KNOWN BY OUR GRACE
In John 1: 14 – it says Jesus was full of grace and truth and now read the incredible promise of John 1: 16– And of His fullness we have all received – and grace for grace.
Question: Since you are to be conformed to Christ’s image (Rom 8:29) – how should you think, feel and act?
Just as everything God does is in grace – so you too – as you are conformed to the image of Christ – are to speak and act always in grace.
Read and reflect:
2 Corinthians 8: 6 – 7 __________________________________________________________________________
Ephesians 4: 29 ________________________________________________________________________________
Colossians 4: 5 – 6 _____________________________________________________________________________
GRACE vs MERIT
The world operates on the basis of merit. Consider – who gets the job? – who gets selected for the sports team? – all these decisions are based on individual merit. Merit based thinking is inherent in human nature.
Sadly many Christians understand you can only be saved by grace – but then revert back to merit based thinking once they are saved. Eg – I need to pray more or read more of the Bible so God will answer my prayers. Remember there is an enemy only too willing to foster such wrong thoughts in your mind!
So be on guard against reverting back to merit based thinking. Remember that because you are a son or daughter of God that you can come boldly to the throne of grace with your requests with the expectation that your heavenly Father will release His grace into your situation.
GOD’S GRACE FOR MINISTRY
Ephesians 3: 7 – 8 – (Paul)…I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power. To me, who am the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.
Question: What do you see from this verse?
Anyone can become what God has called them to be by grace. Always remember – that it is only through grace – that you can fulfil God’s call on your life – not by your own ability. When grace is flowing, the right doors open, the right words come and God’s plans and purposes are fulfilled in and through you.
Read – what the great apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:10 – But by the grace of God I am what I am and His grace toward me is not in vain, but I laboured more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Testimony: There was an Englishman who wherever he spoke – God released financial miracles. God insisted that he write a book – but he had a problem – he was dyslexic. After much arguing with God he was obedient and in faith and through God’s grace he wrote the book. As soon as he did – God healed him of his dyslexia!