Thesis: Paul’s inspired view of the Gospel of the grace of God!
Text: Acts 20:24
Song: “Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!”
Introduction: Paul viewed himself as a rock (none of these things move me); accountant (I count); runner (I may finish my race); steward (the ministry which I received); witness (to testify); undeserving recipient of a precious and glorious gift (the Gospel of the grace of God).
Discussion: What was Paul’s understanding of grace?
1. The gulf between God and man. Paul knew that the grace of God was needed because of the gulf between God and man, a gulf which man could never span with his own righteousness and goodness. Cf. Romans 3:10-12, 23; 6:23; Ephesians 2:11-12. God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:17-21).
2. The gift from God to man. Paul viewed grace as a gift. Cf. 1 Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians 2:8; Romans 5:15, 17. He thanked God for His “unspeakable” (anekdiēgētos – indescribable) gift. God’s indescribable gift is Jesus, the greatest gift ever given and received. Paul’s statement clarifies the deep meaning of one the most beloved Scriptures in God’s Word – John 3:16.
3. The gain for man from God. Some gifts are given but are of little value, yet not so with grace. The recipient of Heaven’s grace receives a generous and abundant gift called eternal life. Cf. 1 Timothy 1:13-15; 1 Peter 3:7b. Notice the specific areas of gain associated with grace: life (Romans 5:17), riches (2 Corinthians 8:9; Ephesians 1:7; 2:7), salvation (Titus 2:11; 2 Timothy 1:9), everlasting consolation and good hope (1 Thessalonians 2:16; Philippians 1:21-23) and opportunities for serving our Master (Ephesians 3:2, 7-8; 1 Timothy 2:7). Grace “appeared” (epiphaino from epí = upon + phaíno = to shine, English = epiphany) – to shine upon and so to become visible and to be made clear or manifest.
4. The gamut to all men from God. Webster defines “gamut” as, “an entire range or series.” Thus, the grace of God is directed toward the entirety of humanity. Cf. Titus 2:11; 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Corinthians 5:15; Hebrews 2:9; 1 John 2:2; Revelation 22:17. God’s amazing grace, mercy, favor and love are described by Paul in Ephesians 3:18. It is wide enough to include every person, long enough to last through all eternity, deep enough to reach the worst sinner and high enough to take us to heaven.
5. The grounding by God for man. God’s grace teaches us to presently live “soberly, righteously and godly in this present world” (Titus 2:12). Cf. 2 Peter 3:18; 1 Peter 2:2. Grace is both restrictive (“denying”) and inductive (“we should live”) in nature; it is both positive and negative in teaching us how to live.
Conclusion: Paul’s words lift us. “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). God’s grace is amazing.
