Honesty is Naturally Contagious
When you see how clearly true honesty displays the beauty of the grace of God, it's hard to go back to living in the darkness.
![The prodigal son seated at the base of a tree among swine, his gaze directed upward and his hands folded at his chest, surrounded by a wooded landscape and a pigsty, Pietro Testa (Italian, Lucca 1612–1650 Rome), Etching The prodigal son seated at the base of a tree among swine, his gaze directed upward and his hands folded at his chest, surrounded by a wooded landscape and a pigsty, Pietro Testa (Italian, Lucca 1612–1650 Rome), Etching](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9c975a7f-4c6b-4030-b13c-bb302e7efcb5_1200x821.jpeg)
Grace Church,
There is a familiar passage of Scripture in Romans 6:1 where Paul asks a rather astonishing rhetorical question: “Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?” Besides his response to that question (“by no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?”) being a full-proof proof-text against antinomianism (the idea that moral uprightness is not necessary for Christians), it’s also worth returning to the idea that would cause him to ask such a question in the first place. What kind of gospel bombshell would be so explosive that Paul has to clarify that yes, we actually still need to live moral and upright lives? What kind of message would be so staggering that it would make us question the very human assumption that all of us carry moral obligation?
Paul gives in Romans 5:20, “but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.” To put it into layman’s terms: big sin, bigger grace. Apparently the grace of God is so voluminous in Christ that to the naked eye, it seems like an increase in sin would only supply more opportunities for God’s grace to win out.
While letting Paul’s clarification of identity in Romans 6 hold it’s own weight (we should never willingly sin when we have died to it!), this understanding of the triumph of grace helps us understand why honest confession is so powerful. True honesty about our sin with others ushers in the environment where all can see just how just and faithful God’s forgiveness is. The deeper the secret you bring to the light, the more honest and intentional you become, the more beautiful the backdrop of God’s justice in condemning Christ in your place and God’s faithfulness in never letting you go.
For this reason, honesty can and should be a contagious part of the church. Yes, it feels hard and sticky and awkward. It feels dangerous and risky and it is full of exposure. But the thing about God’s grace, which Christian honesty and repentance reveals, is that it never gets old. We never tire of marveling at God forgiving sinners.
Gregory of Nyssa (300-386) said in his book on the life of Moses, "He [God] would not have shown himself to his servant if the sight were such as to bring the desire of the beholder to an end, since the true sight of God consists in this, that one who looks up to God never ceases in that desire". When you see how clearly true honesty displays the beauty of the grace of God, it's hard to go back to living in the darkness. Seeing God is scary. Exposing your sin before God and others is difficult. But those who have truly tasted the joy of honesty know how it brings a “true sight of God”. And they want more.
In Christ,
Pastor Drake
Current Sermon Series: Making Jesus Known
Our simple mission as a church is to Make Jesus Known. For the next several weeks we will be emphasizing what a family that is faithful to this mission looks and feels like. What kind of culture does the gospel of Jesus create? One of honesty, honor, and hospitality.
Last Sunday at Grace
Last Sunday, Drake Osborn preached from 1 John 1:5-10. When we hide our sin from God and others, we commit a practical heresy: denying the truth we profess to belief, lying about ourselves and God, and breaking fellowship with God and others. But when we confess our sins, Christ takes our bitterness and turns it sweet.
Next Sunday August 18, 2024
Ordinary Time | Romans 12:10 | Drake Osborn
Set List
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Psalm 90
Child Of God
Jesus, Thank You
All Glory Be To Christ
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Grace Institute, begins September 9
Our new intensive theological development program, Grace Institute, launches this Fall. The Grace Institute seeks to provide robust theological formation, personal spiritual development, and leadership training. The program’s curriculum is aimed at helping men and women grow in their love for God, Scripture, and His mission. The class meets for a whole year, once a week over two 12-week semesters, with class sessions consisting of lectures, cohort discussion, and homework.
Class meetings will be Monday nights, from 6-8pm, starting September 9. Childcare is provided! Cost is $250, includes childcare and all books. Scholarships are available—contact jake@gracewaco.com if needed.
New Equipping Hour Classes Start August 25
Don’t forget to sign up for new equipping classes which begin on August 25. All classes start at 9am and run for 8 weeks. Classes are also available for children and students of all ages.
Sabbath Rest
Teacher: Drake Osborn
Do you always feel too busy, stressed, anxious, or worn down? The Christian life is not meant to be led on empty fumes, but dependence of God that leads to refreshment. Join us as we learn about the theology and practice of Sabbath rest in Christ. — SIGN UP HERE.
Coming Home: The New Heavens and New Earth
Teacher: Ray Carter
We live in flesh corrupted by sin in a world corrupted by sin, but it won't always be this way. We are pilgrims passing through this life on the way to our eternal home where we will live in perfect fellowship with God and one another. With this short collection of essays we will consider our future in the new heaven and new earth. — SIGN UP HERE.
Living Out the Joy of Christlike Virtues
Teacher: Buck Rogers
Living out Christlike virtues is not just something you do – it’s something done in you by the Holy Spirit, slowly but surely transforming you into the person you were meant to be. Jesus wants you to abide in Him so you may grow in humility, forgiveness, generosity, diligence, self-control, authenticity, and gratitude. — SIGN UP HERE.
See you Sunday!
Corporate Worship | 10am
4610 Bosque Blvd
Waco, Tx 76710