First Comes Grace Then Comes Work | Pastor Jamie Self

Pastor Jamie Self's sermon explores the connection between grace and works through the lens of 1 Thessalonians. He highlights that while salvation is an act of God's grace, believers are called to respond with faithful labor, love-fueled action, and enduring hope. Through engaging illustrations and Paul’s emotive writing, Pastor Jamie challenges believers to cultivate a life of prayerful gratitude and disciplined work, trusting in God’s sovereignty and grace.
Discussion Questions
1. How do you reconcile the idea that salvation is by grace with the biblical call to engage in faith-filled works?
2. In what ways does prayer, especially prayer filled with thanksgiving, shape your perspective on challenges or afflictions in life?
3. Pastor Jamie used the metaphor of a Scotsman rowing with faith and works together-how does this illustration apply to your daily walk with Christ?
4. What practical steps can you take to develop a 'Pauline gratitude,' finding joy in God’s goodness even in difficult circumstances?
5. How does remembering God’s sovereignty and grace empower you to love others and endure life's hardships?
Keywords and Phrases
• Grace and works in Christianity
• 1 Thessalonians faith and labor
• Prayer and gratitude in affliction
• Faith-driven works explained
• Endurance and hope in Christ
• Christian discipline and love
• Spiritual resilience in hardships
• Biblical metaphor: faith and works rowing
• Pauline gratitude vs. Pollyanna gratitude
• Living sacrifice and joyful labor