Sermon Notes & Teaching Resources

Sermon Notes: Epiphany of Love (Exodus 34:6–7, Colossians 3:1–17)

Preached by Pastor Paulo Andrade, GBC Parkhill, Feb 8th, 2026

1. The season of Epiphany is centered on revelation, celebrating the fact that our eternal God is ____________________ and has chosen to make Himself known to us.
2. Rather than being occasional qualities, the message emphasizes that words such as compassion, grace, and patience define the ______________________ of who God is.
3. In His self-revelation to Moses in the book of Exodus, God describes Himself as ______________and _____________, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
4. Unlike the volatile gods of other ancient civilizations, Pastor Paulo explains that the true God’s power is manifested not in ____________________, but in His graciousness and patience.
5. Because Jesus and the Father are ____________________, Jesus is uniquely qualified to teach us about God’s nature and show us the Father’s heart.
6. A key insight from the message is that God has __________ His __________ __________ on us so that we may be called “children of God.”
7. Just as children often resemble their parents, those who receive a new life in Christ are given a ____________________ that resembles their Heavenly Father.
8. Behaviours like greed, anger, and slander are in opposition to our identity because __________ seeks to destroy love and fracture relationships.
9. Believers are called to “clothe” themselves with virtues like humility and kindness, but above all, we are to put on _______________, which binds everything together in perfect unity.
10. To live out this revelation practically, we are challenged us to move beyond temporary symbols and choose ____________, ___________ and ____________

in our families, workplaces, and social media interactions.

Answer Key: 1. discoverable, 2. nature, 3. compassionate and gracious, 4. rage or anger, 5. one, 6. lavished (great) love, 7. new nature (or new identity), 8. sin, 9. love, 10. patience, kindness, and gentleness (or love in action)

Grace Collectives Study Guide – The Epiphany of Love
Personal Study / Grace Collectives Small Group Guide Series: EpiphanySpeaker: Pastor Paulo

I. Key Lessons & Biblical Foundations

1. God is Discoverable and Known: The season of Epiphany reminds us that our eternal God is not hidden or silent; He has chosen to reveal Himself through the Bible and, most fully, through His Son, Jesus Christ.  According to the message, these revelations show that compassion, grace, and patience are not just occasional qualities but define the very nature of who God is.

• Scripture: “The LORD, the LORD, a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” (Exod 34:6)

2. Power Manifested in Grace: Unlike the volatile gods of ancient civilizations whose power was often seen in rage, the true God’s omnipotence is manifested in His graciousness and steadfast love. Pastor Paulo highlights that instead of demanding appeasement, God took the punishment for humanity’s sin upon Himself at the cross.
   
   
3. Our New Identity: Children of Love: Through Jesus, we are not just followers; we are children of God. This identity is a gift “lavished” upon us despite our brokenness or failures. Because we have been “raised with Christ,” we are given a new nature that is meant to resemble our Heavenly Father.

• Scripture: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1)

1. Key Statements to Remember:

• “Sin seeks to destroy love. It fractures relationships, hardens hearts, and prevents us from reflecting God’s character.”
• “The problem of sin is that it goes against—is in conflict with—our new nature.”
• “Valentine’s Day flowers and chocolates are temporary symbols of a greater, eternal love that is not dependent on performance or attractiveness.”
• “Nothing—absolutely nothing—can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.”

III. Small Group Discussion: Going Deeper

1. Reflection on Revelation: The message states that God is “discoverable”. How does it change your daily perspective to know that God wants to be known by you rather than remaining hidden?
   
   
2. Redefining Power: Pastor Paulo noted that God’s power is shown through patience and grace rather than rage. In our culture, power is often equated with force or “canceling” others. How does God’s model of power challenge the way you use influence at home or work?
   
   
3. The Wardrobe of the Soul: Read Colossians 3:12–14. If we are called to “clothe” ourselves with compassion and humility, why do we sometimes find it easier to wear the “old clothes” of anger or greed?
   
   
4. The “Our” in Lord’s Prayer: Jesus taught us to pray “Our Father,” inviting us into His own relationship with the Father. How does viewing your neighbor—or even your enemy—as someone God desires to claim as a “child” change your attitude toward them?.
   
   

IV. Practical Reflections & Living It Out

Pastor Paulo challenged the congregation to move beyond sentiment and engage in active, practical love. Choose one area below to focus on this week:

• In Your Family: Instead of reacting in frustration or irritation to a spouse or child, intentionally choose patience.
• In Your Workplace/School: Replace criticism with kindness. Look for one person to “build up” rather than “tear down.”
• On Social Media: Before posting or replying, ask if your response is gentle. Remember that “on the other side of the screen sits a real person.”
• Toward the “Difficult“: Is there someone you find hard to love? The message encourages us to extend the same grace and forgiveness God has shown us, without counting the cost.

V. Closing Prayer Reference

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life… nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38–39)

Small Group Task: Take a moment of silence to “invite Him to live inside of you” and ask the Spirit to shape you with His love and give you a new nature for the week ahead.