​Introduction:
1. In these verses Jesus revealed some important information concerning the salvation of our souls.
a. (vs.24) He revealed the price that must be paid for our souls to be saved.
b. (vs.25) He showed that the destiny of our souls is at stake.
c. (vs.26) He asked 2 questions to show how valuable the soul is.
d. (vs.27) His return and the judgment should lead us to give careful attention to the salvation of our souls.
2. We are especially interested in the questions that Jesus asked in vs.26 to show how valuable the soul is.
3. Since our souls are so valuable, saving them is extremely important.
4. There are many factors that relate to salvation.
5. According to Ephesians 2:8-9, God's grace is one factor.
6. After we study a number of passages we will reach a conclusion: "God's grace reflects the value of your
soul."
Discussion:
I. WE MUST FIRST UNDERSTAND WHAT "GOD'S GRACE" IS
A. God's grace is the kindness or favor that God extends to people, even though we do not deserve it
["unmerited favor"].
B. "God's grace" is demonstrated and illustrated many times in the Bible.
1. Let us consider one demonstration of His grace in Deuteronomy 7:6-8.
2. Let us consider one illustration of His grace in Luke 15:20-24.
II. WE MUST UNDERSTAND THAT "GOD'S GRACE" IS FOR EVERYONE
A. According to Titus 2:11, "the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men."
B. This includes Jews and Gentiles (Acts 15:11).
C. "God's grace" is for everyone, but only "the humble" will receive it (James 4:6).
III. WE MUST UNDERSTAND WHY EVERYONE NEEDS "GOD'S GRACE"
A. We need "God's grace" because of sin and its consequences (Romans 3:23; 6:23).
B. Through His grace God provides special blessings that we need, including:
1. redemption and forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7)
2. spiritual renewal (Ephesians 2:4-7)
3. salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Timothy 1:12-15; Acts 22:16; 9:18)
4. justification (Titus 3:7).
IV. WE MUST UNDERSTAND THAT "GOD'S GRACE" ALSO RELATES TO CHRISTIANS [Those who have
been saved]
A. (Acts 13:43) We are "to continue in the grace of God" (Galatians 5:4).
B. (Romans 5:1-2) We are to "stand" in grace.
C. (2 Timothy 2:1) We are to "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
D. We are to live as "God's grace" teaches (Titus 2:11-13).
E. (Hebrews 13:9) Our hearts are to "to be established with grace."
Conclusion:
1. (Acts 11:22-23) When Barnabas went to Antioch he saw "the grace of God."
a. He saw people who had "turned unto the Lord" (vs.21).
b. He also saw people who were living as "God's grace" teaches.
c. This caused Barnabas to be "glad."
2. From our study we conclude: "God's grace reflects the value of your soul."