Big Idea: The gospel begins and ends with Jesus—His grace saves & sustains us. How To Anchor In The Grace That Saves And Sustains You: 1. Give Thanks For The Grace and Mercy That Saves You (vv. 12–14) 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him,13 even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. 14 Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 1:12-14 (NLT2) God doesn’t forgive reluctantly; He forgives abundantly. God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. 21 So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20-21 (NLT2) 2. Share Your Story Of Grace & Mercy (vv. 15–17)] 15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all.16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:15-17 (NLT2) Your story is not a source of shame; it’s a platform for God’s glory. 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all He has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-7 (NLT2) God uses broken people to show perfect grace. 3. Fight The Good Fight, Keep Your Conscience Clear, and Finish Well 18 Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles. 19 Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. 20 Hymenaeus and Alexander are two examples. I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they might learn not to blaspheme God. 1 Timothy 1:18-20 (NLT2) Grace is not an excuse to coast; it is the power that helps you endure. 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT2) 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39 (NLT2) Have you been drifting in your faith? Next Steps Sign up for Anchored – Church Center – Events – Anchored - Register Speak truth in love in one relationship that needs grace Sign Up for A Small Group on Church Center Accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior TALK IT OVER Big Idea: The gospel begins and ends with Jesus—His grace saves & sustains us. Icebreaker: When in your life have you experienced unexpected grace from someone? What’s a “rescue story” (from news, movies, or life) that stuck with you? Why? READ THE PASSAGE TOGETHER: 1 Timothy 1:12–20 How To Anchor In The Grace That Saves And Sustains You: 1. Give Thanks For The Grace and Mercy That Saves You (v.12-14) Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 1:14 (NLT2) Why do you think Paul begins this section with gratitude? Paul describes himself as a former “blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man.” What does his story teach us about the reach of God’s grace? Where have you seen God’s grace “overflow” in your life? Where did grace and mercy meet you at your lowest? 2. Share Your Story Of Grace & Mercy (vv. 15–17) “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” (v. 15) Paul calls this statement “trustworthy.” What makes this truth foundational for the Christian life? Why do you think Paul still uses present tense: “I am the worst”? How does this humility shape genuine spiritual transformation? In what ways has God used your story — your past, struggles, or weaknesses — to help someone else? 3. Fight The Good Fight, Keep Your Conscience Clear, and Finish Well (vv. 18–20) “Fight the good fight… hold on to faith and a good conscience.” (vv. 18–19) What does it look like to “fight the good fight” in your daily life? Why are faith and a good conscience essential to staying anchored? Where are you most tempted to drift, and what helps you stay grounded in Jesus? Application Questions What is one area of your life where you need to let grace and mercy set you free? Who is someone God may be calling you to share your story with this week? What is one area where you need God’s strength to stand firm? Prayer Time: Thank God for His abundant grace that saves and transforms. Pray for strength to “fight the good fight” with faith and a clear conscience. Pray for people in your group who need grace, healing, or courage. Ask God to use your stories as testimonies of His mercy. Memory Verse (Encourage the Group to Memorize) 1 Timothy 1:15 — “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”