Abounding Grace for a New Season
Scripture References
Romans 5:20 ↗ ; Ephesians 2:8-9 ↗ ; Acts 3:25-26 ↗ ; John 1:12-16 ↗ ; Romans 8:14 ↗ , 17; Genesis 3:15 ↗ ; Genesis 12:3 ↗ ; 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 ↗ ; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ↗ ; Philippians 4:4-9 ↗ ; 1 John 5:14-15 ↗ ; Ecclesiastes 3:1 ↗ ; Ephesians 4:16 ↗ ; 1 John 1:9 ↗ ; Romans 10:9-10 ↗ ; Hebrews 10:38 ↗
Introduction
The pastor sensed that both the church and individual believers are crossing into a new era. While the world grapples with chaos, God offers His people “abundant grace.” Christmas may be past, yet the gift of Christ continues to overflow. The sermon explores how to recognize this season, access grace by faith, and respond with responsibility, joy, and service.
Key Points / Exposition
1. Where Sin Abounds, Grace Super-Abounds
•Romans 5:20 ↗ reveals the Law as a mirror exposing sin, yet wherever sin multiplies, grace overflows still more.
•Grace is God’s power and ability—His “anointing”—to produce results we cannot achieve alone.
•Conflict in the world does not limit grace within God’s Kingdom; believers shout “Amen” to that reality.
2. Accessing Grace by Faith
•Ephesians 2:8-9 ↗ : salvation is a grace-gift accessed “through faith.”
•Faith’s mechanics: believe in the heart, speak with the mouth (Romans 10:9-10).
•“Receive” (lambanō, John 1:12 ↗ ) is active—laying hold, not passive waiting.
3. The Privilege of Sonship
•Receiving Christ grants “exousia”—the right to become mature sons (John 1:12; Romans 8:14 ↗ ).
•Mature sons carry both privileges and responsibilities: authority over circumstances and a life that reflects the Father’s will.
•Joint-heir status (Romans 8:17) means everything the Father has is available through Christ.
4. Living Out of His Fullness
•John 1:16 ↗ : believers have already received “one grace after another…favor upon favor…gift heaped upon gift.”
•Practical implication: worry is irrational; grace supplies every need or strength.
5. Paul—A Case Study in Transforming Grace
•1 Corinthians 15:9-10 ↗ : a former persecutor becomes an apostle by grace; grace was “not in vain” because he labored with it.
•2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ↗ : God’s answer to relentless pressure—“My grace is sufficient.” Grace raises a barrier and empowers endurance.
6. Your Problem Is Not the Problem—Your Response Is
•1 John 5:14-15 ↗ : effectiveness in prayer hinges on aligning requests with God’s will, not rehearsing problems.
•Philippians 4:4-9 ↗ outlines the faith response: rejoice, refuse worry, pray with thanksgiving, guard thoughts, practice truth.
7. Recognizing and Cooperating with Seasons
•Ecclesiastes 3:1 ↗ : every purpose has its season.
•Three directives (Pastor Michelle):
1.Recognize the season you are in.
2.Do not resist the Spirit of Grace—let go of outdated patterns.
3.Extract everything God has for you in the present season; you will need it for the next.
8. Supplying Your Part to the Body
•Ephesians 4:16 ↗ : every joint supplies.
•Each believer carries an assignment; withholding it deprives the whole body.
•Illustration: praise-and-worship team’s obedience released an impartation to the congregation.
Major Lessons & Revelations
•Grace is not a feeling but God’s active power enabling salvation, service, endurance, and prosperity.
•Faith receives grace; passivity forfeits it.
•Identity must shift from past failures to present sonship.
•Seasons change; grace equips believers to transition fruitfully.
•Corporate health depends on individual obedience—every member’s supply matters.
Practical Application
1.Verbally “take” grace each day: “Father, I receive today’s grace for ___.”
2.Replace worry with Philippians 4:6-8 ↗ practice—pray specific requests, thank God, discipline thoughts.
3.Journal seasonal indicators: doors closing, new desires, prophetic words; ask God, “What is my assignment now?”
4.Serve: inquire where your local assembly needs help (e.g., cleaning team, worship, outreach) and commit.
5.Praise intentionally—rejoice before circumstances shift to activate grace.
6.When pressured, declare 2 Corinthians 12:9 ↗ aloud: “Your grace is sufficient; Your power is perfected in my weakness.”
Conclusion & Call to Response
Believers stand on the threshold of a fresh era. Chaos outside is met by super-abounding grace inside. Receive Christ’s fullness, step into your season, and supply your part. Those without Christ were invited to confess Romans 10:9-10 ↗ ; backsliders to apply 1 John 1:9 ↗ ; and believers lacking the Spirit’s power to seek baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Father, thank You for great grace released today. As we cross into a new season, clarify our paths, open doors, break barriers, and pour favor upon favor. Strengthen each believer to supply their part, walk in sonship, and abound in every good work. In Jesus’ name, Amen