Sermon Outlines: The Grace of God

Is it Possible to Fall Short of the Grace of God?

What does it mean to have the grace of God upon your life? Grace means unmerited or undeserved favor. In other words, there is nothing we can do to earn God's favor because it is freely given by Him. So, if we can't do anything to earn God's grace, is it possible to lose or fall short of it? Hebrews 12:15 says,

"Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled." (KJV)

Notice the verse says, "looking diligently" which means to be on guard or watch carefully. It's something the writer is warning us about, something we need to watch out for. Here are a few things that can cause us to fall short of God's grace or favor.

Depending upon works rather than grace...

The Bible makes it clear that we are either saved by works or by grace (Romans 11:6). It's one or the other. Paul said that if we are "seeking to be justified by the law or works then we are severed from Christ and fallen from grace (Galatians 5:4)." The blessings of God apply to this as well. If we desire God's favor in our lives, we must receive it by faith knowing that we cannot do anything to be worthy of it.

Refusing to exercise faith (Hebrews 3:7-17 and 10:26)...

As we read both of these passages, and the entire context surrounding them, we see clearly that they are talking about faith. In Chapter three Israel refused to trust God, and the result was fear dominated their lives instead of hope. Throughout the bible faith had to be exercised to receive anything from God; whether salvation or a promised blessing. The word preached has to be mixed with faith to profit the hearers (Hebrews 4:2).

Idolatry, satisfying our flesh, and spiritual unfaithfulness...

Idolatry is a major form of spiritual unfaithfulness (1 John 5:21). God wants to be first in our lives (Matthew 6:33). Hebrews 12:15-17 refers to Esau who traded his birthright for a bowl of stew. He was more concerned with immediate gratification of the flesh than his spiritual well-being. We must set our affection on spiritual things and not merely on earthly things (Colossians 3:1-2).

Giving up in the midst of the race (Hebrews 12:1-3)...