When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying ‘Who then can be saved?’ But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’… But many who are first will be last, and the last first. - Matthew 19:25 – 26, 30 A godly life is lived out of an astonished heart – a heart that is astonished at grace. We go to the Bible to be astonished, to be amazed at God and Christ and the cross and grace and the gospel. - John Piper Sermon Outline: Context: The Astonishing Characteristics of the Kingdom Kingdom Revealed – Forgiveness (Mt. 18) b. Kingdom Revered – Children (Mt. 18 – 19) c. Kingdom Rejected – Pharisees, Rich Ruler (Mt. 19) II. Subtext: The Incredible Need for Grace Freedom from the penalty of sin (Justification) b. Freedom from the power of sin (Sanctification) c. Freedom from the presence of sin (Glorification) Text: The Parable of Labourers in the Vineyard (Mt. 20) Grace that surfaces in generosity b. Grace that collides with fairness c. Grace that creates a level playing field Table Grace: Two Mountains that Explain the Grace of Jesus Discussion Questions: In his book called, Healing Grace, David Seamands writes the following: I am convinced that that the basic cause of some of the most disturbing emotional / spiritual problems which trouble evangelical Christians is the failure to receive and live out of God’s unconditional grace, and the corresponding failure to offer that grace to others. Do you agree or disagree with the above statement? Explain. Discuss together. What is it that astonishes you most about God? Can you share a story or example? Only the grace of God can free us from sin, but it must be received by sinners. How can we make the gospel of grace more understood and more attractive to those who lack faith? What causes you to stumble over grace sometimes in your life? How do you live out the grace of generosity? Is this an area you need to grow in? Application: For Parents: Fairness (justice) is a Christian value that we seek to pass on to our children, but grace (and mercy) is also of great value in the kingdom of Jesus. What could you do this week to teach your children about grace that astonishes? It often costs. It forgives. It restores. And it is all undeserved. For Everyone: Think about Micah 6:8. There are three things that the Lord wants to see in our lives. How do they fit together? How could you demonstrate each of them this week in a tangible way? Discuss it together.