We’ll take our Bible text from Eph.2: 4-9
(4). But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, (5). even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), (6). and raised us up together and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, (7). that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. (8). For by grace, you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, (9). not of works, lest anyone should boast
In this edition, we’ll be focusing on three key areas: The Concept of grace, capability of grace and conditions to remain in grace.
CONCEPT OF GRACE (WHAT GRACE IS)
1. Grace is unmerited favour:
Grace as extended mercy/unmerited favour was what the prodigal son enjoyed when he made a decision to return to his father. The prodigal son was looking for the opportunity to be accepted as a hired servant, but the father accepted him back as a son and organized a party to celebrate his return (Luke 15:11-32).
The thief on the cross also found grace. Mercy heard his cry, but grace assured him of paradise. (Luke 23:39-43)
One important thing to know is that mercy forgives your sins, grace gives you a new beginning. In 2Cor 5:17 – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new.
2. Grace is the God factor in human’s limitation (God’s remedy at Christ expense)
In 2Cor. 8:9, for you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.
Rom. 5:1-2, (1). Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (2). through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Your salvation came through Jesus, by Grace through faith. Grace produced the required faith in you for the salvation you received (Heb. 4:2).
CAPABILITY OF GRACE (WHAT GRACE CAN DO)
1. Grace makes help accessible to you:
According to Heb 4:16 – Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
A grace carrier is never stranded. Grace makes provision for help, even in the most unexpected way.
2. Grace preserves from destruction:
A perfect example of this is the story of Noah. How Noah found grace in the sight of God. His generation would have been wiped off by the flood if not for grace. (Gen 6:8).
3. Grace helps you discover your purpose in life on time and keep you on track to fulfilling destiny:
Anyone who lacks the grace of God will just want to do what others are doing, and they end up struggling or ultimately fail. Paul by Grace discovered his purpose and focused the gospel to the gentile.
4. Grace makes you attractive to kings:
In Pro. 22:11 – He who loves purity of heart And has grace on his lips, The king will be his friend.
Grace makes you attract the attention of nobles. It will put you before princes and notables.
CONDITIONS TO REMAIN IN GRACE
The path of grace is a progressive journey, to remain in it, there are conditions to put in place.
1. Humility: Jam 4:6 – God resists the proud, but He give more grace to the humble
2. Commitment to His work: Eph2:10 – For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
To continue to grow in God’s grace in your life, you must put the measure of grace you have now to work.
3. Addicted to evangelism: According to Acts 4:33 – And with great power, the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
This is because, you were saved by Grace, and each time you determine to point more people in the direction of salvation, you have the opportunity to work in a higher dimension of the grace of God.
Let’s say this prayer: Father, let my life show forth your grace in Jesus name.
