living faithfully and helping others discover the benefits produced by God’s grace.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
1. Look back at a significant event in your life. How do you see God's grace working in that event?
Answers will vary but look for responses that show how we look back on the events of life and see that where we are now was made possible by God guiding us as we have learned to turn our lives over to Him. It may not have been apparent at the time, but as we have matured in Christ and learned to follow His will, God has directed our lives for good and for blessings.
2. What are some scriptures that promise God's involvement in our lives?
There will be many varied scriptures. In the event students have difficulty recalling passages, here are some examples. It might be helpful to have students read these verses and state what each says using their own words.
3. How does God's grace make us eager to obey?
God humbles and remakes us according to His will as we continue to turn more of our lives over to Him. It should be a natural reaction that when we understand what God has done and continues to do for us that we seek even more to do His will. We might not realize this in the beginning of our relationship with Him but as we grow spiritually, we enter into a positive cycle of discovery, obedience to His will and personal growth which moves us to repeat this cycle.
4. Explain the paradox that we do not have to work for our salvation, but grace moves us to work even harder for the Lord.
Paul explains in I Corinthians 15:9-10 and other places that when we are impacted by grace we are added to a workforce that eagerly seeks to do God's will. Paul even describes us as "slaves" (Romans 6:15-23).
As Paul states in Ephesians 2:8-9, we cannot possibly work hard enough or be good enough to earn salvation. It is given as a gift by our loving Creator and Father.
God created us to do good works. These works include the service we offer to God, our fellow Christians and our neighbors. Works are not limited to a physical service only. They also include the good "works" of responding as God wills in faith and obedience. Consider that among the works God prepared for us beforehand, our faithful response to the grace of God by faith in Jesus, repentance and baptism are included in that number.
5. Explain how grace makes us thankful.
It is common to feel grateful for a gift. The greater the value of the gift the more thankful we become. Nothing is greater than the gift of God's grace. Through it we have the hope of eternal life and a rich and full life now. As we grow closer to God by becoming more like Jesus, our gratitude naturally grows as well. Our faith is strengthened, as is our resolve to remain faithful and our desire to express our deep thankfulness grows. This cycle repeats itself and will continue to do so until the return of our Lord.
The Apostle John recognized this and longed for it as he penned his final words at the conclusion of Revelation, "He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20).
6. How can you use this lesson to grow spiritually and help others come into a relationship with Jesus?
We recognize how God's grace continues to impact our lives and the lives of those around us. Our role is to ourselves do and help others do what our Lord desires. Grace compels us to dedicate our time and resources to God's service. We seek to communicate with God through studying His word and prayer. We seek to be a part of His Kingdom both physically and spiritually. We seek to bring others into the Kingdom by helping them find God's grace.