Grace, Peace, Love

Due to technical difficulties, the first few minutes of the sermon are not available. We apologize.

Audio Recording

Sermon Outline

Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Joined Together, Growing Together

Ephesians 6:21-24  (ESV)
21 So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.

23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

Sermon Outline
Let the encouragement that comes from what God gives you stir growth as you join with the incorruptible Christ.

1. Peace

2. Grace

3. Love

Prayer of Confession
Our gracious and merciful Father, how greatly we need the things only you can give us.  We are a failing and discouraged people.  We have not promoted peace, but have done what has eroded and broken it.  We have not been filled with grace, but have envied, judged, and condemned.  We have not loved with an incorruptible love, but all our good has been tainted.  We have failed to believe that you are completely different, and that you can be fully trusted.  Forgive every sin.  Lift our discouragement from us, and strengthen our failing hearts.  Christ is our peace, and with the grace that is ours in Him, help us to comprehend the breadth, length, height and depth of the incorruptible love of Christ.  Amen.

Questions for Reflection

1. Where are you currently discouraged?  What area of discouragement would benefit from God’s help?

2. How can the peace of Christ provide a stable foundation for you in our hostile world?  Is there a relationship that is causing you difficulty where you may need to take a step in following the way of Jesus in how you relate to that person?  What would be a faithful step (something in line with what Jesus has done or taught us)?

3. Why is it hard to treat others with grace?  What keeps you from being gracious?

4. Why is it so important for us to believe God’s grace for us?

5. Do you believe God loves you?  Where are the difficult areas for you: that God loves?  That love can be so pure and radical?  That God would love you in particular?  Is unbelief something you are holding on to, and is it worth letting go so you can be more open to God’s love making deeper inroads within you?

6. How can we take the incorruptible love that is given to us and make it ours so that we love God and others with that love? 

7. What can you do when you feel like your love for others is failing?  How do you walk with God in those moments or relationships so that you endure?