2. GOD’S SURPASSING GRACE

3. The Greek word “grace” communicates God’s favorable disposition and His favorable regard or gifts. Unmerited favor…  “…not of yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8)  “…if it is by grace, it is no loner on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace” (Rom. 11:6)

4. The Greek word “grace” communicates God’s favorable disposition and His favorable regard or gifts. God’s favors or gifts stem from His own character, from within Himself.  God initiates grace because He is.

5. The loveliness of divine grace is all around us, but favor’s blessedness in Christ surpasses all other gifts. Every good thing and perfect gift comes from our heavenly Father (James 1:17).  “…the grace of life” (1 Peter 3:7; Matthew 7:11)  Life is not merited or earned (cf. Job 1:21).  Genesis 2:7; 1:26

6. The loveliness of divine grace is all around us, but favor’s blessedness in Christ surpasses all other gifts. God’s favor moved Him to communicate to man.  The word of God’s grace builds and gives inheritance (Acts 20:32).

7. The loveliness of divine grace is all around us, but favor’s blessedness in Christ surpasses all other gifts. Paul preached “the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).  The one gospel calls us “by the grace of Christ” (Galatians 1:6, 7).

8. The loveliness of divine grace is all around us, but favor’s blessedness in Christ surpasses all other gifts. God’s grace brought to light salvation in Christ to all sinners (Titus 2:11).  The Eternal Word is full of grace and truth (John 1:14, 17).  Salvation from sin is a gift of God (Ephesians 2:5, 7-9).