Growing and Living in God's Grace

Growing and Living in

God's Grace

Growing in and living God's grace means actively pursuing a deeper understanding of God's love and favor, and allowing it to transform one's life.

It's not just about receiving grace, but also about responding to it with effort and intention, allowing God's power to work in and through you.

This involves a conscious effort to grow in knowledge of God and His will, while also striving to reflect His character in daily life.

I.      The ESSENCE OF GRACE:

GRACE IS EVERYTHING FOR NOTHING TO THOSE WHO DON’T DESERVE ANYTHING

Hebrews 4:15–16

Our high priest is able to understand our weaknesses. When he lived on earth, he was tempted in every way that we are, but he did not sin. Let us then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it.

  Grace Turns…

 1.    lions into lambs,

2.    wolves into sheep,

3.    monsters into men

4.    and men into saints

  II.      God’s grace is NOT bestowed on us because of our good works, but it is bestowed on us to enable us to do the good works.

As "Stewards of God's Grace" we are entrusted with God's gifts and resources, and are responsible for managing them wisely for His glory and the benefit of others.

This involves using our talents, time, and possessions to serve God and others, reflecting God's love and grace in all aspects of life

   III.      Unfortunately

 There are many Christians who are content to receive God's grace on their lives, without growing and developing and maturing into the image of Christ. 

 CHRISTIANS CAN BE COMPLACENT IN THEIR SPIRITUAL LIVES, WHO ONLY SEEK AFTER GRACE TO COVER THEIR SIN.

 IV.      Grace is so much more than God's unmerited favor.

 1.    It is the power and ability of God, available to meet our every need.

 2.    Grace is God's unmerited favor, for growth for empowerment.

 3.    Without grace, we are nothing, we have nothing, and we can do nothing.

 4.    In fact, everything in the Bible...receiving salvation, being filled with the Holy Spirit, fellowshipping with God, and having victory in our daily lives...is based upon it.

V.      "By The Grace of God I Am!"

 ·         SAVED

 ·         STRENGTHENED

 ·         SUPPLIED

VI.      Grace is so much more than an insurance policy for the past

 VII.      Grace for the present

 Through God's grace we are enabled to cope with whatever adversity, trial, or dilemma we face in a godly manner. We are also equipped by His grace to perform the spiritual tasks He gives us to do.

  a.    Through God's Grace, He Creates A New Heart Within Us.

Ezekiel 36:26-27  "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

  b.    Grace Is Freedom & Liberty In Christ

 Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

 c.     The Grace Of God Teaches Us To Deny Ungodliness.

 VIII. The Enemies of Growth in Grace and knowledge

 FORCE WITHIN OUR HUMAN NATURE

FORCES WITHOUT The prince of this world is a negative deterrent to development, directing all evil forces to the detriment of Christian character.

IX.    How to Grow on Grace

In 2 Peter 1:3 we are told that all things that pertain to life and godliness are given "through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue"

Also in 2 Peter 3:18 NIV He closes his epistle with this admonition:

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

 X. What are the evidences of Growth in Grace and Knowledge?

X       An increase of love

X       An increase of faith

X       An increase of the knowledge of God

X       An increase in the fruit of the Spirit  

X       An increase in transformation into the image of Jesus.

X       GOD'S GRACE REQUIRES HOLY LIVING!

 We have a responsibility to be Stewards of God’s Grace

 X       God hasn’t given us his grace simply to bathe in it for our own benefit.  

X       He has called us to be stewards of his grace as we deal with the people around us.

X       We have been freely given and entrusted with many gifts and abilities from God to be used for His glory and the service of the church.

X       Being a good steward of God’s grace pleases God.

Remember

 Grace brings beautiful things being done for you and happening within you.

 Being gracious is bringing beautiful things to the life of others.