Grace
Rusty Wirt   -   May 24, 2026

Grace

Grace. This is a fairly common, garden variety religious word. We often reference this in prayers; we intone this idea in our worship and teach our children to say grace at meals. But what we might be missing is the concept of grace as revealed in the New Testament was and still is a radical idea. During the first century world of the Roman empire, extending grace to someone was viewed as a flaw and weakness. Yet, Jesus’ teaching on this issue was counter-cultural to the bone. He sidestepped the power structures of the day and taught a radical version of grace-filled relationships. Today we will dive into this term and see how it not only shaped the writings of the Bible but can shape our very lives as well.

“Grace” in an Honor/Shame Culture

  • Patronage System:
    • Roman society was built on patron-client relationships. Patrons gave favors (charis) to clients, who repaid with loyalty, honor, and public praise.
    • Gifts were never “free”—they created obligations and reinforced social hierarchies.
  • Honor as Currency:
    • Honor was the highest social value; shame was to be avoided at all costs.
    • Acts of generosity (charis) were meant to elevate the giver’s honor and bind the recipient in gratitude.
  • Reciprocity:
    • Every gift demanded repayment. To fail to reciprocate was shameful and dishonorable.
    • Seneca, On Benefits (De Beneficiis): Seneca explains that a benefit (beneficium) must circulate back to the giver, like the “Three Graces” motif. If the cycle is broken, “the beauty of the whole is destroyed”. This shows how unreciprocated grace was seen as flawed.

 Conclusion: in the first century, Jesus’ idea of grace was viewed as week, and socially dishonorable.

Grace (χάρις cháris), as it relates to salvation, grace is favor extended from one person to another, and this favor is underserved and cannot be earned. It is wholly unmerited.

Grace- it is what we desire most when our failures or sins are revealed.

Grace- it is what is difficult to extend when others have failed or sinned against us.

Grace- this is on the one doctrine that sets Christianity apart from all the world religions.

Grace is easy to take in for ourselves but is difficult to give out to others.

Into the Text

  1. Grace is the true and complete demonstration of God’s mercy (Ephesians 2:4-9)
    1. Mercy- withholding punishment, this is the beginning point
    2. Grace- Extending forgiveness which bring restoration\
    3. So with God we not only avoid His wrath, but we are also now restored into a right relationship.
    4. Grace does not
      1. Negate the concept of sin
      2. Immediately restore or reverse the temporal and earthly consequences of sin
      3. Give license for repeated sinful behaviors
  2. A wonderful surprise; grace means you are already with Christ (vs.6-7)
    1. You are living in a dual state right now (Eph. 1:20)
    2. Where are you? Here, but you are also there! (How, by God’s grace)
      1. You are so connected to Jesus, it is as if you are already with Him.
  3. Grace is not based on works, but is received by faith (2:8-9)
    1. We activate grace by
      1. recognizing our sin
      2. Believing Christ died for our sin
      3. Confessing this before others

 

Application:

Receive God’s Grace

Live in that Grace

Pass on that Grace