Grace is favour or kindness shown without regard to the worth or merit of the one who receives it and in spite of what that same person deserves. Grace is one of the key attributes of God. The Lord God is “merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abounding in goodness and trutW’ (Ex. 34:6). Therefore, grace is almost always associated with mercy, love, compassion, and patience. It is also associated with deliverance from distress.

In the Old Testament, the supreme example of grace was the redemption of the Hebrew people from Egypt and their establishment in the Promised Land. This did not happen because of any merit on Israel’s part, but in spite of their unrighteousness (Deut. 9:5-6).

Although the grace of God is always free and undeserved, it must not be taken for granted. Paul sets grace radically over against the law and the works of the law (Rom. 3:24,28). He makes it abundantly clear that salvation is not something that can be earned or merited; it can be received only as a gift of grace (Rom. 4:4). Grace, however, must be accompanied by faith; a person must trust in the mercy and favor of God, even while it is undeserved (Rom. 4:12-16).

Discussion Questions:
1. What is grace — in your own words? What does it do for us? What are some of the results of the work of grace? Is there any vivid example of grace you can share?
2. Some biblical examples:
a. Peter. Luke 22 31-34; 54-62. Identify the powers at play in the passage. How are we like Peter? In what ways are we different from him? What do we learn from his experience?
b. David. Acts 13:22; 1 Sam 13:14.
c. Abraham, Sarah, Jacob and Rahab. Gen 17:15-18; 18:10-13; 20:1-4; 2 Chr 30:6; Gen 25:30-33; 27:18-24; Jos 2:1-5; Ja 2:25
3. Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Rom 6:1
4. If grace be free is there any need of works? Consider 2Chr 32:1-8; 19-22. What are the things that Hezekiah did? How can we apply the lessons to our lives?
5. What should I do to enjoy the grace of God? 1 Pet 5:5-6
6. How can we apply the grace of God to our many failures? Heb 12:1-2
7. How can we respond to the grace of God in our lives? -

Conclusion:
We owe everything we are to grace. Gal 6:14; Rom 11:2-6. No man can boast of his strength, ability or righteousness. Grace is unmerited. That does not give us liberty to walk as people who have no future. Our God is a holy God and heaven is a holy place.