Main Thought
In the Disney’s Iron Man film series, Tony Stark initially creates the “Arc Reactor” to save himself from deadly shrapnel. The Arc Reactor is then used to power the Iron Man suit. Tony becomes a superhero and lives differently from then on. God’s grace is similar for Christians. Grace is the undeserved favor we received through Jesus’ sacrifice. We’re saved from sin by grace and then sanctified by grace, or transformed to live a new life. God transforms our will, as we begin to desire things that please Him. It’s our job to respond by “working out” our salvation, and making decisions that honor God.
Main Passages
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. - Titus 2:11-14
20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20
22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. - Ephesians 4:22-24
Discussion Questions
What can we learn about God based on the main passages above?
How does God, through grace and the process of sanctification, train us to live a new life?
How have you seen sanctification at work in your own life?
Apply
How might God be sanctifying you in this season of your life?