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WOMEN IN DISCIPLESHIP (sm)
WALK OF GRACE My Spiritual Service of Worship
WEEK ONE -- GRACE
DAY THREE
SING: Grace Greater Than Our Sin (Hymnal #201)
God's grace is greater than all our sin. Have you pondered that truth lately? All the sins in a lifetime are forever forgiven for those who are the "brethren" in Christ. Believers in Jesus are now children of God, saints, fellow citizens of heaven, and members of God's household. (Rom. 8:14-17; Eph. 2:19)
What is grace? It is unearned, unmerited favor with God.
Read the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. As you read this story, think about which character you can identify with. Maybe your salvation is new and you relate to the younger son. Perhaps you have been a Christian for a long time and more closely resemble the older son. Or maybe you are a parent with a child like one of these two boys. As you read, seek wisdom to understand the grace that is demonstrated in this powerful story that Jesus told.
1. What was the attitude of the younger son at first?
2. What change occurred in this young man and why?
3. How did the older son reveal his wrong perspective?
4. What consistent mindset did the father have toward both sons?
The father loved the younger son enough to let him go. He loved his son even when the boy was far away from him. The father had already forgiven his son and was waiting expectantly when he returned. When the boy came home, the father ran to him and embraced him. This son was given grace because of the father's love toward him. The father not only forgave him, but lavished him with love and honor.
The older son was jealous of his brother and rebuked his father for accepting him back so easily. The father corrected his son's wrong attitude by telling him to rejoice because the "lost" son was now "found." This is exactly what we as believers are to do. God wants us to embrace those who come to Him. Jesus taught His disciples to rejoice over the sinner who repents.
In this story, the father represents God. He sees us coming and runs to meet us. Unearned, unmerited favor has been given to us, and God now embraces us in love and fellowship. The debt of sin is canceled, and the account is paid in full. Grace gives us the new status of a child of God and member of the "brethren."
APPLICATION: What is your attitude toward your heavenly Father today? What truth did you learn from this story that you need to apply to your life right now?
SING: Softly and Tenderly (Hymnal #326)
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