Focus: The Grace Of God (Pt.3)

Text: 2Tim.1:9

"And grace, which was GIVEN us in Christ Jesus before the world began."

Grace is given.

Grace is given by God.

Grace is given for a purpose.

Grace is divinely bestowed.

Grace is poured upon us.

Grace is favor to be sought for and found.

Grace is something to be received.

The Word says, "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). God is king and His throne is characterized by grace. It is a throne where those who confidently approach it obtain the King's mercy and find the King's grace in times of need - at that time when it's like time is no more - last minute grace - 11th hour grace.

Where grace is concerned, we are the needy, and God is the needed. Grace is a divine storehouse; all we need is inside it. We need nothing that is not provided for through grace.

Paul says to Timothy, "Thou therefore, my son, be STRONG in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2Tim.2:1). Grace is a divine energy. Recipients of grace are energized by it. By grace we are made strong. Grace enables us to function from the place or position of strength. We are emboldened by grace. We stand on the solid ground of grace. By grace we are poised for action and stand ready for life's challenges.

Peter implores us, "But GROW in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2Pet.3:18). Apart from being strong in grace, we are required to grow and mature in the grace of God. Feed on grace. Nourish your spirit with grace! Appropriate grace. Experience the fullness of grace. Explore grace. Grace enlarges your capacity and emboldens your spirit. Your spiritual muscles are developed and strengthened by grace. Advance from spiritual babyhood to spiritual manhood - from spiritual infancy to spiritual adulthood.

In the Acts of the Apostles we are exhorted and persuaded to "CONTINUE in the grace of God" (Act.13:43). Regardless of opposition, persecution, or pressures, decide and determine to continue in the grace of God. Do not betray or deny grace by your lifestyle! Waywardness is not the way of grace. Steady your pace. Be marked by the trajectory of grace. No shifting. No drifting. No wandering away from grace. Follow in the tracks of grace!

Paul admonishes us to sing with grace. He says, "…singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (Col.3:16). Grace produces its own songs. Grace in the heart puts songs on the lips. Grace gives you a song to sing. Grace makes you sing.

Paul says, "Let your speech be alway with grace" (Col.4:6). Grace has its own language. The prose and poetry of grace are heavenly. Grace speaks and sings. Possessors of grace show it in their speech and songs.

Paul encourages us to "see that ye abound in this grace also" (2Cor.8:7). Ensure that you abound in the grace of giving to the course of Christ! Receive and release grace. Grace makes you generous. Grace makes you a cheerful giver. The "exceeding grace of God in you" will make you speak, sing, and give (2Cor.9:14). 

You cannot have grace and not be able to give, except you lack a revelation of what grace is, what it means, and what it does.

Finally, Peter tells us to "hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1Pet.1:13). This is eschatological grace. Jesus Christ shall one day be finally revealed to us, and He is bringing grace with Him. Yes, He is bringing grace to us. We started and continued in grace, and we are going to experience and enjoy the finale of grace. We are going to have a festival or celebration of grace, and it is coming soon.

In conclusion, I join Paul to say, "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work" (2Cor.9:8). Amen!

by Bishop Moses E. Peter