T1L11 Faith and Grace [Discipleship Class]

THE HOUSE OF FAITH CHURCH | REPLUM DISCIPLESHIP COURSE

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Lesson 11: Faith and Grace

Memory Verse

Ephesians 2:8–9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, so that no one may boast.

Discussion 1: Understanding God’s Grace

Let’s begin with the foundation: grace. Before salvation can make sense, we must understand what grace truly is.

Scripture Reading

Ephesians 2:4–5

But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.

Discussion Questions

1.  When you hear the word “grace,” what comes to mind?

2. According to this passage, what was our spiritual condition before God showed us grace?

3. How does it change your view of God to know that He loved you while you were still spiritually dead?

Grace Is Unearned

Romans 11:6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.

Titus 3:5 He saved us, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.

Group Prompt: If salvation could be earned, what would that imply about God’s grace?

Follow-Up: Why do you think people still try to earn God’s favor even though the Bible says it’s impossible?

Grace Is God’s Initiative

1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Group Reflection: How does knowing that God loved you first affect the way you respond to Him?

Grace Is Abundant

Romans 5:20 Now the Law came in so that the transgression would increase, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.

Ephesians 2:7 So that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Discussion: How would you explain to someone that no sin is greater than God’s grace?

Discussion 2: Understanding Faith

Scripture Reading

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

Group Questions:

1.  What does this definition of faith teach us about trusting God when we can’t see the outcome?

2. How does this kind of faith differ from simple optimism or positive thinking?

Faith Has Content

Romans 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

John 3:36 He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

Prompt: Faith is not vague—it has substance. What truths about Jesus must someone believe to have saving faith?

Faith Involves the Whole Person

John 20:31 But these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

Discussion: How does faith involve more than just agreeing with facts about Jesus? What does it mean to personally rely on Him?

Faith Is Active

James 2:17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead by itself.

Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.

Group Reflection: How does genuine faith naturally express itself in daily living?

Discussion 3: How Grace and Faith Work Together

Scripture Reading

Ephesians 2:8–9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, so that no one may boast.

Discussion:

• If grace provides salvation, and faith receives it, what part belongs to us?

• Why do you think God designed salvation this way?

Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

Romans 5:2 Through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we boast in hope of the glory of God.

Follow-Up: How does hearing God’s Word help your faith grow stronger?

Discussion 4: Salvation by Grace Alone

Scripture Reading

Titus 3:5 He saved us, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 3:27 Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.

Group Questions:

1.  Why do good works not contribute to salvation, yet still matter to the believer?

2. How does understanding grace eliminate pride and self-righteousness?

Discussion 5: The Results of Salvation by Grace

Good Works Follow Salvation

Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

James 2:18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

Prompt: How can good works serve as evidence of genuine faith?

Grace Produces Gratitude and Assurance

James 4:6 But He gives greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

1 John 5:13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

Discussion: How does understanding grace give you peace and assurance instead of fear or striving?

 

Discussion 6: Living by Faith

Daily Dependence on God

2 Corinthians 5:7For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Group Reflection: What does walking by faith look like in your daily routine?

Trusting God’s Promises

Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household.

Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he left, not knowing where he was going.

Prompt: Can you share a time when you obeyed God without knowing what the outcome would be?

Closing Reflections

Personal Application Prompts:

1.  In what area of your life do you need to rest more fully in God’s grace?

2. Where might God be calling you to exercise greater faith?

3. How can you show others that grace is not earned but freely given?

Memory Verse Review:

Ephesians 2:8–9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, so that no one may boast.

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