Theme: The God of Grace. Rm 5:10

Topic: Living and Serving by Grace. 1 Pt. 4: 7 – 11

Introduction:

Paul’s revelation began with Jesus being made sin.

  • It dealt with both what Jesus did and what was done to Him during the three days and three nights He was dead until finally, He arose from the dead, carried His blood into the heavenly Holy of Holiness and is sitting at the right hand of the Father. 9:12 ‘Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption’.

Heb. 10:4 ‘For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins’

  • That period covered the forty days from His crucifixion to His seating at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 1:19 – 20 ‘19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places’.

 

  1. The Grace ofGod toMan. 5:10
  • Grace is God’s character by which He shows Himself to man. This has been in existence since the work of creation.
  • From the beginning of man’s creation, His grace has been in place. Before man stumbled, crashed and fell to the hand of God’s enemy and when man became a prisoner, captive, enslaved by his captor, His grace is still in place.
  1. His Acts ofGrace.
  2. The creation and its purpose. Isa. 45:18
  3. The grace of God’s image and likeness. Gen 1:26 – 27
  • The grace of investing all of Himself into man. 2:7
  1. The grace of His headship and rulership. 1:28b
  • Truly, grace is unmerited favour of God to man in all things from the beginning of creation.
  1. The New Testament Great Grace
  • By His grace, God came to rescue Man through the redemptive work of Christ He wrought on the cross at Calvary.
  • Man lost all on the tree and recovered all on the tree ie. From tree to tree. 1:3-6, 3:15 Matt. 27:32-51
  1. The grace of restoring all that Man lost.
  2. All what we get in God is by His grace. Jn 3:27
  • Grace is God’s goodwill to us and His character being that it is what we cannot do for ourselves. (He did it for us through His Son – (Grace).
  1. Through grace God did for man what he ccould not do for himself Psalm 47: 7-9

 

  1. How to live in Grace
  • We can live in grace through the knowledge of Paul’s revelation of the mercy of God to humanity (The lost world). Jn 3:16, Isa 53:6 ‘All we like sheep have gone astray;We have turned, everyone, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. – There is power in knowledge. Dan 11:32, 2 Pt3:18.
  • When we have knowledge that the finished work of our redemption on the cross was done by His grace and we receive it by faith, we will enjoy His grace.
  • Grace is the place of meeting with mercy and favour of God to be an achiever. 4:16
  • When grace is at work, all rules and protocols will be suspended to get or receive the blessings that is beyond our reach. 1 Sam 16:6-13(Where the last became the first).
  1. By receiving all what Christ has done for us.
  2. Substitutionary Death. 1 Cor 5:12
  • Though Christ never sinned, He remained the spotless Lamb of God, but He did take our sins upon Himself and God the Father made Him the object of His judgment when Christ became an offering for our sins.
  1. Our sins and infirmities bearer. 53: 4-5, 1 Pt 2:24
  • Christ bore our sins and infirmities on the Cross in that He became our substitute by taking upon Himself the penalty for our sins and healing our body. 1 Pt 2:24

 

  1. The Reason for His Substitutionary.
  • To totally separate us from sins guilt, power and influence; opening a way whereby we might justly return to God. 2:13-14
  1. By His Obedient Substitutionary.
  • Through the obedience of Christ to do the works of our redemption, we are made righteous in God. Rom 5:12

 

  1. The Power of Faith in Grace.Gen 15:6
  • The death and resurrection of Christ by His obedience to His Father has given us righteousness in God through our faith in Him. Gen 15:6, Rom 15:18-19
  1. A Place of Faith in Grace. Heb 11:6
  • Grace provides but faith receives. Jn 3:16, Jn 1:12
  • Faith is access to all what God provided for us through grace. 2 Cor 5:1, Eph 2: 8-9
  • Our faith to the finished works of our redemption has qualified us to be righteous in God. 5:10

For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

  1. Walking by Grace. Col 2:6
  • It is through our faith in Christ that gives us our ‘Right Birth’. Jn 1:12, Jn 3: 3- 6
  • It is the continuation of faith of salvation in Christ that will keep us rooted in Him. Col 2:6
  1. The Gift of Righteousness. Rom. 5:15 – 19
  • Righteousness is a gift of grace and it is only received by faith not by works nor deeds of law. Jn 20: 22 – 29
  • It is our faith in Christ that gives us the garment of righteousness and justification. Rom 5: 1-2

Therefore, having been justified by faith, [a]we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

  1. His Sacrificial Giving of Grace. 2 Cor 8:9
  • Grace is a generous Giver.2 Cor 8:9
  • Sacrificial giving is essential to the nature and character of Jesus. Mk 10:45
  • God wants the same attitude among believers as evidence of His grace working within us. Jn 13:4-7, 13 17
  1. The Grace of New Creation. 2 Cor 5: 17
  2. The grace of new creation in the righteousness of God must be seen in the life of all believers in Christ anywhere and anytime. Matt 7:16-20, Gal 3:27-29, 2 Cor 5:16-17
  3. The Discovery Will Give Us Recovery.
  • As we have discovered the grace by Paul’s epistles, let us begin to live it, walk it, share it and enjoy it. Acts 17:28
  • Not like the Athenian people that believe and sacrificed to the unknown God. 2 Tim. 1:12

12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless, I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

 

  1. Does Grace Lower the Standard of God? 6:1
  • The grace of God does not lower the standard of His Word, but it sustains it. Matt 5:22-28
  • What Christ condemned in Matt 5:22-28 is not a sudden thought which Satan may place in a person’s mind or an improper desire that arises suddenly, rather it is a wrong thought that arises or desires that is accompanied with the approval of our will. Pro 4:23‘Keep your heart with all diligence,
    For out of it spring the issues of life’.    (You cannot act what you don’t think)
  1. Grace Is Not Liberty to Sin. Rom 6:1-2, 14
  2. Grace Is to Fulfil the Law of God.Matt 5:17-20
  • Law demands us to be holy and do what the law has said. (Law is a demander)
  • But grace empowers and helps us to live holy and righteously. (Grace is a Helper. Zech 4:6, Jn 14:26)
  1. Let Us Hear from The Mouth of Grace.
  • The teaching of grace Himself.
  • Grace is a good teacher that believers must listen to if truly they want to walk and live to please God.
  • 2:11-1411 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
  1. Teaching believers to completely reject ungodly passions (evil). 1 Thess. 5:22
  2. Reject all abominations.1 Jn 2:15-17, 2 Tim. 2:22 ‘Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart’.
  • Commanding us and empowering us to live soberly and righteously. V13

 

  1. Can Believers’ Sin?
  • Believers’ must always be aware that flesh or sinful nature is a constant threat in their lives, and they must always be put to death through the Holy Spirit and the Word who dwells in them. Rom 8:13, Gal. 5:16-23, Col. 3:16, Col. 3:5-65 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience’. Ps 119:11 ‘Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You’.
  • But if believer fall into sin, he/she must admit the sin and seek for forgiveness and cleansing from God.                 1 Jn 1:8-9, (2:1-2
  1. Forgiveness and reconciliation are with God. Ps 51:4
  2. Remove the guilt and destruction of the power of sin in order to live a holy life. 32: 1- 5, Pro.28:13 (Lk 15:18 – The prodigal Son)
  • Run to God with genuine repentance.
  • Rom 5:8– God of grace still loves us in sin and leaves room for repentance. All he wants is for us not to continue in that Sin and to live righteously in him. Lk 15:17-24, Jer. 3:12 12 Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say:‘Return, backsliding Israel,’ says the Lord;‘I will not cause My anger to fall on you.For I am merciful,’ says the Lord;‘I will not remain angry forever.

 

  1. Serving by Grace.1 Pt 4:7-11
  • Grace allows God’s love to reach to us even the mostfeeble therefore through our service by grace we must reach people around/far with His grace of service.Mk 16:15-16
  1. The Rivers of Grace. Jn7:37-38
  • When the rivers of the grace of the Holy Spirit flows into the life of believers, it equips him/her for the works of the ministry through the anointing of grace.
  • The second name for anointing is grace
  • Anointing is the grace to do what your natural ability/ power cannot do through supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. 4:6, Isa. 10:27, Acts 1:8
  • An anointed person is standing in the position of God to do what God can do. Acts 10:3838 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. (Acts 19:11-12 – Paul’s apron)
  • Though not all supernatural are divine. Exo 7:11
  1. Paul Served by The Grace ofGod in Him.
  • He used the grace of God in him, even above other apostles in the early Church. 1 Cor 15:9-1038 
  1. He laid the foundation of the truth of the Gospel to be built upon. 1 Cor. 3:10
  2. He established churches by the service of grace in preaching the gospel of salvation. 1 Cor. 15:9-10
  • He wrote many epistles to edify and to root believers in faith and grace of God. Rom 1:13 (13 of the 21 epistles in NT were written by Paul)
  1. He edified believers and grounded them in Christ through his teaching by his service of grace. 3:17‘that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love’.
  2. He made himself a role model to follow. 1 Cor. 11:1, Phil 4:9
  3. What a great legacy he put in place for his followers including you and me.
  4. Grace is a lifter. Jn 12:32
  • How do you serve by your given grace? 1 Cor 4:7‘For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
  • Many are operating the grace as if it is not freely given. Matt 10:8
  1. Jesus the great Lifter
  • Jesus is saying to believers, I am the grace that lifts people up to Myself in Salvation, Redemption that brings eternal life to many by lifting them from deadness of their sins to eternal life to Himself. 12:32 ‘And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”
  1. Your gift is not for you but for others.
  • That is why it must be shared to them. 1 Pt 4:1010 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
  • We must share what we get by grace with others through the service of grace. Rom 12:5-9
  • The position of David was by grace. 1 Sam. 13:14, 16:1
  • David lifted Mephibosheth up from Lo-debar to the Palace – limelight, glory and enjoyment by the grace he received. 2 Sam 9
  • How many people have you lifted or promoted through the grace of your position in life? 11:26, Jn. 3:27
  • (Ref: my former manager in Nigeria Airways those days)

 

  1. What Grace Is:
  • Your gift of grace is not yours but to be used to serve people around you in meeting their needs.
  1. To serve in love. 13:4-7, 12 -17
  2. To help and assist one another in their situation
  • To share both spiritual and material blessings among ourselves. Acts 11:27-30, Acts 4:34-38
  1. What Grace Must Not Do:
  • Service by grace must not:
  1. Rom. 12:19‘Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord’.
  2. Oppress or suppress.
  • Grace gifts liberty. For others to serve by grace, it does not quench the gift of others. 8:36
  • Curse but bless. 12:14 ‘Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse’.
  1. Deny others their right. 22:21
  2. Grace Is A Builder/ Mentor
  3. Jesus built His disciples to maturity before He left them.
  4. Paul built and mentored Timothy to be a successful minister
  • Elijah built and mentored Elisha to greatness as his successor. 2 Kg 2: 12-14
  1. Awolowo built and mentored Ajasin, Jakandeetc to be great politicians
  2. How many people have you lifted in the ministry through your gift of position of grace?
  • Are you a lifter or do you demote? Check your past and present service of grace.
  1. Grace forgives and reconciles. Rom 12:19
  • Joseph forgave his brothers, comforted and nourished them. Gen. 50:15-21(21Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spokekindly to them.)

Release mercy to those you are harbouring grudge against in the ministry or your office. Matt 5:1

Eg.David to Saul.1 Sam. 26:8-9

  1. Your service by grace produces legacy.
  2. Legacy of love by good service.
  3. Legacy of tenderness of heart to forgive and reconcile
  • Legacy of sharing and not hoarding. Pro 11:26
  1. Legacy of love and easy forgiveness. 1 Pt 4:8
  2. Legacy of intercession/ prayer. 3:14-21
  3. Legacy of help of mercy. 5:7
  • Legacy of encouragement. 1 Thess. 5:11
  • What can people say about you and me in our service by grace? 2 Cor. 13:5

 

  • What are the fruits of the tree of grace in you/ me bearing / bringing forth? Matt 7:20 – By their fruits you shall be known.
  • May the Lord help us to meet HIS expectation through His grace in us in Jesus name.

Shalom!