The Abuse of Grace in The Last Days

Sunday Sermon Notes

September 28, 2025

Pastor Derk Adams

Embracing Grace: A Call to Holiness

Jude 1:4 (KJV)

“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Understanding Lasciviousness

The word lasciviousness in Jude 1:4 comes from the Greek word aselgeia, which means unbridled lust, shameless immorality, reckless indulgence, or outrageous behavior that despises restraint. It is not just sin, but sin without shame — a lifestyle that abuses the grace of God to justify ungodly living.

Introduction

Saints, one of the greatest dangers in the last days is not the attack of the world from the outside — it's deception slipping inside the church. Jude said it clearly: “certain men crept in unawares…” They didn’t announce themselves; they crept in quietly, blending in, but bringing a poisonous doctrine.

What was their doctrine? That grace was permission to sin. That God’s mercy meant we could live any way we want. That holiness no longer mattered because grace would cover it. Look around today — it’s the same spirit.

• People want forgiveness without repentance.

• They want Jesus as Savior, but not as Lord.

• They shout about grace but whisper about holiness.

• They quote “God understands me” instead of “God requires holiness.”

  
  

But hear me: Grace is not freedom to sin — it’s freedom from sin. Grace is not God lowering His standard to meet ours — it’s God lifting us to His standard through the power of the Holy Ghost. In these last days, if the church is not careful, we will shout about grace while living in lasciviousness — reckless living, unrestrained lust, shameless immorality. But tonight, I came to remind us: grace must not be abused. Grace must be honored.

Background on the Text

Jude wrote this epistle during a time when the church was young, under attack, and surrounded by a sinful culture. Roman and Greek society was steeped in immorality: drunken festivals, sexual perversion, temple prostitution, and a philosophy of “eat, drink, and be merry.” False teachers saw this culture and decided to twist the Gospel to fit it. They told believers: “You can live like the world and still be saved. Grace will cover it.” Jude said these men were ungodly, condemned, and dangerous because they turned God’s grace into lasciviousness — shameless, unbridled sin.

Now fast forward to today:

• We live in a culture that celebrates sin and calls it freedom.

• Entertainment glorifies lust and violence.

• Society applauds rebellion and calls it authenticity.

• And worst of all, some pulpits echo the culture instead of confronting it.

  
  

We see leaders falling into scandal yet still excusing it as “God understands.” We see churches embracing lifestyles that God’s Word condemns. We see believers using “grace” as a blanket to cover rebellion instead of the power to overcome sin. Jude’s warning was not just for his time — it’s prophetic for ours. The abuse of grace is not just doctrinal error — it is a denial of Jesus Christ Himself. Because when we twist grace into lasciviousness, we reject the holiness of the One who gave it.

The True Nature of Grace

Galatians 5:13 (KJV):

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”

Romans 6:14 (KJV):

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”

1. Grace Is Not a License to Sin

Romans 6:1–2 (KJV):

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”

Insight:

Grace is not permission to keep sinning — it’s power to walk away from sin.

Application:

If grace hasn’t changed you, then you haven’t truly received it.

2. Grace Teaches Us to Live Holy

Titus 2:11–12 (KJV):

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”

Insight:

Grace is not just pardon — it’s a teacher. It disciplines us to deny sin and walk uprightly.

Application:

Real grace doesn’t comfort you in sin — it calls you out of it.

3. Grace Comes with Accountability

Hebrews 10:29 (KJV):

“Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?”

Insight:

Abusing grace is despising the blood of Jesus.

Application:

Grace is not cheap — it cost the blood of Christ. We are accountable to live worthy of that sacrifice.

4. Grace Points Us Back to the Cross

Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV):

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Insight:

Grace humbles us. It reminds us we did nothing to deserve salvation.

Application:

The true response to grace is gratitude, surrender, and holiness — not rebellion.

The Power of Grace in Our Lives

Grace is transformative. It changes our hearts and minds. When we truly embrace grace, we begin to see ourselves as God sees us. We are not defined by our past mistakes but by His love and mercy. This is the essence of living a life of faith.

The Call to Community

As we gather together, we strengthen one another. We encourage each other to walk in holiness. We remind one another of the grace that has been given to us. Community is vital in our spiritual journey. We are not meant to walk this path alone. Together, we can hold each other accountable and celebrate the victories we experience in our lives.

The Importance of Worship

Worship is a powerful expression of our gratitude for grace. When we lift our voices in praise, we acknowledge the goodness of God. We declare that His grace is sufficient for us. Worship helps us to refocus our hearts and minds on Him. It reminds us of His holiness and our need for Him.

Closing Plea

Saints, we cannot afford to cheapen grace. Grace is holy. Grace is precious. Grace is transforming. Don’t let the spirit of this age creep into the church. Don’t let compromise redefine holiness. Don’t let the abuse of grace rob you of the power God intended it to bring.

Declare it: “Grace didn’t excuse me — grace changed me! Grace didn’t cover up my sin — grace delivered me from it! Grace didn’t lower the standard — grace raised me up to God’s standard!”

Closing Scripture

Romans 5:20–21 (KJV):

“Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.”