How can GraceLife bring out vessels of honor? How can gracelife benefit a church, even a broken church?
Last week we saw that Grace accomplishes what God delights in. Grace takes a sinner, a wretch and brings Him into the mercy and loving kindness of God through Jesus Christ. Then Grace takes that sinner and puts Him in right relatonship with God, and enables God’s Justice and Truth to dwell in his heart and his life, and transform that wretched sinner into a vessel of Honor that God can dwell in and use to accomplish His Kingdom will on earth.
As Paul described Grace, it is an active force that does not leave the born again saint alone.
Grace is an active force that never, never leaves you the same! Grace is the very hand of God nudging you to do His good pleasure.
Paul defined active grace:
Phil 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
"Our will does nothing thereunto without grace; but grace is inactive without our will" [ST. BERNARD]. Man is, in different senses, entirely active, and entirely passive: God producing all, and we acting all. What He produced is our own acts. It is not that God does some, and we the rest. God does all, and we do all. "FOR His good pleasure"; in order to carry out His sovereign gracious purpose towards you Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,.
What is Grace and What does it do?
Jeremiah 9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
Since Grace accomplishes the pleasure of God, and the pleasure of God is in working lovingkindness, justice and righteousness, we can rest assured that God’s Grace works in our lives to accomplish what God takes pleasure in. So let’s build a profile of GraceLife, and see where we individually and corporately might be resisting God’s Grace.
GRACE ACCOMPLISHES GOD’S MERCY AND STEADFAST LOVE (HESED)
Brings Men to repentance
Zechariah 12:10
Imparts Faith to Believe
Acts 18:27:
Brings Salvation to Sinful Man
Titus 2:11, Ephesians 2:8-9 WE ARE SAINTS (63 tines)
Gives us all Christ’s riches and full acceptance.
2 Corinthians 8:9, Ephesians 1:6-7
Gives Good Things
Psalm 84:11
Increases Thanksgiving
2 Corinthians 4:15
Brings Abundance of faith and love
1 Timothy 1:14
GRACE ACCOMPLISHES GOD’S DESIGN OF JUSTICE IN OUR LIVES (MISHPAT).
Made a Partaker of Christ
1 Corinthians 10:30, 1 Corinthians 1:30-31
Justified
Titus 3:7, Romans 3:24
Overcome Sin
Romans 5:20-21
Gives strength and growth
2 Timothy 2:1, Acts 20:32, Luke 2:40.
Help in times of need
Hebrews 4:16
Provides Stability
Hebrews 13:9
Inspires Singing
Colossians 3:16
GRACE ACCOMPLISHES THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST IN US. (TSEDAQAH)
Grace Gives allows us to share in the Victory of Jesus Christ!
Changes Lives
1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon 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.
Gives Power
1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Gives Endurance
2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Seasons our speech
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Means of Acceptable Behavior in the World
2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
Teaches
Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Gives aid in suffering
Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
Hebrews 4:15-16 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Renders true service
Hebrews 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
Brings Hope
2 Thessalonians 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
Visible
Acts 11:23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
Has nothing to do with works
Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Gives power to witness
Acts 4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
Gives us the Reigning Righteousness of Jesus
Romans 5:17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.
So Here is the GraceLife PROFILE
GROWING EXPERIENCE OF GOD’S MERCY AND STEADFAST LOVE SUCH THAT:
lives that are sensitive to sin, quick to repent,
growing in faith to believe God
being saved from this evil world
know their acceptance to God is in Christ and not in their works
growing in riches from Christ
receiving good things from God
always thankful, never complaining
overflowing with faith and love enough to touch others.
GROWING EXPERIENCE OF GOD’S JUSTICE SUCH THAT:
Christ’s character become your character (partaker)
New identity in the justification that is in Christ
Growing power to overcome sin (freedom from destructive habits)
Growing strength of Spirit and meat of the Word (builds us up)
Ready access to God’s power and grace in times of need.
Stable walk and life.
Singing in your heart, regardless of the circumstances.
GROWING EXPERIENCE OF THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST
Life is continually changing and becoming like Christ
Growing power in service
Endurance in the face of trials
Speech that is seasoned by grace
Behavior that is acceptable to the world
Testimony that teaches others
Ready aid in times of struggle and temptation
Service to God that is acceptable and reverent
Full of Hope no matter how dark
Grace of God is visible to those around us.
No confidence in our fleshly works.
Power to witness
Righteousness of Christ reigns in our Life
GOD’S PROMISE TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE
Romans 5:17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.
When the mercy, justice and righteousness of God and Jesus Christ is actively working in a body of believer’s, you have GraceLife!
1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.
What Works Must I do to Enjoy the Victory of GraceLife?
1. GraceLife requires Commitment
• Acts 13:43 And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.
2. GraceLife Requires Need
• Philippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—
• Hebrews 4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
3. GraceLife Requires a Change in Attitude toward Works
Faith without works is dead, but works apart from a life in Jesus Christ are dead.
We minister not to be approved, we minister because Christ leads us… “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, my servant also will be” (John 12:26)
• Romans 11:66 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
• Galatians 2:21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
• Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
• Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
• Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
• Galatians 5:44 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.
Works of Christ will never make you proud of your efforts, they will serve to build humility in your life, for that was the mind of Christ. He served not for glory, but from genuine love for us.
4. GraceLife Requires a Change in Your Wardrobe
• 1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
• James 4:6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
• Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
5. GraceLife Requires Thanksgiving
• 2 Corinthians 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
• Hebrews 12:15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;
THANKSGIVING IS THE KEY TO VICTORY
Realize your very life is now by Grace
• 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
Set a Guard upon your lips
• Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
6. GraceLife Requires the Faith of Jesus
• 1 Timothy 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
• Galatians 2:16-20 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
7. GraceLife Requires Living in the Victory of the Person of Jesus Christ
Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
GRACE THROUGH THE PERSON OF JESUS IS OUR VICTORY
Victory of Righteousness is totally in and through Jesus Christ
Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
The whole problem is that we view victory as something only in the spiritual world, while we are struggling along here on Planet Earth, toiling and sweating as we wrestle and fight against a powerful adversary. To us, victory is something we do not have, something we cannot see, something we are not experiencing, something that we must search for and diligently seek out until we find it.
God does not give us a thing called victory. Instead, He gives us His Son to be our Victory. Christ is Victory. It is not a question of going forth to war in the name of Jesus and claiming the victory in advance. Overcoming is entering into Victory Our victory is bound up in the Lord Himself. It is not a separate grace or gift which He grants to certain ones who learn some principles of spiritual warfare.
• Jesus Christ is the Vctory already won. By His Grace we stand in Him. He is our Victory.
• Victory is not praying more, denying more, trying harder, or anything in the flesh.
• Victory is not a technique or spiritual method of saying this or claiming that.
• You can try all kinds of things to secure “victory” – intercessory prayer, hours of praise and worship, binding and loosing, or special verses cried out.
If they are grasped at with the strength of men, they are all just “things” that we are trying in our flesh. They may make us feel better and may even accomplish something, but our true victory is IN CHRIST!
The one in Christ is seated with Him in the heavenly places. If we see ourselves in Him then we cannot help but understand that since the battle is already won, and Victory is ours, then we do not need a method or a technique designed to "get" a victory which we already possess.
When God is pleased to reveal His Son to us, we will learn that Victory is not a thing, but a Person; that Victory is not an experience, but a Man; that God does not give me a thing called victory, but has given me His Son in the place of victory in order to be my Victory.
Then Victory will never be future-tense and far-away, but Ever Present and Now. For Victory is Christ. And Victory lives within you.
Victory has nothing to do with the devil, and everything to do with Christ. Since most Christians have more faith, assurance and reverence for the devil than they do for the Lord Jesus, it is easy to see why so many are defeated.
TESTIMONY OF CHIP BROGDEN
“God revealed His Son to me only after I had failed as a pastor, when my church was closed, when I had thrown away all my books and tapes and magazines and notes on spiritual warfare and was left with nothing but Christ. I had looked for victory in spiritual warfare by focusing my attention on the devil, but God never taught me anything about spiritual warfare, nor did He reveal anything to me about the devil.”
God did not show me how to be victorious, He merely revealed His Son to me as Victory.
I was sitting in my backyard one morning with my Scripture translations opened to Ephesians and two texts before me. The first was:
"And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all" (Ephesians 1:19-23).
I was thankful for this passage, but it did not register much with me…I did not doubt the Lord Jesus' victory, I doubted MY victory.
So I did not understand the significance of the first passage until I read the second passage before me:
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:6).
A beam of light struck me and the words seemed to leap up from off the page and slap me in the face. I stopped for a moment and read the first passage again, then the second passage. "...He raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named... And raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus."
Together, together, together, together...For the first time in my life, I saw Christ, sitting at God's right hand. And I saw myself seated with Him.
His victory is my victory. TOGETHER we were raised from the dead, TOGETHER we were set at the right hand of God in the heavenlies, TOGETHER we were seated far above ALL principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named! I began to laugh at my own stupidity. What is there left for me to do now that I am far above all these things? What is left for me to fight? I can find nothing to do now except to simply abide in Christ and allow Him to be my Victory, just as I allow Him to be my Salvation.
“I saw Christ on the cross, and me crucified with Him (Galatians 2:20). I saw myself buried with Him by baptism into death (Romans 6:3). I saw myself raised with Him to newness of life (Romans 6:4). I saw myself ascended with Him, and seated with Him in heavenly places.”
I understood that my victory was secured by Christ Himself, and there was nothing left for me to do or to obtain but to receive His finished work and accept His Victory as my victory. As surely as Christ does not struggle with the devil, as certain as His overcoming is, so certain is my overcoming with Him. I thank and praise God that today Christ is Victory.
What is GraceLife?
GraceLife is the Life of Jesus reigning over our life. Our work, play, body, family hopes, dreams desires are all under the direction of Jesus Christ. His life is our life. Our life is His life.
GraceLife begins at the Cross, where we realize our desperate need, and humble ourselves before Holy God.
Grace brings us to the Cross, where our eyes are open to see the overwhelming Love of God for us. This pure love as seen in His Son cuts our hearts open to reveal our sin and our need for a Savior. Grace propels us into the arms of Jesus, where we find forgiveness, sustenance and strength. Salvation is ours, not just for the future, but also for the Now’s of Life.
Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Galatians 3:26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.
GraceLife Contiinues daily at the Cross, where we kneel in humility and submit our flesh, our will , our desires to His direction and Lordship. Daily we put on Jesus Christ.
Once we are placed into Christ, through the Holy Spirit, the Word and relationships, Christ begins to be formed in our character. Our lives are changed by the power of the Word. We become a living testimony to the Victory in Christ. Our want-to’s change. Our character becomes framed and molded by the character of Jesus Christ. We become conformed to His image.
Colossians 1:21-23 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
As we die to self and live in Christ, we experience His Victory of righteousness and blessedness in the midst of trials and tribulations. Our lives become dependent upon His victory. Our weaknesses are made strong in Him. We learn to walk in victory over sin. Our lives become testimonies to those around us of the Grace of God. It is not because of our ability, but by the Grace of God!
Grace is our Victory. Grace is our Righteousness
God gives us His Son to be our Victory. Christ is Victory.
For your Victory is Christ. And Victory lives within you.