Refer to chapter 9 in A Jewel in His Crown.
“Gods emerald of grace sparkles and shines in our lives, making us more beautiful and valuable than we could ever be without it” (p. 147).
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1. What is the best Christmas present or birthday gift you’ve ever received, and why? How did you treat this gift?
2. God made a way to transform the dime-store, costume jewelry of humanity into a priceless jewel in His crown—through His free gift of love. Write the second half of Romans 6:23 below
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
“He gave up His heavenly home and came to earth not just to live among us but also to die for us” (p. 154).
Part 28
God Made a Way
3. Read the following verses about God’s rich mercy and great love, and write a simple summary of the message and its meaning to you.
Ephesians 2:4-5_____
Ephesians 2:8-9__
4. Meditate on the simple but profound truth in John 3:16-17. If you had to explain how God has provided a way for salvation to someone who had never heard the gospel, how would you put it into words?
“God became grace personified when He decided to reach down and extend His love and affection to us” (p. 154).
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21
5. Read 2 Corinthians 5:21, and describe the ‘‘exchange” mentioned in this verse. What comes to mind as you think about this exchange?
6. Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. How does God transform our weakness into strength? What are your weaknesses through which Christ can display His strength?
“His greatness and power reveal that you are feeble, insignificant, and weak. This is exactly where He wants us to be, for it is in weakness that His power makes us strong ”
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God Made a Way
7. Take some time to reflect on what God’s Word says about how God made a way for us to become jewels in His crown. Review verses we’ve studied as well as any others you wish to include here.
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8. After spending time thinking about and studying God’s grace, the most appropriate response is some serious praise! If you feel like singing, sing! If you feel like crying out, cry! Capture your enthusiasm and praise in a prayer of thanks to God.
9. Second Corinthians 6:1 cautions us not to receive the gift of God’s grace in vain. In what ways have you overlooked or set aside the wonder of God’s grace in your life? Confess this to God, and recommit yourself to a renewed awareness and appreciation of His gift of grace to you.
10. What verses or insights from today’s study were particularly significant to you? Write them below and journal about what they mean to you.
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. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians
12:9-10
God Made a Way
11. What will you do differently as a result of today’s study?
Allow these verses to inspire your prayerful response to God today:
□ Romans 5:20-21 —That I will understand grace covers all my sin.
□ 2 Timothy 1:9 —For me to remember the high calling that accompanies my salvation by grace.
□ ljohn 2:1-2 —That whenever I sin, I will realize Jesus is my faithful Advocate.