Romans 5:20-21 (NKJV) 20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, 21 so that as sin reigned.

Romans 5:20-21 (NKJV)

20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, 21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Abundance Of GraceRomans 5:20-21

Abundance of Grace

• This year we are focusing on the “Abundant Life” as our annual theme

• Jesus spoke of this in John 10:10

• Jesus was not speaking about gaining material wealth and health, but rather abundance of a spiritual nature

Abundance of Grace

• This morning we begin by looking at the greatest blessing God offers us as a part of the abundant life package

• What would you say that greatest blessing was?

• Some might point to things such as joy, peace, or prayer

Abundance of Grace

• There is not a greater blessing than the gift of God’s grace

• God showing us His grace means that God is giving us an opportunity to be saved

• Without salvation, everything else is meaningless

Offering of Grace

• Grace can often be remembered as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense

• Grace is God’s unmerited favor

• We did not deserve His grace, but God has offered it anyways

• Without that grace, salvation is not possible

Offering of Grace

• Paul says very clearly that we all have sinned (Rom. 3:23)

• “being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (v. 24)

• We are made just or innocent by the grace of God

Offering of Grace

• Paul again reminds us that we are saved by the grace of God (Eph. 2:8)

• His purpose was that we might not boast in ourselves or our accomplishments (v. 9)

• That doesn’t mean that “works” are bad (v. 10)

Offering of Grace

• God’s grace was given for all men

• “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11)

• How can there be a greater blessing from God than His gracious offering of salvation?

Grace in Abundance

• Is God’s grace limited in what sins it will cover?

• Paul answers that question in his letter to the Romans

• Romans 5:20-21

• Grace abounds more than sin!

Grace in Abundance

• However, we should never take advantage of God’s graciousness by sinning

• Romans 6:1-2

• We do not sin more simply to try and show how much the grace of God will abound

Grace in Abundance

• The abundance of God’s grace is there for when we struggle with sin while trying to do what is right

• That’s why James tells us “but He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble’” (Js. 4:6)

Gift That Keeps On Giving

• God’s grace is a wonderful gift in and of itself

• However, it does more than offer us our salvation

• Paul gives us a more in-depth look at what grace can do for us in his letter to Titus

Gift That Keeps On Giving

• Titus 2:11-14

• God’s grace teaches us some important things

• It teaches us that we should deny ungodliness and worldly lusts (v. 12)

• In other words, once we are saved we no longer live in sin

Gift That Keeps On Giving

• God’s grace also teaches us how we should live

• We are to live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age (v. 12)

• We should learn from God’s ways and how He wants us to live because of His grace

Gift That Keeps On Giving

• God’s grace has us looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our God and Savior Jesus Christ

• His graciousness towards us should have us longing for Him

• This is all the opposite of anyone wanting to continue in sin