3.5. Grace that Teaches – Grace – Deep Convictions

Quotes:

“It is only by say ‘No’ that you can consentrate on the things that are really important”. – Steve Jobs

“Saying ‘No’ can be the ultimate self-care – Claudia Black

The movie – “No”

Living under a dictatorship like in the movie “No” can be quite hard with no happiness.

The Plot:

In 1988, international pressure comes to bear on Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet, forcing him to call a referendum on his presidency. The country will vote either yes or no on extending Pinochet’s rule for another eight years.

Movie Quotes:

“The true story of how Chile’s “Mad Men” fought a dictator with happiness”

“Because in spite of what they say … Chile, happiness is coming”

They want all the people to vote “No” to injustice to live under a free democracy.

Have you voted “No” to worldliness and ungodly passions?

Let’s read what the Bible says:

¹¹ For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. ¹² It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, ¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good – Tit 2:11-14

Hans this passage could be translated “the grace of God gives us an education.”

– 1. What is the whole purpose of God giving us his grace?

• Grace should lead to a pure heart, eager to do what is good.

– 2. List some things that the grace of God educates you to do?

• Grace is there to teach us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions.
• Grace is there to teach us to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives.

– 3. Why must a “Yes” to God’s grace be followed by “No” to worldly passions and ungodliness?

• Jesus gave himself for us on the cross to redeem us from all wickedness.
• Jesus also came to purify us from worldly passions and ungodliness.

– 4. Hans is there anything still in your life that God’s grace is teaching you to say “no” to?

• Well Francois I still get’s very angry very quickly as some times and need to learn to be patient with people and in circumstances.
• I know there is a lot of movies that have impure scenes in it first to totally avoid some dodgy movies and second I must be very aware that I do not have a second look.
• I must say “No” to laziness and live as the Best Disciple in the World.

– Using your answer in question 4, now write out the following: “God’s grace is sufficient to enable me to say “no” to _______.”

• Impatience which is not loving people, because “love is patient” 1 Cor 13:4.
• Impurity equals to adultery in God’s eyes Mat 5:27-28.
• Laziness, God calls a lazy man wicked Mat 25:26.

Tomorrow we will be looking at: When I Sin