Grace

Grace. How do you define it, measure it?

What is it? Grace is God's mercy and love extended. It is not merited, or deserved.

Without Grace we are lost. BY grace we can be saved. Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men… Every man needs grace.

Grace comes from God. Our Lord is full of grace. He embodies grace. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Who does God give grace to? James 4:6 …God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

God displayed Grace at the cross: Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Behold Him there! This embodiment of grace! Grace incarnate! Grace looked out at the men who had whipped him, nailed him, and mocked him. And Grace prayed, Father forgive them.

God’s grace is real, and it is for you. The gospel is the gospel of the grace of God: Acts 20:24. The gospel is grace abounding to the unworthy sinner.

God’s Word is called the Word of His grace: Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up...

The early church knew the grace of God: Acts 4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

What does it look like when God’s Grace touches human lives? Grace changes our lifestyle. Grace teaches us. How to live. We learn to stop some things. Ungodliness and worldly lusts. We learn - by Grace - to live… Soberly, Righteously, Godly…

Soberly - we have need of soberness; it’s a mindset. Despite facing numerous trials, including betrayal by his brothers and unjust imprisonment, Joseph maintained a clear and focused mindset. His commitment to moral integrity and self-discipline led him to rise from the pit to the palace. In Potiphar's house and later in prison, Joseph demonstrated resilience, humility, and wisdom, exemplifying a sober and stedfast approach to life.

Righteously; May we get right with God; we see Daniel’s unwavering faith; his commitment to do right, despite cultural pressures - he did not compromise.

Godly; God’s character; David lived godly - he was a worshipper; sure enough he had his shortcomings, yet he yearned to do God's will and God honoured him for that. Grace has a transforming power. It’s real. and Grace avails today. Grace is an important part of our new life in Christ.

God’s grace can so extend, to the very weakest. The worst. Graces expends and grace extends.

God’s strength can be your portion. We can minister grace to others: Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

One of the greatest things we can ever do is tell others of the grace of God. To bear witness to the God of all grace, and the work of grace that came by the cross of our blessed saviour. You can… Minister grace to others. Minister forgiveness.

You can speak with grace: Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Be strong in grace: 2 Timothy 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. True strength is grace.

How we act towards others. Like Stephen… As he was being stoned, he prayed for forgiveness for those who were killing him.

Will you apply God’s grace in your daily life? Or will you limit the work of grace in your life. Hinder it? Grace is powerful. Grace goes beyond expectations. Grace is supplied by God’s power.

We can access grace by prayer. You can find Grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Grace avails. Grace is within reach. Grace reaches us. And Grace shows us where to look, for the Blessed Hope. We have a sure an certain hope - our Lord is returning. The One who is the source of grace and salvation.

Also, one more thing about Grace…

Grace is meant to grow… to keep on growing in grace. 2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Grace went to the cross. The Lord Jesus in grace was pierced by the guilty. His spotless blood was outpoured for our redemption.

Grace is growing. Growing more like Christ. Grace grows and keeps on growing.

Grace saves. Without Grace we are due wrath.

The closing verse of the Bible leaves us with this challenge: Revelation 22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.