From the Inside Out
A Grace Filled Life
Grace to live a godly life (2|3)
Pages 103-110
1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV) Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Lamentations 3:22-24 (NIV) Because of the LORD’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
Matthew 14:28-32 (NIV) “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Why is taking responsibility and stepping out in faith essential to living out God’s purposes?
How does courage demonstrate genuine trust in God? What helps us move from hesitation to action?
Can you think of a time when fear or hesitation kept you from acting on something God was calling you to do?
What might faith-filled courage look like for you now?
How have you experienced God’s transforming power breaking patterns of sin or shaping your life in ways you couldn’t accomplish on your own? What does that teach you about His grace and love?