Main Idea: By God’s grace alone we’ve been given a new & abundant life that transforms who we should be. God is . Romans 11:5-6 5 It is the same today, ...because of God’s grace—his undeserved kindness in choosing them. 6 And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved. Def “GRACE” : unmerited favor; an unearned gift. Answer to the question: “Who should I be?” I should be . Grace came through . John 1:17 “...the law was given Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” Consider all the unmerited favor gift He’s given: Jesus brings us a life. Titus 2:11–14 (NLT) 11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people… Titus 3:5–7 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. *4 R’s Jesus replaces our old life with life. John 10:10 (ESV) 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. How can I be gracious? God’s grace our inner transformation. Titus 2:11–14 (NLT) 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. Grace teaches & strengthens us to turn from selfish living & totally commit to delighting in and devoting ourselves to God. How should we live as His children? We don’t make anyone earn our love. We offer offenders undeserved favor, not just forgiveness. Continuing The Conversation: When you focus and reflect on this verse, how does it help you clarify or understand better what God is like? Romans 11:5-6 5 It is the same today, ...because of God’s grace—his undeserved kindness in choosing them. 6 And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved. We enter God’s Kingdom when we receive His gracious gift of new life. How do you feel about Jesus’s description of this abundant life in his Kingdom as humility, meekness and desperation? (Sermon on the Mount) In contrast, how has our culture shaped what we expect an “abundant life” to be? Timothy Keller reminds us that “grateful joy” motivates us to obey more than “fearful compliance.” Can you recall and describe a time in your life when you discovered the freedom and power of “grateful joy”? In your own life, who might be impacted the most by receiving your undeserved kindness or unmerited favor, not just your forgiveness?