The Dynamics of GRACE, by Rev Alexander Faranpojo

The Dynamics of GRACE, by Rev Alexander Faranpojo

Bible Text: 2 Corinthians 9:8

Introduction:

You are here for a reason but great meetings do not make great people. It is the decision that emanates from great meetings that make great people. So as you read, I pray you are engineered to make life changing decisions.

The Bible Text is taken from: 2 Corinthians 9:8

“And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity”.

The Bible says “God is able to make all grace ….” This implies grace is not just in one form but many. There are many kinds of grace. Grace to excel, grace to give , grace to love, grace to marry, grace to innovate , grace to lead and so on. Grace is not one sided but some people may have it one sided. For example, some may have the grace to father a child but no grace to be good husbands; some people have grace to be good wives but no grace to mother a child. Some people have grace to be diligent in the organisation they work but no grace to work in the house of God. Still God is able to give “all” grace, it implies we can have all grace.

Grace is important and we need it. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:10

“But by the [remarkable] grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not without effect. In fact, I worked harder than all of the apostles, though it was not I, but the grace of God [His unmerited favor and blessing which was] with me”

Another supporting scripture is Ephesians 2: 8  “For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God;”

We are saved by graced and grace is not something to be used without power. Most people have used and use grace in shallow ways like “I will be at your house by Gods’ grace”. But grace is not a joke neither is it a monologue. Grace is what makes a dummy brilliant; grace is what makes people like you. You can do all things because of grace. Grace makes a worthless man valuable.

Having understood the importance of grace, what then is grace?

Grace is a person. Grace is the Lord Jesus Christ. It cannot be described as a theme without first becoming a Noun. John 1:14-16 depict that  “And the Word (Christ) became flesh, and lived among us; and we [actually] saw His glory, glory as belongs to the [One and] only begotten Son of the Father, [the Son who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, who is] full of grace and truth (absolutely free of deception).15 John testified [repeatedly] about Him and [a]has cried out [testifying officially for the record, with validity and relevance], “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me [b]has a higher rank than I and has priority over me, for He existed before me.’” 16 For out of His fullness [the superabundance of His grace and truth] we have all received grace upon grace [spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing, favor upon favor, and gift heaped upon gift]”.

This text confirms that Jesus is the personality of grace. Outside of Jesus the word “Grace” doesn’t hold water and shouldn’t be used. For practicality, grace is the willingness and ability of God to do. It is the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross. It implies all that God has provided or will ever provide. Grace is Gods’ benevolence. The very best of God to us is grace.

But when do we need Grace?

1. The Bible reports in Heb 4:16 that we need grace in time of need. Grace provides mercy

2. 2 Corinthians 12:6-9 states that we need grace in our weaknesses

3. Roman 6: 1 reports that in sin we need grace. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Christ is the grace granted unto us.

4. During difficult moment / infirmities – when things are tough or hard we need grace

5. We need grace to do things. The Bible states in 2 Corinthians 9:8 that God is able to make all grace abound towards us. Also we are able to do all things through Christ (Grace).

Thus life outside of grace is useless. Eph. 2:8-9. We need to understand that we are nothing but for the grace of God. Believers should not celebrate or be boastful about their works but in Gods’ grace (Romans 1: 18-21)

The narrative about God is not popular even within believers. However, the smartest thing God wants you to do is acknowledge him. Wherever you are today is by the grace of God. You are what you are by the grace of God. You would be what you would be by the grace of God. There are so many actions that you have taken that led to success, others have taken that same step but have failed. It is an eyesore and pathetic that some people do no longer have good narratives about God. The point of this message is to ensure that we understand the grace of God upon our lves and be able to use grace continuously not getting stranded. Just like Apple and Samsung bring new innovations; Satan also is innovative and dynamic. As Christians we shouldn’t be too slow for the movement of the Holy spirit, we need to be able to keep up with the tides involving dynamic activity to enjoying Gods’ grace. Christians should no longer be losing battles in any area of their lives.

So how do we work this grace?

Galatians 2:21

By not frustrating the grace of God

By not receive the grace of God in vain – 2 Corinthians 6:1, 1 Corinthians 15:10

Without Christ, grace is of no effect. We need Christ to work this grace. Galatians 5:4

Ephesians 3:20 states that God is “able” and willing to do.

Understanding that God is able to do is one thing and comprehending his willingness to do is another thing. Some people believe God is able but not willing. There is a difference between willingness and ability but we need the collaboration of the two to establish Grace. Heb. 6:17

All that we need has been prepared by God. When we ask for something God would not be running around at that moment in time. Our Angels do that for us. It is high time we stop thinking that God has not prepared a place for us already.

Grace is never activated until we realize God loves us. He loves us enough to give us all things. Secondly, there is need to understand that it takes faith to access the grace of God. Eph. 2:8-9. Grace is greater than faith. It is the teaching of grace that makes us believe and have faith. Thus knowing how to access grace will help to thrive and enjoy Gods’ mercies.

We can access grace through:

Humility: James 4:6

Humility is a critical factor to allow grace. It is a right evaluation of who you are. The Bible says let not a man think of him more highly as he ought to but think of himself in the knowledge of Gods’ word. Job 36:11, Exodus 23.

Prayer is another way to access grace- Let us come boldly to the throne of grace. You cannot be stranded when you pray without ceasing. Heb 4:16.

Grace is sustained by giving. 2 Corinthians 8: 5-7. Give yourself to the Lord first then submit unto the man of God to provoke gracious blessing.

Genesis 27:20

The story of Isaac and his two sons illustrates the impact of giving and giving to man of God. There is something about giving that provokes prophetic grace. There are battles you cannot fight on your own. There are battles that are not very fair to you that only the prophetic blessings that will help you. There are people that prophets subconsciously bless because they smell good. You can provoke blessing continuously with giving. You need to give to enjoy all the grace available from God. You can be hardworking and still financially broke. But grace can help you. Don’t just give when you are happy, give consistently and God will bless you.

Prayers

The sermon, The Dynamics of GRACE, by Guest Minister,  Rev Alexander Faranpojo, President Virtues International Ministries, Lagos was delivered on February 19, 2017