Scripture References: John 1:14-18; John 8:1-11; Matthew 18:21-35; 2 Corinthians 11:3-4

Intro: Welcome. Today we begin exploring key "tensions" we live in as followers of Jesus – paradoxes where we must hold two vital truths together, resisting the urge to fall off on one side or the other (Martin Luther). Our first tension: Grace and Truth. Jesus embodies both perfectly, and we're called to live in that same balance.

Key Points:

1. Jesus: Full of Grace and Truth (John 1:14, 17): Scripture, our authority on Jesus (not just opinions), reveals He was full of grace AND truth. He didn't sacrifice one for the other. He exposed sin with truth, yet covered sin with grace. He is both Lion and Lamb.
2. Our Tendency: Imbalance: We often struggle to hold this tension: 
   • Grace without Truth: Can lead to compromise, deception, avoiding necessary confrontation, minimizing sin. (Becomes muddy/flat like a loose guitar string).
   • Truth without Grace: Can lead to legalism, harshness, self-righteousness, crushing judgment. (Becomes harsh/brittle like an overtightened string).
   • We need both; they are essential and inseparable.
3. Jesus Models the Tension (John 8:1-11): With the woman caught in adultery, Jesus didn't ignore the truth of her sin ("Go and sin no more") but simultaneously extended profound grace ("Neither do I condemn you"). He perfectly held both.
4. Grace is Essential: We live in a performance-based world starved for grace (unmerited favor). Grace means God loves us because of who He is, not our performance. It means realizing our deep need for His undeserved help and forgiveness (Matt 18:21-35).
5. Truth is Essential: We also live in a truth-starved world. Truth aligns with reality. Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6). Truth involves conviction, which is necessary for genuine conversion and change. We must love, believe, speak, and walk in truth.
6. Interdependence: Grace needs truth (we must know our need for grace). Truth needs grace (truth without hope crushes). We need both to accurately reflect God and offer real hope to the world.

Conclusion: Holding grace and truth in tension is vital for healthy Christian living and witness. Letting go of one to grasp the other distorts the gospel and our reflection of Jesus. We must strive, by the Spirit's help, to embody both – extending unmerited kindness while upholding righteous standards, just like Jesus.

Call to Action:

• Examine your own tendencies: Do you lean towards grace at the expense of truth, or vice versa?
• Pray for wisdom to navigate situations needing both grace and truth.
• Intentionally practice holding the tension: Ask, "How can I be both truthful and gracious here?"
• When receiving ministry or counsel, seek out voices that value both grace and truth.

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