GRACE WINS

”The Power to Do God’s Will”
Pastor Doug Heisel — April 3, 2022

Romans 5:20 — When it is sin versus grace, grace wins hands down.

Luke 22:39-44 — Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed Him. On reaching the place, He said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not my will, but Yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

Mark 14:37-42 — Then He returned to His disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” He said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Once more He went away and prayed the same thing. When he came back, He again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to Him. Returning the third time, He said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

Insights on Grace From the Mount of Olives

1. God’s grace for you is rooted in history, geography, archeology and prophecy, all of which can embolden your FAITH in God’s plan for you.

   Consider even these unique contrasts:

   • The first man (Adam), in a garden, turned away from God the Father; Jesus Christ, the God-man, in a garden, surrendered completely to the will of the Father.

   • The first man brought us thorns; Jesus the Messiah wore a crown of thorns.

   • The first man was naked and unashamed; Jesus, the ultimate servant, was stripped naked and carried our shame.

   • The first man consumed what hung on a tree; Jesus our Savior hung on what was made from a tree.

   • The first man brought sin into the world; Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, paid for the sins of the world.

   • The first man’s actions produced death; Jesus, God’s Son, brings us eternal life.

2. Gethsemane means “olive press”. It reminds us that God’s grace can bring PURPOSE out of your pressure and pain.

   Luke 22:44 — And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

   1 Peter 5:10 — And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

3. SUPERNATURAL help comes down as your SURRENDER to God’s will goes up.

   Luke 22:41-42 — He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not my will, but Yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him.

   John 18:3-6 — So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to Him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am He,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.). When Jesus said, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

   2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 — So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of His call. May He give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with Him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.