RCCG Canaan Land Digging Deep August 15, 2017 Understanding the Grace of God Text; John 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

Understanding the grace of God Text; John 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.  What is the grace of God? The unmerited love and favour of God towards human beings Divine influence acting in a person to make the person meet God’s standard and become acceptable to God. Eph. 2:8 It is supernatural assistance given from God to help us come to the place of regeneration, sanctification and restoration. Rom. 6:14 It is the nature of God and that part of him that over rides his rules and judgements. Heb.4:16 Divine enablement that enables natural men to partake and operate in the supernatural. 2 Pet. 1:4

Understanding the grace of God Text; John 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. Other things to know about the grace of God The grace of God can only be accessed not earned – it is a privilege. Rom. 5:2 It is universally available but requires the intended recipients acceptance. Titus 2:11, Eph. 4:7, Rom. 10:9 The grace of God is in levels, it can be increased and can grow. 2 Pet:3:18, God’s grace can expire or be withdrawn from the life of a man. 1 Sam. 2:30-31

Other things to know about the grace of God cont. Understanding the grace of God Text; John 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. Other things to know about the grace of God cont. It can be wasted, unutilized, underutilized and frustrated. 2 Cor. 6:1, Gal 2:21, Heb. 12:15, 2 Tim. 1:6 The grace of God is not a license for unrighteousness or laziness. Rom.6:1 It is consistent with God’s character and nature, therefore grace becomes in-operational in an environment of willful, persistent sin/disobedience

Understanding the grace of God Text; John 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. How to access or increase God’s grace Be humble . Prov. 3:34, James 4:6 Know that all you have are gifts from God. 1 Cor 15:10 Treat people around you humanely and with the love of God. Matt. 18:23 - 35 Believe God’s word Have faith, don’t doubt. Matt. 13:58 Be a doer of the word – apply the word in your everyday life. James 1:22-24, Rom. 2:13 Make learning and retention of the word of God a priority. Josh. 1:8 Share the word with people around you. 2 Cor. 5:18-19

Understanding the grace of God Text; John 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. How to access or increase God’s grace cont. Be diligent in all you do. Prov. 22:29 Don’t be a “men pleaser” Do what you know is right even if it is unpopular. James 4:17 Commit to obeying God in all things. Deut. 28:1 - 15 Deal with procrastination – don’t push forward what you can do now Look out for ways to please God Don’t just do the minimum required of you – serve God out of love and reverence and not compulsion Always be on the look out for how you will advance the God’s kingdom and his work. Heb.6:10 Do the unusual that will move God in your direction. 2 Chro. 1:6-7

Understanding the grace of God Text; John 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. Benefits of Grace Makes you a partaker of the divine nature of God. 2 Pet. 1:2 - 4 Increase your workload and circle of influence by enlarging your capacity. 1 Cor. 15: 10 Grace will make you work smarter and labour less by giving you direction, insight/revelation Grace puts all of heaven’s resources at your disposal. 2 Cor. 9:8 Gives the assurance of success and victory

Understanding the grace of God Text; John 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. Conclusion: God’s grace is truly amazing. Not only does it provide for our salvation, it enables us to live an abundant life in Christ. God’s grace is available to us at all times and for every problem or need we face. A popular acronym for grace is: God’s Riches At Christ Expense. God’s grace enables us to be all that God intends for us to be. God’s grace is amazing indeed.