Introducing YHWH: Gracious

Introducing YHWH: Gracious

Patrick Mitchell • 6.9.24
Exodus 34 and Matthew 20

Outline: 

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” – AW Tozer

“It is always true to some extent that we make our images of God. It is even truer that our image of God makes us. Eventually, we become like the God we imagine.” – Brennan Manning

“To heal our image of God is to heal ourselves.” – Manning

Esther 7.3 Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request.

Proverbs 14.31 Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind (gracious) to the needy honors God.

John 1.14-18 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.

16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

“The law was the revelation of God’s grace and truth. Jesus is the realization of God’s grace and truth.” – Tim Mackie

As we seek to walk the way of Jesus when it comes to being gracious, on either side is a ditch.

1. A spirit of self-righteousness
2. A spirit of self-rejection

Matthew 20.9-15

What does Jesus show us about God’s gracious heart?

1. God’s invitation is extended to anyone who will accept.

2. God rewards people according to his prerogative.

A warning light that signals we are not embracing and extending God’s grace:

• We grumble over his goodness toward others.

When we grumble at God’s graciousness, two things happen:

1. We are unable to enjoy God’s favor in our lives.

2. We are unable to celebrate God’s favor in the lives of others.

Practical ways to embody God’s graciousness:

• Extend…
  • Gratitude
  • Care
  • Encouragement
  • Forgiveness
  • Gracious speech