The Power of Grace and Truth
1 John 4:16-17 NIV
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.”
John 1:14, 17 NIV
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth… For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
Confuse Grace with Tolerance
Set low expectations
Easy to be around
Accept you for who you are but cannot help you become better
Ground they stand on shifting
Lack conviction
Difficulty making decisions
Confuse Truth with Legalism
Set high standards
Challenging to be around
Will not accept you unless you meet their high standards
Ground they stand on is rigid
Lack compassion
Make decisions without regard for others
John 1:14, 17 NIV
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
John 8:10-12 NKJV
“When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.””
Luke 22:31-34 NKJV
“And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.””
In Order to Be Like Jesus We Must:
- Be Desperate for the Truth
Luke 11:34-36 TPT
“The eyes of your spirit allow revelation-light to enter into your being. When your heart is open the light floods in. But when your heart is hard and closed, the light cannot penetrate and darkness takes its place. Open your heart and consider my words. Watch out that you do not mistake your opinions for revelation-light! If your spirit burns with light, fully illuminated with no trace of darkness, you will be a shining lamp, reflecting rays of truth by the way you live.””
Psalms 51:6 TPT
“I know that you delight to set your truth deep in my spirit. So come into the hidden places of my heart and teach me wisdom.”
In Order to Be Like Jesus We Must:
- Be Desperate for the Truth
- Be Dependent on the Spirit
Jude 1:21-23 NIV
“keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.”
In Order to Be Like Jesus We Must:
- Be Desperate for the Truth
- Be Dependent on the Spirit
- Be dedicated to the Mission
1 John 4:16-17 NIV
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.”
Declaration
My highest purpose in this life is to be like Jesus, therefore I make it my greatest pursuit. I will pursue Your Word as one who is desperate for transformation. I will not settle for my truth. I want Your Truth! I desire to walk in the fullness of grace and truth. I will rely on Your Holy Spirit to grant me understanding and govern my responses with His wisdom. I trust You to measure out the abundance of grace and truth I need for each and every person I encounter. I am on mission to be a light in the darkness. Each day, I will rely on the love You have for me because You are love. May Your Love be complete in me and exude from me. I am confident that in this world I will be like Jesus.
Maybe you made a decision to follow Jesus today, or maybe you’re curious what life with Him is all about. Wherever you are on your journey, we invite you to share with us so we can help you discover your next step.
