Message Notes for October 13, 2024

Series: A Seat at the Table

Title: Grace and Truth at the Table

When I sit at the table with Jesus, the truth is exposed, and grace covers.

Luke 15:11-32 – Story of the Wayward Son

Luke 7: 36-48 – Story of a Woman Washing the Feet of Jesus

Life changing nature at the table of grace and truth!

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

Understanding grace and truth:

Romans 3:23-24 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…

· Truth is the reality of our sin.

· Truth is the reality of grace.

1 John 1:8-9 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Colossians 1:6 The whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth…

We are invited to offer the table of grace and truth for one another.

Ephesians 4: 14-15 …so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.

Family/Group Study Notes for the week of October 13, 2024

Series: A Seat at the Table

Title: Grace and Truth at the Table

* Share with your family/group a time when you needed to hear the truth over against what you were feeling or thinking. How did you receive that truth at the time. How did the change take place? How did you experience grace and love? How did you experience judgement and condemnation?

* What does John 1:14 mean to you? What does this passage tell you about the nature and character of Jesus? What is the truth of sin? What is the truth of grace? (Romans 3:23-24)

* Read the following two stories from the Bible – Luke 15:11-32 and Luke 7: 36-48. Where do you see grace and truth revealed in these situations? What were the hard lessons of truth? What were the beautiful demonstrations of grace? How does truth make grace all the more real?

* What do you think it would be like for you to sit at the table with Jesus with Him knowing everything you ever thought, said or done? Share your thoughts with the group.

* Read Colossians 1: 1-6. What happens in a life that experiences the balance of grace and truth with Jesus? What was happening here? How has God’s love, grace and truth transformed your life? Share specifics with the group.

* Read Ephesians 4:11-16. How easy do you find it to speak the truth in love? How has it been received by your family or friends? Why do you think it was not received well? When it was received well, what took place? How can you and your group/family do this better so that everyone grows more into the image of Jesus?

* Pray for each other’s maturity and growth in the Lord.