Grace Empowers Us 5

Grace Empowers Us Part 5 We have been looking at different aspects of grace, and now we will briefly look at ways we, as believers and children of God, can grow in grace and increase the outflow of grace in our lives and ministries. First, we must believe it is possible to see an increase of grace in our lives. Let’s examine the scriptures to see if that is possible and encouraged. But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "GOD RESISTS THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." Jas 4:6 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "GOD RESISTS THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." 1Pet 5:5 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1Pet 4:10 In these three passages, the writers clearly show there is room to receive MORE grace. In the first two passages, we find one of the primary ways we can receive more grace. As we humble ourselves before God, He will give us more grace. Essentially, these verses are saying, ‘pride repels grace, and humility attracts grace.’ Next, we can receive grace through others. Peter urged believers to have a stewardship mindset with regards to the ministry of the Holy Spirit’s gifts and manifestations. We can and should all benefit from the grace upon each other’s lives, especially, as we gather in corporate fellowship and worship. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1Pet 4:10 Grace can also be imparted into our lives through the words of others. Words can either damage or heal. Bless or curse. Help or hurt. This is something we all must learn to become more aware of in our relationship and interaction with others. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. Eph 4:29 Holy Spirit inspired words are an avenue for more grace, which is why prophesy is so effective. This is the amazing power of our words. We can help each other grow in grace as we take this admonishment more seriously and bless others through our words. Our heavenly Father is the God of ALL grace. He is the source. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 1Pet 5:10 Although we have not covered all the ways we can receive grace, one of the most prevalent means is through our humility before the Lord. This humility is not some pious look on our face, but a reverential attitude of the heart before the Lord that honors Him for who He is. Another way to receive grace is through prayer, which is a form of humility when done in the right poster, because it shows our dependency upon God. In the book of Hebrews, we find these words: Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb 4:16 As we humble ourselves and pray, God will pour out more grace upon our lives. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Even in Old Testament times, He promised: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chron 7:14 God was and is the God of ALL grace then and now. This gives us confidence and hope for the days ahead. By the examples above, it does appear, that there are some conditions for receiving more grace. I encourage you to ask the Father for His abundant grace to be upon your life each day. The apostles often opened and closed their letters to the churches by declaring; “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” Like the early believers, we all need more of His wonderful, strengthening, and empowering grace. Let us have grace whereby we may serve God with reverence and godly fear and walk in all He has ordained for our lives to His glory and honor. We will begin a new series next week. Until then, may the grace and favor of God be with you! James Brown CST 01/15/2022