Being Committed to Grace and Truth
Pastor Doug Heisel – October 11, 2026
John 1:14 – The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
How to be Devoted to Grace and Truth
1. Keep grace and truth on the same SIDE . They are not OPPOSITES.
John 1:16-17 – And from His fullness, we have all received grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1-2 – Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.
2. Distinguish between people INSIDE the church and those OUTSIDE the church.
I Corinthians 5:1-2 – It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this?
I Corinthians 5:9-10 – I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people — not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world.
I Corinthians 5:12-13 – What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside.
3. DISCERN tactics and timing, because the goal isn’t winning ARGUMENTS but pointing people toward JESUS.
I Peter 3:15 – But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…
Ephesians 4:15 – Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ.
Heavenly Father, pour more grace and truth into my life, and pour more grace and truth through my life. Use me to bring a little more of heaven to earth.
Life Group Discussion & Questions
BREAKING THE ICE:
Take a few minutes and catch up with each other. Share a few “wins” (things you can thank God for) from the past week or so.
DIGGING IN:
Too often, Christians have been known for what they are against rather than what they are for. Grace and truth are two qualities Jesus was full of and known for. His Church should be able to say the same.
1. Growing up, what was your church experience (if any)? If you had little to no church experience, what was your impression of the church; positive, negative, or neutral?
2. Read through the three points and related verses from this Sunday. Which verse or point was most helpful? What is still challenging about the topic of grace and truth?
3. In your past, have you leaned toward legalism or license? Legalism leaves grace out. License treats grace as permission to disregard truth. What does this lesson challenge you to do?
BRINGING IT HOME:
This series is not about learning more about the Church simply for the sake of more information. It’s to help us learn to love and build the church that Jesus is loving and building. What is one action you can take this week to help make that happen?