The Attributes of God

Mercy and Grace

1. Understanding Mercy and Grace
- Definition and Distinction: Mercy is not receiving the punishment we deserve, while grace is receiving blessings we do not
deserve.
- Biblical Foundation: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). This highlights our need for both
mercy and grace.
- God's Character: The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion (Psalm 103:8).
God's nature is the source of mercy and grace.
- Old Testament Examples: God's mercy to Nineveh (Jonah 3) and grace to Israel despite their rebellion (Exodus 34:6-7).
- New Testament Fulfillment: Jesus embodies both mercy and grace, offering salvation and eternal life (John 1:14).

Questions:
1. How do you personally distinguish between mercy and grace in your life?
2. In what ways have you experienced God's mercy and grace recently?
3. How can understanding God's character influence your daily walk with Him?

2. Mercy and Grace in Salvation
- The Role of Mercy: He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy (Titus 3:5).
- Grace as a Gift: For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God
(Ephesians 2:8).
- Repentance and Faith: Mercy leads to repentance, while grace empowers faith (Acts 20:21).
- The Cross as Central: Jesus' sacrifice is the ultimate act of mercy and grace (Romans 5:8).
- Assurance of Salvation: Believers can rest in the assurance of salvation through God's mercy and grace (1 John 5:13).

Questions:
1. How does the concept of mercy change your understanding of salvation?
2. In what ways can you express gratitude for the grace you have received?
3. How can you share the message of mercy and grace with others?

3. Living Out Mercy and Grace
- Imitating Christ: Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful (Luke 6:36).
- Forgiveness: Extend mercy by forgiving others as God forgave you (Colossians 3:13).
- Generosity: Grace leads to generosity, reflecting God's giving nature (2 Corinthians 9:8).
- Compassion in Action: Show mercy through acts of kindness and service (James 2:13).
- Community Impact: A community marked by mercy and grace reflects God's kingdom (Acts 4:32-35).

Questions:
1. How can you practice mercy in your relationships this week?
2. What are some practical ways to demonstrate grace in your community?
3. How does living out mercy and grace affect your witness to others?

4. Challenges to Embracing Mercy and Grace
- Pride and Self-Righteousness: Recognize the barriers of pride that hinder receiving and giving mercy (Luke 18:9-14).
- Judgmental Attitudes: Avoid judging others harshly, remembering God's mercy towards you (Matthew 7:1-2).
- Legalism: Embrace grace over legalistic tendencies (Galatians 5:4).
- Forgiveness Struggles: Overcome the difficulty of forgiving by focusing on God's forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-22).
- Cultural Pressures: Stand firm in mercy and grace despite societal norms (Romans 12:2).

Questions:
1. What personal barriers do you face in extending mercy and grace?
2. How can you overcome judgmental attitudes in your interactions?
3. In what ways can you rely on God's strength to live out mercy and grace?

5. The Eternal Perspective of Mercy and Grace
- Hope of Eternal Life: Mercy and grace assure us of eternal life with God (Titus 3:7).
- Heavenly Rewards: Living a life of mercy and grace leads to heavenly rewards (Matthew 5:7).
- God's Eternal Plan: Mercy and grace are central to God's redemptive plan (Ephesians 1:7-10).
- The New Creation: Believers will experience the fullness of mercy and grace in the new creation (Revelation 21:4).
- Encouragement for Perseverance: The promise of eternal mercy and grace encourages perseverance in faith (Hebrews 4:16).

Questions:
1. How does the promise of eternal life influence your current life choices?
2. In what ways can you keep an eternal perspective in daily challenges?
3. How can the hope of future grace motivate you to live faithfully now?

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