Understanding the Grace of God

Abeiku Okai 

Anathallo Grace Chapel 

Text: 1st Peter 5:7-11

John 1:14

Romans 5:17

DEFINITION OF GRACE 

You may have heard about the grace of God—how God has given us grace. Depending on your understanding or experience, you might feel inspired, puzzled, or even unsure about what grace truly means. It’s important to recognise that grace isn’t just a fundamental concept in Christianity; it is the very essence of the Christian faith. Scripture describes God as the "God of all grace" and highlights that Jesus Christ was full of grace. From the moment of salvation to our eternal future with the Lord, grace remains a constant and active force working on our behalf. Read Ephesians 2:4-10.

“4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

WHAT IS GRACE?

1. Grace is the Unmerited Favour of God: 

Grace is God’s kindness and love extended to humanity without any merit on our part. It is something we do not deserve but have been given the right to access, possess, and enjoy only because God loves us and extends His righteousness toward us.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

“But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” (Titus 3:4-5)

2. Grace is God's Ability to Overcome Man's Inability: 

Grace enables humans to do what they cannot do on their own. Without the grace of God, we are hopeless and helpless.

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

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

3. Grace is God's Capacity Granted to Man to Fulfil God's Assignment: 

Grace equips believers with the ability to accomplish God’s purposes. By strength alone, no one can prevail.

“By the grace of God, I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:10)

“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6)

4. Grace is the Outflow of God's Love and Goodness Towards Mankind: 

Grace is the expression of God’s goodness and love toward humanity. Just as Noah found grace, we too experience God’s love through grace.

“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” (Genesis 6:8)

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” (Psalm 103:8)

5. Grace is Absolutely Free, With No Strings Attached: 

Grace cannot be earned, deserved, or purchased. Grace is a gift, freely given, with value beyond human comprehension. It came at a tremendous cost to God but is bestowed upon us freely, a true manifestation of His boundless love and mercy.

“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

“Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)

Grace reflects God's heart and His desire to extend blessings, salvation, and the power to live according to His purposes.

10 THINGS THAT ARE DONE BY GRACE FOR US.

1. Saved by Grace

Salvation is entirely a gift from God, not something earned by human effort. It is the grace of God that provides the way of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, demonstrating God's love even when humanity was in a state of sin.

 - Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

- Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

2. Identity by Grace

Our identity as believers is shaped by the grace of God. The Apostle Paul acknowledges that his achievements and identity are the result of God's grace working in him, not his own efforts.

- 1 Corinthians 15:10: "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me."

3. Justified by Grace

Justification is being declared righteous before God. This status is granted freely by God's grace through the redemption provided by Jesus Christ, not through human deeds.

- Romans 3:24: "And all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

4. Sanctified by Grace

Sanctification is primarily being set apart by God for His purpose. Thus we are made holy by God through the blood of Jesus Christ, in order to live for God and God only. It is also the process of becoming mature and yielding to the Holy Spirit in our daily lives in order to live above reproach and glorify God in our thoughts, attitude and behaviour. This is made possible only by God's grace, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and God's foreknowledge and calling (Romans 8:28-30).

- Hebrews 10:10-14: "And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

   - Jeremiah 1:5: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

5. Built up by Grace

Grace has the power to edify and strengthen believers, providing them with spiritual growth and the promise of an eternal inheritance.

- Acts 20:32: "Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified."

6. Taught and Trained by Grace

Grace instructs believers on how to live godly lives, rejecting sin and embracing righteousness. It trains us to live in a way that reflects God's character and values.

 - Titus 2:11-14:"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age."

7. Labour by Grace

The work we do for God's kingdom is empowered by His grace. Our efforts and accomplishments in ministry are a result of God's grace working through us.

 - 1 Corinthians 15:10: "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me."

8. Minister by Grace

Ministry and service are possible through the grace of God. Each person has a unique role assigned by God, and it is His grace that enables us to fulfill these roles effectively.

- 1 Corinthians 3:5-6: "What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task."

- Philippians 2:11-13: "and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."

9. Sufficient by Grace

God's grace is sufficient for every situation, providing strength and resources. Even in our weaknesses, God's power is displayed through His grace.

- 2 Corinthians 12:9: "But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."

 - 2 Corinthians 9:8: "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

10. Stable by Grace

Grace provides stability and strength in the Christian life. It offers peace, hope, and the ability to endure trials, shaping our character and fortifying our faith.

 - Romans 5:1-5: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

 - 2 Timothy 2:1-3: "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus."

 III. Conclusion

- Our God is the God of all Grace (1 Peter 5:7-11): "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."

- There is no grace outside of God: All grace originates from God, who is the source of all goodness and favor.

- There is no outworking of God in our lives without His grace: Every aspect of the Christian life is enabled and sustained by God's grace.

 IV. Application

- How has grace impacted your life? Reflect on specific instances where you have experienced God's grace and how it has transformed you.

- In what areas do you need to rely more on God's grace? Identify areas in your life where you need to depend more on God's grace rather than your own strength.

- How can you extend grace to others? 

Consider practical ways to show grace to those around you, reflecting God's love and kindness in your relationships and actions.