RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL
SUNDAY 11TH OF JUNE, 2023
LESSON FORTY ONE (41)
TOPIC: DYNAMICS OF GRACE (PART 2)
BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Corinthians 8:6-9.
[6]So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well.
[7]But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also. Christ Our Pattern
[8]I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others.
[9]For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.
MEMORY VERSE:
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” Hebrews 12:28 (NKJV).
INTRODUCTION: In addition to the description of ‘Grace’ given in the previous lesson, Grace can also be referred to as the divine influence in a human heart that reflects on the outside. It produces favour, beauty, goodwill, loveliness, and ability. It increases as one grows in the knowledge of God’s word (2 Pet.3:18). We shall therefore consider the various dimensions of grace mentioned in the Bible as well as some actions that can be taken with or against grace.
OUTLINES:
1. DIMENSIONS OF GRACE
2. WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH/AGAINST GRACE
1. DIMENSIONS OF GRACE
The Bible talks about grace in various dimensions. For instance, we have common grace (Ps.145:9; Matt.5:45), saving grace (Eph.2:4-9; Tit.2:11), abundant grace (2 Cor.4:15), sanctifying grace (Tit.2:12; 1 Jn.2:15-16), sustaining grace (Rom.6:14; Jude: 1:24-25), supernatural/enabling grace (Phil.4:13; Lk.1:37), service (gifting) grace (Rom.12:6; Eph.4:7), sufficient grace (2 Cor.9:8; 1 Pet.5:10), victorious grace (1 Sam.17:36-37), sacrificial giving grace (Gen.22:9-10; 2 Cor.12:15), great grace (Acts 4:33), eternal grace (1 Cor.9:27), etc.
The key to access and operate at any of these levels or dimensions of grace lies in the degree of one’s connection with Christ from whom all grace originates and the desire to grow in Him (Jn.15:5; Phil.4:13; 2 Pet.3:18).
2. WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH/AGAINST GRACE
There are lots of benefits that a believer can derive from grace apart from salvation. Grace can impart great blessings (Acts.4:23; Ps.84:11). It also imparts faith (Acts.18:27). In addition, it makes one God’s elect (Rom.11:5-6), gives boldness (1Cor.15:10), calls believers to the ministry (Gal.1:15), helps render acceptable service (Heb.12:28), gives seasoning to speech (Col.4:6), gives strength (2Tim.2:1), helps in time of need (Heb.4:16) and can bring hope (2Thess.2:16), among others.
However, it is possible to do the following against grace:
1. Receive grace in vain (2Cor.6:1).
2. Frustrate grace in one’s life (Gal.2:21).
3. Fall from grace (Gal.1:6-8; 5:4).
4. Fail of the grace of God (Heb.12:15).
5. Turn grace into lasciviousness (Jude 4).
6. Continue in sin in spite of grace (Rom.6:1).
7. Reject grace through pride (Jam.4:6).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What should you do and not do to grace?
CONCLUSION: Every believer must aspire to grow in grace (2 Pet.3:18). It is a dangerous thing to abuse grace despite its benefits.
QUESTIONS:
* State the dimensions of Grace known to you.
* What can you do with/against grace?
FURTHER READING: MON: 1 Pet.5:5-6; TUE: Prov.3:34; WED: Prov.11:16; THUR: Lk.9:16; FRI: Lk.22:19; SAT: Jn.1:17; SUN: 1 Cor.15:10.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention any two dimensions of grace and state how they have worked for you (2×5=10 marks).