Sermon Central
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Growing In Grace Series
Contributed by Dr. Tom Badia on Jan 30, 2024 (message contributor)
Summary: By Grace are we justified, saved, sustained, perfected, helped and kept alive, etc. That means we really need to grow in grace as Peter encouraged every Christian.
SERIES: UNDERSTANDING THE GRACE OF GOD.
Part 3: Growing in grace
3 ways to increase the grace of God upon your life
Introduction
And working together with him we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain (2 Cor. 6:1).
Many Christians entertain the notion that grace of God is some sort of divine blanket that is unconditionally thrown over the sinner to cancel the effect of his sin and that’s all. This is a serious misconception.
The Amazing grace of God is available to all men yes, but as Christians, we should not receive it in vain. Grace is a gift and it can be multiplied or increased in your life. Romans 5;15
We are in the dispensation of grace and God's grace is the key to a successful and victorious life.
By Grace are we justified, saved, sustained, perfected, helped and kept alive, etc.
That means we really need to grow in grace as Peter encouraged every Christian.
3 ways to increase the grace of God upon your life
Before you learn how to increase the grace of God upon your life, you need to know how to access it first.
Accessing Grace
Grace is accessed initially at the point of gospel obedience.
It is shocking that so many sincere people are unaware of the fact that “grace” and “obedience” are not enemies.
Paul affirmed that grace is accessed by faith (Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9).
It is not, however, a faith void of loving response to God; it is a faith that acts (James 2:21-26).
21. Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22. Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
[With that being said--to be perfectly clear--justification is by faith alone, not by any kind of work or obedience.]
3 ways to increase the grace of God upon your life
1. Through the knowledge of God and Jesus
As you increase your knowledge of God, you also increase in God's grace.
The word of God reveals more about God to you; builds your faith in God and increases your tendencies to reach out for His grace.
Jesus wants to make Himself known to us more and as we allow Him by studying God's word and listening to sound teachings, His grace will be imparted upon us.
The bible is the word of his grace.
2. Through prayers……… Hebrews 4;16
Paul admonishes us to come boldly to the throne of grace and obtain grace.
Jesus said that if we ask we shall receive. Mathew 7:7
So ask God to multiply His Amazing grace upon your life, knowing that when you ask you shall surely receive.
Receive more grace of God daily and your life will never be the same.
3. Through humility……….James 4;6
God gives more grace to the humble, people who are humble enough to receive it.
With humility, we provoke God's mercy and intervention.
Humility is an attitude of the heart and where self decreases.
Your attitude will determine your altitude
Therefore, as you decrease your focus on yourself and increase your focus on God, you multiply the amazing grace of God upon your life.
God's grace is what we need to be able to serve God with diligence and acceptably.
It is not by our works but by God's grace.
An understanding of His grace will change our perspective to life and our actions, releasing us to receive all the blessings that Jesus purchased for us with His blood without any extra input from us.
It will help us to relax in Jesus, trusting Him in everything.
We will not struggle to get things done, depending on our own strength but we will depend on God absolutely.
Our lives will not be burdened with guilt when our sins are already washed away.
This is why we need to increase this amazing grace of God upon our lives.
His grace is sufficient for us and is enough to get us to the top.
Increase His grace upon your life starting from today.
Ephesians 4:7, 2 Peter 1:2, Romans 3:24, Ephesians 2:5, 2 Peter 3:18, Hebrews 4:16, 1 Corinthians 15:10, 2 Corinthians 12:9
Grace has to do with the undeserved extension of God’s favor upon the sinner.
