March 29, 2026

“Grace and Truth; My Response”

John 1:14 - 18 (NIV)

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”  16 From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.  17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.  18 No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.

Observations:

1. Our Lord’s ministry contains both grace and truth. Vs 14

Jesus gave: GRACE in His dealings with people

TRUTH in His words and teaching

GRACE in His redemption

TRUTH in His revelation

Grace + Truth = BALANCE

All GRACE = Shallow, sentimental fellowship

All TRUTH = Legalistic, hardened fellowship

2. Jesus is the source of ALL BLESSINGS. Vs 16 “From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another”

3. WE ALL need God’s grace.

John 1:16 (NIV) 16  Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.

4. God’s grace can become EVER INCREASING.

John 1:16 (ESV) 16  For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

Thoughts on God’s grace:

1. Grace can grow IN MY LIFE.

2. Grace can go TO MY NEEDS.

Multifaceted GRACE

1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV) 10  As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Multifaceted TRIALS

1 Peter 1:6 (NIV) 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

 1. GREATER GRACE as Christians

James 4:6a (NIV) 6 But he gives us more grace.

2. GOD’S RICH Grace

Ephesians 2:7 (NIV) 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 

3. SAVING Grace

Ephesians 2:8 (NIV) 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—.

4. OVERFLOWING Grace

Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 

5. STANDING Grace

Romans 5:2 (NIV) 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

6. ABUNDANT Grace  

Romans 5:17 (NIV) 17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

7. SURPASSING Grace

2 Corinthians 9:14 (NIV) 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 

My response to God’s grace

1. HUMILITY

James 4:6 (NIV) 6  But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 

Humble thoughts:

A. MAN IS NOT getting better and better

B. We cannot fill the VOID IN OUR LIFE

C. We CANNOT EARN OUR WAY into heaven

2. COMPASSION

Once we admit our status as sinners saved by grace, then we can look with compassion at the world.

3. MINISTRY

1990 Survey in U.S.: “What would it take to get you to church?” 61 million people replied – “If a friend asked me.”

4. ACCEPTANCE

Life Group Notes:

• “Amazing Grace” is sung often and on different occasions. Why do you think it is so popular at funerals?

• How important is it to understand God’s grace as a Christian?

• Neal gave us 7 types of grace offered by God, which one touched you and why?

• Read John 1:14 - 18 again. Discuss this passage and what it means to you individually?

• We can’t give what we don’t have. Why is understanding and receiving grace important to giving grace?

• 2 Peter 3:18 Peter closes his letter with these words, “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

• To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” Discuss what this means in our walk with God.

• Romans 6:1–2 (NIV) Paul wrote, “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2  By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” How does this relate to what Peter said in the passage in 2 Peter?

• How does grace humble you?

• In what ways has grace helped you be more compassionate and minister to others?

• How do you feel about accepting God’s grace?