DIVINE GRACE

Title: DIVINE GRACE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 2:8
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

Supporting Texts: Romans 5:20, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Titus 2:11-12, 2 Peter 3:18, Hebrews 4:16

INTRODUCTION:
Divine grace is one of the most profound expressions of God's love and mercy. It is unmerited favor, the enabling power of God that allows believers to do what they cannot do in their own strength. Grace is not earned; it is a gift given freely by God. Through divine grace, believers are saved, empowered, and sustained. Grace elevates us from weakness to strength, from failure to victory, and from sin to righteousness. It is by grace that we live, move, and have our being in Christ Jesus.

1. THE NATURE OF DIVINE GRACE

a) Unmerited Favor:
Divine grace is given not because of any merit on our part but purely out of God's goodness and mercy (Romans 5:20).

b) A Gift from God:
Grace is not something we can earn or deserve. It is a free gift given by God to all who believe in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8).

c) Transformational Power:
Grace has the power to transform us, enabling us to live the life that God intends for us. It works in us to change our desires and actions (Titus 2:11-12).

d) God’s Ever-Present Help:
Grace is the help that God gives us in every circumstance of life. It is His continual support and strength that sustains us in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9).

e) Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul experienced God’s grace when he prayed for deliverance from a thorn in the flesh and was told, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).

2. THE ROLE OF DIVINE GRACE IN SALVATION

a) Grace and Salvation Are Inseparable:
Salvation is a gift from God, not the result of our works or efforts. It is by grace through faith that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8).

b) Grace Brings Redemption:
Through the grace of God, we are redeemed from the penalty of sin and reconciled to God through the death of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:20).

c) Grace Brings Justification:
We are justified freely by God’s grace, meaning that we are declared righteous in His sight, not based on our works, but on Christ's sacrifice (Romans 3:24).

d) Grace Opens the Door to Eternal Life:
It is through grace that we are able to enter into the gift of eternal life and have a relationship with God forever (Titus 2:11).

e) Biblical Example: The thief on the cross experienced God's grace when Jesus assured him, "Today, you will be with Me in paradise" (Luke 23:43).

3. THE FUNCTIONS OF DIVINE GRACE IN A BELIEVER'S LIFE

a) Empowerment for Service:
Grace empowers believers to serve God and others effectively. It is through grace that we receive the spiritual gifts necessary to fulfill our calling (Romans 12:6-8).

b) Strength in Weakness:
When we are weak, God’s grace is sufficient to strengthen us. It is His grace that gives us the ability to endure hardship and overcome trials (2 Corinthians 12:9).

c) Sustenance in Trials:
Grace carries us through the challenges and trials of life, providing the strength and peace we need to persevere (2 Corinthians 12:9).

d) Grace for Sanctification:
Grace trains us to live godly lives, teaching us to renounce sin and pursue holiness (Titus 2:11-12).

e) Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul, despite his many sufferings, relied on God’s grace for endurance and perseverance (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).

4. THE EXUBERANCE OF DIVINE GRACE IN OUR LIVES

a) Overflowing Grace:
God’s grace overflows in our lives, more than sufficient for every need. His grace never runs out and is always available to those who seek it (Romans 5:20).

b) Grace in the Time of Need:
God's grace is always available to help us in our moments of greatest need. It meets us where we are, offering His provision in every circumstance (Hebrews 4:16).

c) Abundant Grace:
God gives abundant grace to believers, ensuring that they never lack what they need to live victoriously in Christ (Romans 5:17).

d) Grace for Favor and Blessing:
Through grace, believers experience favor, blessing, and divine opportunities that they could not have achieved on their own (2 Corinthians 9:8).

e) Biblical Example: Joseph experienced God’s overflowing grace, which brought him favor in the sight of Pharaoh, leading to his promotion (Genesis 41:46-47).

5. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF RECEIVING DIVINE GRACE

a) Grace Calls for Gratitude:
Because grace is a free gift, we are called to respond with gratitude, using our lives to glorify God (Romans 12:1).

b) Grace Demands a Response of Obedience:
The grace we receive should lead us to live in obedience to God’s commands, not as a means to earn favor but as an expression of our love for Him (Titus 2:12).

c) Grace Leads to Generosity:
The grace we receive should overflow into our actions, especially in generosity towards others, sharing God's blessings with those in need (2 Corinthians 9:8).

d) Grace Requires Humility:
Those who have received grace must walk in humility, knowing that it is not by our own strength but by God's grace that we stand (James 4:6).

e) Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul, despite receiving abundant grace, continued to live humbly, never boasting in his own strength but in the grace of God (1 Corinthians 15:10).

CONCLUSION:
Divine grace is the unmerited favor of God that transforms lives, empowers believers, and ensures their eternal salvation. It is not something we can earn but a gift that changes everything. God’s grace is sufficient for every situation and need in life. As we continue to walk in the grace of God, let us live in gratitude, obedience, and humility, knowing that it is by His grace that we are sustained and empowered to fulfill His purpose in our lives.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, I thank You for the grace You have lavished upon my life.

2. I receive Your grace today to live a victorious life in Christ.

3. Father, help me to walk in obedience to Your Word by Your grace.

4. I pray for an outpouring of Your grace to strengthen me in times of weakness.

5. Lord, let Your grace overflow in my life, bringing favor and blessing.

6. Help me to live in humility, acknowledging that it is only by Your grace that I stand.

7. I ask for the grace to serve You wholeheartedly and use my gifts for Your glory.

8. Lord, empower me with grace to endure trials and come out victorious.

9. May Your grace teach me to live a godly life, turning away from sin and pursuing holiness.

10. I declare that the grace of God will continue to abound in my life, leading me to greater heights in Your purpose.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. The grace of God is sufficient for every challenge you face.

2. You are walking in divine favor, and God's grace is opening doors for you.

3. The grace of God will empower you to fulfill your divine purpose without limitations.

4. As you humble yourself, God's grace will elevate you to new heights of blessing and favor.

5. You will experience an overflow of grace that will take you beyond your limits.

6. The grace of God will give you strength to endure every trial and come out victorious.

7. God’s grace will lead you to places of promotion, favor, and opportunity.

8. You will receive grace for divine wisdom and insight in every situation you face.

9. The grace of God will sustain you, and you will never fall short of His provision.

10. You are entering a season of abundant grace that will transform your life completely.