EMPOWERED BY GRACE
BY PASTOR SESAN BANJO
LUKE 2:40,52
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him…. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
Success and victory in life is not entirely a dint of hardwork, intellect or religiousity but more of the grace of God upon the life of a man. Though Paul the great Apostle of Jesus Christ was known for his abundant labours, intelligence and deep religiosity, he proclaimed thus: “For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” 1 Cor.15:9-10
We are what we are because of the grace of God; not because we know how to do it better than others. A high number of Bible characters had great success and victory in life essentially because of God’s grace. If Noah (Gen.6:8), Moses (Exod.33:12), Esther (Esther 2:17), David (Acts 7:45-46), Paul (1 Cor. 15:10) and Jesus the Christ (Luke 2:40; John1:17), needed the grace of God to excel in whatever they did, you and I need much more grace.
Grace is the most valuable asset in the race of life. Grace is that ingredient that allows us to succeed even when we fall short. Grace brings our mountains down (Zech 4:6-7). Grace terminates disgrace and turns ridicule into a miracle. Grace does not always choose the qualified but qualifies the chosen; singles a man out of the crowd to crown him. Grace will always be sufficient for our needs in life. (2 Cor.12:9;
What is Grace?
Grace can be described as the Unmerited Favour of God upon a man. Luke 1:28,30; Luke 2:40,52; Titus 2:11; Romans 3:24;5:20
Grace can also be described as the gifts and calling of God on a man’s life. Ephes.4:5-7
Grace is being defined as the blessing of God. 1 Peter 1:9,10(AMP)
Grace sometimes refers to the Power or Anointing of the Holy Spirit upon a man.
The Multi-Dimensional Nature of Grace
The grace of God can be made manifest in different levels in a man’s life.
1. Abundant Grace Rom. 5:17
2. Exceeding Grace 2 Cor. 9:14
3. Glorious Grace Ephes. 1:6
4. Great Grace Acts 4:33
5. Manifold Grace 1 Pet. 4:10
6. Rich Grace Ephes. 1:7; 2:7
7. Sufficient Grace 2 Cor. 12:9
The Eight (8) Fold Embodiments of Grace
1. Blessing Acts 20:32; 2 Cor.8:9; 9:6-8; 2 Cor. 13:14 (AMP)
2. Favour Esther 2:17; 1 Cor.15:10; Luke 2:52;
3. Forgiveness of Sins Ephes. 1:7, Ephes. 2:5,8
4. Glory Psalm 84:11; Ephes. 1:5,6
5. Hope 2 Thess. 2:16
6. Justification Rom. 3:24; Titus 3:7
7. Mercy Heb. 4:16; Psalm 102:13
8. Power Acts 4:33; 14:2,3
The Eight (8) Access keys To More Grace
1. Faith Romans 5:1-2
2. The Knowledge of God and His Word 2 Peter 1:1,2; Acts 4:31,33b
3. Righteousness Rom 6:1; Psalm 84:11
4. Boldness and Courage Heb. 4:16; Acts 4:31,33b
5. Humility 1 Pet. 5:5; James 4:6
6. Maturity or Growth in Christ Luke 2:40
7. Spiritual Strength through Prayer Luke 2:40; Psalm 84:7; Acts 4:31,33b
8. Wisdom Luke 2:40; Proverbs 4:9
As you position yourself rightly to enjoy all that grace has to offer us as Christians, I challenge you to grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18) and be strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:1). And my prayer for you is that the GOD of ALL GRACE, who has called us unto eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, and settle you. Amen. (1Peter 5:10)
