Stewards of God's Grace
Stewards of God's Grace
1 Peter was written to offer encouragement and instruction to persecuted Gentile Christians, HELPING THEM PERSEVERE IN THEIR FAITH AND LIVE OUT THEIR CHRISTIAN IDENTITY EVEN IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY.
1. It emphasizes hope, resilience, and the importance of living a life of virtue, even amidst suffering.
2. It reminds us our responsibilities as Christians. God’s grace calls us to serve Him
1st Peter 4:10 (KJV) As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good STEWARDS of the MANIFOLD grace of God.
1. In essence, grace is an unearned and undeserved favor or blessing, often used in a religious context, particularly in Christianity, where it refers to God's favor towards humanity.
2. It's a gift of kindness and goodness bestowed upon someone, even when they don't deserve it.
Understanding Grace
Undeserved Favor: Grace is not something you earn or work for; it's a gift freely given.
Divine Assistance: In a theological context, grace often refers to God's help and power in overcoming temptation, enabling spiritual growth, and ultimately, salvation.
Love and Mercy: Grace is often associated with God's love, mercy, and forgiveness.
Beyond Merit: Grace is not based on a person's worthiness or actions but on God's generosity and love.
Where would be without it?
We are saved through God’s grace.
God’s grace changes us to be more like Him
Displaying God’s Grace is the process of Spiritual Growth and Maturity
GOD’S GRACE USES US TO DISPLAY HIS LOVE AND SHARE HIS TRUTH
OUR FAITH, OUR WALK WITH GOD IS MEANT TO BE SHARED.
1st Peter 4:10 (KJV) As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good STEWARDS of the MANIFOLD grace of God.
WHAT DOES IT MEANS TO BE STEWARDS OF GOD’S GRACE.
1. TO BRING GOD GLORY Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
X Our actions as stewards should reflect the character of God and draw attention to His goodness and glory.
X Becoming a testimony to His grace and bring honor and glory to His name.
2. To serve others and advance the Kingdom of God
1st Peter 4:10 (KJV) As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good STEWARDS of the MANIFOLD grace of God.
1. Everything we have, including gifts, talents, and resources, is ultimately from God, and we are called to use them responsibly and for His glory.
2. It encourages believers to be mindful of their stewardship and to share God's grace with others through their actions and words.
Stewards of Grace to Display and serve
Paul was a steward of grace for the good of others, not himself.
Stewards for the Good of Others
As Christ showed the ultimate self-sacrificing love at the cross, so now too God’s people are called to live out self-sacrificing love as we steward the grace of God has given to us for the good of others.
Stewards of Grace to Share the Gospel
In Ephesians 3:8-9, Paul tells us two reasons why this grace was given to him.
1. He writes, “To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
2. and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things.”
As believers in Christ, we have been freely given and entrusted with many gifts and abilities from God. These may include our time, talents, finances, relationships, and even our salvation.
As good stewards, it is our responsibility to use these blessings in a way that honors God and advances His kingdom.
AS GOOD STEWARDS OF THE MANIFOLD GRACE OF GOD. LET’S EVALUATE OUR OWN STEWARDSHIP
Our stewardship of God’s grace is spiritual gratitude.
So how are we stewards the grace God has given to us? How are we communicating the gospel to those who need to hear it?
Here are three questions we need to be asking when it comes to evaluating how we’re stewarding God’s grace.
Are we multiplying grace within?
1. Are we seeing the truths of the gospel multiplying inward in our own hearts?
2. Are we each growing deeper in our knowledge and obedience and love of God through prayer and his Word?
3. Are we growing in becoming like Christ? Are we increasingly faithful to God’s Word?
4. Is the world increasingly seeing the image of Jesus in us?
Are we multiplying Gods Grace in our sphere of influence?
1. Where are we fostering multiplication outward from our community?
2. In what ways are we supporting multiplication in new places?
Conclusion
Early 1800s William Miller predicted that Jesus would return on Oct 22, 1844. He had up to 100,000 followers. Many sold their possessions and went to hilltops waiting for their Maker.
X God does not want to come back and find us standing around waiting for Him to return.
X We are to be busy about working to establish His Kingdom in the hearts of others.
He has put each of us in the right time, the right place and among the right people to dispense His healing grace.
