In the sermon titled "The Danger of The When And Then," Kent Clark addresses the theological topic of God's grace and the human tendency towards self-reliance and forgetfulness of the Lord’s blessings. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging God's sovereignty in the act of salvation and warns against the pride that arises when individuals become comfortable and self-sufficient. Clark supports his arguments primarily through Deuteronomy 8:7-18, which warns the Israelites about forgetting God in times of abundance, drawing parallels to contemporary believers who may forget their dependence on grace. The sermon highlights the Reformed doctrine of Total Depravity, underscoring that all grace is unmerited, and it calls Christians to a posture of gratitude and humility, recognizing that their identity and salvation are solely attributable to God's mercy.
Key Quotes
“My friends, my Christian brothers and sisters, we are what we are by the grace of God alone.”
>
“When thou hast eaten and art full, bless the Lord thy God.”
>
“The great tendency of the people of God is to forget the pit from which you were digged.”
>
“I promise you today, if you'll come to Christ without moving a muscle, right where you are, just as you are.”
The Bible teaches that grace is unmerited favor from God, demonstrated through the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Grace is a central theme throughout Scripture, illustrating God's unmerited favor towards sinners. In John 1:14, we learn that Jesus, the Word made flesh, was 'full of grace and truth.' This grace is not based on our actions but rather God's sovereign choice to redeem those who could not save themselves. Deuteronomy 8:10-18 warns us not to forget the Lord's goodness, particularly in times of abundance, as our most profound understanding of grace comes from recognizing how little we deserve it. God's grace transforms our lives and empowers us to live in a manner that glorifies Him.
John 1:14, Deuteronomy 8:10-18
We know God's grace is true because it is consistently presented throughout the Bible as the means of salvation for all believers.
God’s grace is affirmed through various biblical passages, notably Ephesians 1:4-5, which states that believers were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. This demonstrates that grace is not contingent upon our actions but is a sovereign gift from God. The concept of grace is further illustrated through the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32, showing God's eager willingness to forgive and restore those who repent. Ultimately, God's grace is a profound indication of His love and justice, confirmed by the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for our sins.
Ephesians 1:4-5, Luke 15:11-32
Remembering God's grace is crucial for Christians as it cultivates humility and gratitude, preventing spiritual pride.
Remembering God’s grace is crucial because it guards against the spiritual dangers of forgetfulness and pride. In Deuteronomy 8:11-14, we are warned about the risk of forgetting the Lord during times of prosperity, which leads to self-sufficiency and inflated egos. By recalling God’s past mercies and the depths from which He has saved us, we cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on Him. This act of remembrance strengthens our faith, encourages perseverance in trials, and enriches our worship, leading us to bless the Lord continuously for His goodness and grace.
Deuteronomy 8:11-14
Being chosen by God means that He has sovereignly selected individuals for salvation and a special relationship with Him.
The doctrine of being chosen by God underscores His sovereignty and grace. According to Ephesians 1:4-5, God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world based on His own counsel, not because of anything we have done. This concept reflects God’s unmerited favor towards sinners and the assurance that our salvation is secure. When we comprehend that our selection is rooted in His love and grace, it leads to a transformed life where we live out of gratitude and obedience, acknowledging that we were once lost and undeserving of His mercy.
Ephesians 1:4-5
Grace impacts our daily lives by fostering humility, gratitude, and a commitment to share God's love with others.
Living under the influence of God's grace transforms our relationships and interactions with others. As noted in 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, understanding grace compels us to live not for ourselves, but for Him who died and was raised for us. Grace fosters a sense of humility; recognizing that we are recipients of unmerited favor enables us to extend grace to those around us, regardless of their past. Moreover, grasping the implications of grace allows us to face struggles with hope, knowing that God’s love and mercy sustain us in all circumstances, instructing us to praise Him daily.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
Comments
Your comment has been submitted and is awaiting moderation. Once approved, it will appear on this page.
Be the first to comment!