“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect.”
1 Corinthians 15:10

Introduction

As we come to the final part of our reflection on grace, we are reminded that God’s grace does not end with our salvation. It continues to keep us, transform us and help us grow into the people He has called us to be. Grace is with us through every season of life, giving us strength when we are weak and helping us to remain steadfast in our walk with God.

Let us consider the final three benefits of God’s grace and reflect on how we can continue to receive and live by this wonderful gift.

8. We Are KEPT by GRACE

God is able to keep us and preserve us in Him. Our confidence rests not in our own strength but in His faithfulness. “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy.” – Jude 1:24

There will be moments when we feel weak and uncertain, but we can trust that God is faithful. His grace sustains us and keeps us as we continue our journey with Him.

9. We Are TRANSFORMED by GRACE

Through God’s grace, our minds are renewed and our lives are transformed as we become more like Christ.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2

God’s grace does not leave us where it finds us. As we yield ourselves to Him, He works in us, changes our thinking and shapes our character according to His will.

10. We Are MATURED by GRACE

God’s work of making us more like Jesus is not accomplished by human effort alone. His grace enables us to grow in faith and maturity.

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 3:18

Spiritual maturity is a journey. As we continue to know God, trust Him and walk in His ways, His grace helps us to grow stronger in our faith and become more like Christ.

HOW DO WE RECEIVE GOD’S GRACE?

God’s grace is real and powerful in our lives. Having considered these wonderful benefits, we may ask: How do we receive God’s grace?

The answer is found in Jesus Christ. “For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.” – John 1:17

We receive God’s grace by placing our faith in Jesus Christ and trusting in what He has done for us rather than relying on our own goodness or achievements.

Grace calls us to stop trying to prove that we are worthy and instead to rest in the finished work of Christ. We come to Him in faith, knowing that His grace is sufficient and that His love is greater than our failures.

REFLECTIONS ON GRACE

Grace is such a powerful gift that many have tried to put its beauty into words.

“Grace has five effects in us: first, our soul is healed; second, we will good; third, we work effectively for it; fourth, we persevere; fifth, we break through to glory.” – St. Thomas Aquinas

“Grace is free sovereign favour to the ill deserving.” – B. B. Warfield

“Grace is God’s best idea. His decision to ravage a people by love, to rescue passionately, and to restore justly, what rivals it? Of all his wondrous works, grace, in my estimation, is the magnum opus.” – Max Lucado

These reflections remind us that grace is not a small part of our Christian faith. It touches every part of our lives and gives us the strength to continue walking with God.

CONCLUSION

Grace is actively and continually working in the lives of God’s people. Paul credited the success of his ministry not to his own abilities or efforts, but to the grace of God working through him: “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect.” – 1 Corinthians 15:10

Grace is the ongoing, benevolent work of God in our lives. Without Him, we can do nothing.

“Apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5

Grace is greater than our sin (Romans 5:20), more abundant than we expect (1 Timothy 1:14) and too wonderful for words (2 Corinthians 9:15).

As recipients of God’s grace, we are also called to be gracious to others. Grace is given to us not only for our own benefit but also so that we can serve others and use our gifts for the building up of the Church (Romans 12:6; Ephesians 3:2, 7).

When we understand the grace we have received, we should become more willing to forgive, encourage, serve, show compassion and give others the opportunity to grow.

The grace we receive from God should become the grace we extend to others.

Let us therefore never take God’s grace for granted. Let us receive it with humility, live by it daily and extend it generously to those around us.

When we are weak, His grace is sufficient.

When we fall, His grace lifts us.

When we fail, His grace gives us another opportunity.

When we are uncertain, His grace guides us.

And when we feel that we are not enough, His grace reminds us that God is enough.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9

As we conclude this series on grace, may we carry this truth with us: we are saved by grace, sustained by grace, transformed by grace and strengthened by grace. May we never cease to depend on God’s grace, and may the grace we receive from Him overflow into the lives of others.

May we continually live, walk and grow in the amazing grace of God.

Stay Blessed!

Please Note: The preaching programme on Sunny 88.7 FM every Tuesday at 5:30 a.m. has been temporarily put on hold. However, please continue to join us on Asempa 94.7 FM every Sunday at 5:30 a.m. and YFM 107.9 every Sunday at 6:30 a.m. for our Radio Bible Study, as well as on Sunny 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 p.m. for Hymns and Their Stories.

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