Faith and GOD’S Grace
(study – 11)
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We are commanded to grow in grace
We are commanded to grow in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ…
An unbeliever can never grow – because he is “dead in trespasses and sins”
A believer is the only one that can grow in grace – but there are certain hindrances.
A believer can grow ! – but if they are out of fellowship (communion) they will not grow,
– if living under legalism (or under law) will not grow,
– if living by means of emotions or feelings will not grow, grow.
A believer can grow ! – but will not grow by self-effort or relying on experiences.
A believer can only grow – if they remain in Christ – i.e. by grace
A believer can only grow – if they live in spirit and truth – i.e by grace
Growth is not to do with the passage of years as a believer – it depends on grace
Growth is not to do with being a good (or bad Christian) – it depends on grace
Growth will not take place just due to much learning or much prayer – its all grace
Growth will not take place just because you witness about the Lord – its all grace
Growth will not take place just because of your are generous of spirit,
Growth will not take place just because you try to do your best each day,
Growth will not take place just because you spent your lifetime learning scripture,
You won’t grow – just because you sing in the choir or teach Sunday school.
You won’t grow – just because you are in a ministry or attend a seminary.
Growth takes place first and last and only – by God’s grace
It is by grace that we are saved in the first place – which is all of God
It is by grace that we grow throughout our Christian life – and it’s all of God
It is by grace that we live and by grace that we die -it all depends of God
It is by grace that we live and move and have out being – it’s all God’s grace
Chester McCalley rightly reminds us that:-
“No believer will ever grow without knowledge of the Word” – 1 Peter 2:2
But Knowledge of the Word alone – is not enough for a believer to grow
Knowledge of the Word – must be mixed – with a right response to God
And a right response to God is to receive a knowledge of the Word – by faith
A right response to God is to trust in His Word –and it’s done – by faith
– as Hebrews 4 clearly demonstrates –
- where Israel’s lack used as an example for our learning :-
Israel had knowledge of God’s Word but Israel did not respond rightly to God
Israel responded to their given Knowledge of God’s Word – with a lack of faith
– so Israel didn’t Grow – Israel didn’t mature – for lack of faith in God’s Word
In Hebrews 4 we are given a warning – against Spiritual Immaturity
In Hebrews 4 we are given a warning – against Lack Of Growth
In Hebrews 4 we are given a warning – against A Wrong Response to God’s Word
– for God’s Word must be received by faith
In Hebrews 4 we read:-
Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest,
-let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.
Short of what?
Well – like us, Israel were given knowledge (of God’s Word –
Israel were given a promise – Israel heard the gospel:-
For indeed the gospel was preached to us (Christians)
as well as to them (Israel) ……..
Oh yes – we read in Hebrews 4 the gospel we have was preached to Israel too!
Then comes that little word ‘but…’ ‘But..’ ‘BUT….’ Which points to a warning…
BUT the word which they heard
(the knowledge they received –the good news they were given)
did not profit them, (it did not do Israel any good)
WHY?….
not being mixed with faith
(that is not Trusting in Gods Word –
not having FAITH in what God told them thru His Word
not being mixed with faith – in those who heard [it].
So Israel lost out at that time – because of a wrong response to God’s Word..
Israel lost out – because they did not mix their knowledge of His Word with faith
The same warning is given to us about having a wrong response to God’s Word
We are commanded to grow in grace
We are instructed to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
But Growth will not take place just because of acquired knowledge – its all grace
Growth with never take place for any other reason – except grace
It is by grace that we are saved in the first place – which is all of God
It is by grace that we grow in our Christian life – and it’s all of God
It is by grace that we live and by grace that we die – and it’s all of God
Knowledge must be mixed with a right response to God – i.e. faith
For by grace you have been saved
For by grace you have been saved through faith,
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves;
For by Grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves;
-it is the gift of God, lest any man should boast
Any attempt to meet God other than on His terms is doomed to Failure
We will not grow in grace and in the Knowledge of the Lord Jesus – without grace
Sadly the majority of believers who love the Lord – do not know or understand this
Regrettably most believers who love and serve the Lord – have not been taught this
When my son was about the age of 21 years old – I asked him this question …
How do You want me to pray for you ?‘
He replied, “Mum pray that I may grow in grace
That I may grow in the knowledge and love of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
This I would suggest is not the normal response of a young person!
But from that day to this – that is the pray that I prayer for him and for all I love
And there is nothing more vital to a believer than to understand God’s Grace.
May you grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of our Lord Jesus Christ,
May you come to an understanding that it’s ALL about His Grace,
– that it is all of Him and nothing of me.
If there is one thing that I urge you to seek.. it’s an understanding of his Grace
God’s amazing grace
Which is sufficient
For behind all suffering is a divine Purpose to show that “My Grace Is Sufficient..”
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- Faith and GOD’S Grace - part 11
- Full Study Index for ‘A Study on GROWING in GRACE’
- A Study : GROWING in GRACE
Elizabeth Haworth
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