Outstretched Arms of Grace The Grace of Being God's Beloved

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Bethany Bible Church March 12, 2017 Pastor Joel Nevius

Outstretched Arms of Grace The Grace of Being God’s Beloved Luke 3:21-22 I. What did Jesus’ life look like as He _______________ in His _______________? Four outcomes of Jesus resting in His _______________ : A. Jesus lived in _______________ . B. Jesus lived in _______________ . C. Jesus was _______________ . D. Jesus was _______________ .

II. What happens when we _______________ with the identity Jesus offers to us? Four outcomes of not _______________ in our identity: A. We live in _______________ . B. We create _______________ . C. We _______________ _______________ . D. We look for _______________ from others.

III. How does the grace of the gospel allow us to _______________ in the _______________ God gives to us? Responses to _______________ in our _______________ : A. Non-Christian: _______________ to Christ who has outstretched arms.

B. Restless Christian: _______________ from false identities and return to truth. C. Defeated Christian: _______________ the Lord that you are His beloved child through Christ.

Questions for Discussion and Further Reflection 1. What is the difference between living out of a heavenly identity versus living out of a restless identity? 2. How does resting in Christ “slow down” the pace of life? How does resting in anything other than Christ “speed up” the pace of life? 3. What did Jesus’ life look like as He rested in His identity? 4. Why does living out life in a state of restlessness seem easy, and living out life in a state of resting in God seem hard, almost like work? 5. How can you live more deeply in communion with God regardless of your present circumstances?