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Peddlers of Grace

Dr. Kenneth JonesPractical Living Ministry

Grace

Jude 1:4 - For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation,

ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our

Lord Jesus Christ.

Jude 1:4 - I say this because some godless people have wormed their way in among you, saying that God's

forgiveness allows us to live immoral lives. The fate of such people was determined long ago, for they have

turned against our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.(New Living Translation)

Scripture

The Bible states that in these last days, many will depart from the faith giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils (1 Timothy 4:1)

The Bible also warns us against the rise of false teachers and those who will creep in unawares teaching a gospel that is enticing but without substance and truth

This creates a spiritual supply and demand as many Christians with “itching” ears look for an easy message without accountability and requiring responsibility, will always gravitate to those who will provide them with the doctrine suitable to their tasteSpiritual Supply and

Demand

It is hard to say if there is more false teaching today, or if it is merely a case of modern technology being able to spread the lie better. But the old saying is certainly true today: a lie travels express, the truth goes on foot - and more people within the church are following these doctrines of demons.

Speaking lies in hypocrisy: This describes those who depart from the faith. This certainly means those who willingly embrace falsehood to justify their sin or pride; but it also refers to those who claim to be teaching the Bible, while just using it as a prop for their own ideas.

Lies, Hypocrisy, and Failing Faith

The Bibles states in 1st Timothy 2:4: Who (God) will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

God desires it, but since He didn’t make robots, man still has to choose. God’s desire for all men to be saved is conditioned by His desire to have a genuine response from human beings (Guzik)

Salvation is clearly associated with coming to the knowledge of the truth. One cannot be saved apart from at least some understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done to save us. (Guzik’s Commentary)

Bottom Line: God desires for all to be saved, but He also desires that this salvation experience be aligned with the truth of His Word

Let Me Emphasize

{‘Amazing Grace… How Sweet the Sound….That Saved a Wretch Like Me

Let’s Talk About this Amazing Grace

Defining Grace

Ephesians 2:8,9: For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

2 Corinthians 12:9: And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

The whole purpose of Grace is to allow God to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves

We are saved and strengthen through the grace of God because on our merits and actions, we cannot achieve salvation on our own. We cannot walk this Christian walk on our own

Therefore, God “graces” us - helping us each day to live the life that caused Him to give His only Son so that we may attain and this grace is sufficient, but it was never given to us to trample on or to lean on as a free ride to commit willful sins

God’s Gift of Grace Enables Us, Not Excuses Us

Jude is warning us –Beware of those who creep in unaware (meaning they are within our ranks) who are saying that God's forgiveness allows us to live immoral lives.

Who turn the grace of our God into lewdness: These certain men had received something of the grace of God. But when they received it, they turned it into an excuse for their lewdness.

The idea behind the ancient word lewdness is sin that is practiced without shame, without any sense of conscience or decency. Usually the word is used in the sense of sensual sins, such as sexual immorality (Guzik)

So What is Jude Saying?

Today, many ministers are abusing the doctrine of grace so as to give indulgence to corrupt and carnal propensities (desires)

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that although we are not saved by our works, we are saved for good works and not for ourselves so that we can commit willful sin while waving a flag of Grace before the Father God

God’s Grace is not a license to sin, but a gift from God to secure salvation and receive help in our daily walk.

Good Grace, Not “Groovy Grace

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We Must Cling to the Grace of God, But Don’t “Fling” it Around. Grace is God’s Gift to the Believer.

Ensure you value what God has

sacrificed for you to receive.

“If Not For the Grace of God”