1. 2 Cor. 12:9 Amazing grace – not legalism, nor license. Grace does not negate law, nor works

2. Augustine (354-430) – taught enabling grace because of depravity. Eph. 2:8,9 – made faith the grace, rather than salvation by grace Some believe grace covers everything unconditionally – cannot fall from grace Unmerited does not mean unconditional Heb. 2:9; 12:15; Gal. 5:4

3. The gospel of grace, 2 Tim. 1:8-11; Rom. 1:16 It is not a direct operation of the Holy Spirit God draws through the word, Jn. 6:44,45; 2 Thess. 2:14 We are saved by grace when we hear and obey (Saul, Acts 9:6; 22:16; Cornelius, 11:14)

4. Grace provides for failure, 1 Jn. 1:8-2:2 We sin even when our manner of life is walking in the light, 1 Jn. 1:7 The man after God’s own heart fell, Ps.51:3,4 Peter fell, but knew the grace of God, Lk. 22:55-61; 1 Pet. 2:1-3; 5:10

5. Simon, the sorcerer, Acts 8:13-24 Simon Peter repented, Lk. 22:62 God’s plan – repent, confess & pray The confession needs to be as public as the sin, Jas. 5:16 (not advertise private sins)

6. Paul believed in God’s grace – even in prison, Acts 16:19-25 When he had a thorn in the flesh, 2 Cor. 12:1-10 He had rather have the thorn and God’s grace than to be without both!

7. Cards, flowers, words of friends, concerned brethren? Those help – but looking for the victory (2 Tim. 4:7,8) we should realize God’s “grace is sufficient (for His) strength is made perfect in weakness” 2 Cor. 12:9.