Scripture: Ephesians 2 (1-10)
What is grace: Grace can be defined as the unmerited favor of God enjoyed by believers (those who believe in God, especially Christians who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior). It is a gift from God and encompasses SALVATION from him, MERCY and LOVING KINDNESS from him. grace is never earned Almighty God gives it freely as a result of His unlimited ability to forgive and bless His own.
Grace is one of the great pillars that sustain the word of God both in the old and in the new testament.
Verses 8 and 9 of our supporting scripture tell us that, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Some characters who enjoyed the grace of God in the Bible:
1) Abraham – known as the father of faith. It was God’s grace upon his life that caused Almighty God to single him out from his pagan and idolatrous family to become the father of nations, especially Israel, the lineage that brought our Lord and tasted Jesus Christ into the world. {Genesis 12(1-4)}
2) David – the shepherd boy and the smallest among his brothers. It was God’s grace on his life that made him King of Israel, even though he was not even considered or favored by his biological father. {1Samuel 16(3)}
3) Peter – the most vocal and leading of the Apostles enjoyed an extra grace in that Jesus prayed for him so that Satan could not “overcome” him despite his weaknesses. {Luke 22(31-32)}
What must we do to receive God’s grace?
1) We must be born again. {John 3(3)}
2) We must have a repentant heart. {Luke 15(10)}
3) We must listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. {John 14(26)}
4) We must be able to give sacrificially. {2Samuel 24(24)}
5) We must obey the word of God as it is written in the Bible and most importantly be willing to carry out the great commission. {Mark 16(15)}
What are those things that can make us lose the grace of God?
1) Disobedience {Colossians 3(6)}
2) Greed {Ephesians 4(19)}
3) Indifferent attitude – (indifference) {1Samuel 3(17-18)}
4) Overconfidence {Philippians 4(13)}
We must guide ourselves against these things so that they do not rob us of God’s grace.
Conclusion: Without the grace of Almighty God, it will be impossible to make heaven. 2 Corinthians 12 (9) – tells us that “His grace is sufficient for us, because his strength is made perfect in weakness.”
When we surrender our weaknesses to God by his grace, he perfects us and we make heaven.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, let your grace continue to multiply in my life and may I not misuse your grace in Jesus name. AMEN.
