CONFIDENCE IN GOD'S GRACE

CONFIDENCE IN GOD'S GRACE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 1:12

Key Verse: “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.” — 2 Corinthians 1:12

Supporting Texts: Romans 5:1-2; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 4:16; Titus 2:11-12; 1 Peter 5:10; Philippians 1:6; 2 Timothy 1:9; Jude 24; Psalm 84:11

Description: Confidence in God's grace means trusting in His unmerited favour, sufficient strength, forgiveness, sustaining power, and faithful work in our lives rather than depending on human ability, merit, or wisdom.

INTRODUCTION

Grace is God's unmerited favour freely given to humanity through Jesus Christ. It is His loving kindness that saves us, forgives us, strengthens us, sustains us, and enables us to fulfil His purpose. Grace is not a reward for human achievement; it is a gift received through faith.

Paul declared that his rejoicing was the testimony of his conscience. He did not depend on fleshly wisdom or human manipulation, but on the grace of God. His ministry and conduct were sustained by God's favour and power. In a world where people often depend on influence, wealth, intelligence, connections, or personal strength, believers are called to place their confidence in God's grace.

Confidence in grace does not encourage carelessness or disobedience. Rather, it produces humility, courage, holiness, perseverance, and gratitude. When we trust God's grace, we understand that our salvation is secure in Christ, our weaknesses can be strengthened, our failures can be forgiven, and our future is held in God's faithful hands. A person may lack human resources, recognition, or support, but the grace of God is sufficient for every season.

1. UNDERSTAND THE VALUE OF GOD'S GRACE

God's grace is precious because it is the foundation of our salvation, relationship with God, and hope for the future.

a. Grace Brings Salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9) — We are saved by grace through faith, not by our works. This removes boasting and directs all glory to God.

b. Grace Gives Access To God (Romans 5:1-2) — Through faith in Christ, we have peace with God and access into His grace. We do not approach Him through human merit but through Christ.

c. Grace Sustains Us In Weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) — God's grace is sufficient, and His strength is made perfect in weakness. Our limitations do not prevent God from working through us.

d. Grace Gives Hope For The Future (1 Peter 5:10) — The God of all grace restores, establishes, strengthens, and settles His people after seasons of suffering.

Biblical Example: Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord and was preserved with his household during the flood. His deliverance demonstrated God's favour and mercy (Genesis 6:8-9, 17-18).

2. TRUST GRACE RATHER THAN HUMAN STRENGTH

Confidence in God's grace requires us to stop depending entirely on our abilities, resources, and wisdom.

a. Do Not Depend On Your Own Understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6) — We are called to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and acknowledge Him in every area of life.

b. God's Power Works Through Weakness (2 Corinthians 4:7) — We have this treasure in earthen vessels so that the excellence of the power may be seen to belong to God and not to us.

c. Grace Is Greater Than Human Limitation (1 Corinthians 15:10) — Paul acknowledged that he laboured, yet he recognised that God's grace working in him made his labour fruitful.

d. God Gives Strength For Every Assignment (Philippians 4:13) — Through Christ, believers receive strength to face every circumstance according to God's will.

Biblical Example: Gideon felt weak and insignificant, but God's grace enabled him to lead Israel to victory. The triumph revealed God's power rather than human strength (Judges 6:14-16; 7:2-7).

3. APPROACH GOD WITH CONFIDENCE

Grace gives believers boldness to come before God for mercy, help, and fellowship.

a. Come Boldly To The Throne Of Grace (Hebrews 4:16) — Because Jesus is our great High Priest, we can approach God with confidence to receive mercy and find grace for timely help.

b. Receive Forgiveness Through Christ (1 John 1:9) — When we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

c. Do Not Hide In Shame (Romans 8:1) — There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Grace restores our relationship with God and frees us from destructive guilt.

d. Trust God's Compassion (Psalm 103:8-12) — The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness. His mercy is greater than our failures.

Biblical Example: The prodigal son returned to his father in repentance and was received with compassion, restoration, and celebration. His return illustrates the welcoming grace of God (Luke 15:17-24).

4. LET GRACE TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE

Grace does not merely pardon us; it teaches and empowers us to live in a way that pleases God.

a. Grace Teaches Holiness (Titus 2:11-12) — The grace of God teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live soberly, righteously, and godly.

b. Grace Produces Humility (1 Corinthians 4:7) — Since everything we have is received from God, there is no room for pride or self-glory.

c. Grace Enables Obedience (Ezekiel 36:26-27) — God gives His people a new heart and His Spirit to help them walk in His ways.

d. Grace Produces Good Works (Ephesians 2:10) — We are saved by grace for good works that God has prepared for us to fulfil.

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus experienced the grace of Jesus, and his encounter produced repentance, restitution, generosity, and a transformed way of life (Luke 19:1-10).

5. REMAIN CONFIDENT IN GRACE DURING TRIALS

God's grace is especially evident when believers face suffering, uncertainty, opposition, or weakness.

a. Grace Is Available In Difficult Seasons (Hebrews 4:16) — God provides timely help when we are overwhelmed or unable to handle circumstances by ourselves.

b. Trials Do Not Cancel God's Faithfulness (Romans 8:28) — God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

c. Grace Gives Strength To Persevere (James 1:2-4) — God can use trials to develop patience, maturity, and spiritual completeness.

d. God Will Not Abandon His People (Deuteronomy 31:8) — The Lord goes before His people, remains with them, and does not forsake them.

Biblical Example: Paul endured imprisonment, persecution, rejection, and hardship, yet God's grace enabled him to continue preaching and serving faithfully (2 Corinthians 11:23-28; 2 Timothy 4:17).

6. EXTEND GRACE TO OTHERS

Those who have received God's grace must also show mercy, patience, forgiveness, and kindness to others.

a. Forgive As You Have Been Forgiven (Ephesians 4:32) — Believers are called to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving because God has forgiven them in Christ.

b. Avoid Judging Hypocritically (Matthew 7:1-5) — We must examine our own lives humbly before attempting to correct others.

c. Restore The Fallen Gently (Galatians 6:1) — Spiritual people should restore those who fall with meekness, remembering their own vulnerability.

d. Speak Words That Build Others (Ephesians 4:29) — Our words should minister grace to those who hear us and strengthen rather than destroy.

Biblical Example: Joseph extended grace to his brothers despite their betrayal. He chose forgiveness and recognised God's providence in the painful events of his life (Genesis 50:15-21).

CONCLUSION

Confidence in God's grace means trusting His unmerited favour, sustaining power, forgiveness, and faithfulness in every area of life. Paul rejoiced in the testimony of his conscience because his conduct and ministry were marked by dependence upon God's grace rather than fleshly wisdom. His example reminds us that Christian strength and effectiveness come from God.

You may feel unworthy, weak, inadequate, or overwhelmed, but God's grace is sufficient for you. Do not place your confidence in human ability, worldly approval, or personal achievement. Trust the grace that saved you, the grace that sustains you, and the grace that will complete God's work in your life. As you depend on God's grace, you will receive strength to overcome trials, courage to obey, humility to serve, and power to reflect the character of Christ.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me to place my confidence completely in Your grace and not in my own strength, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, let Your grace save, forgive, restore, and establish me in every area of my life, in Jesus name.

3. Father, give me strength whenever I feel weak, inadequate, or overwhelmed, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, deliver me from pride, self-reliance, and dependence on human wisdom, in Jesus name.

5. Father, let Your grace teach me to live a holy, disciplined, and God-honouring life, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, give me boldness to approach Your throne for mercy and timely help, in Jesus name.

7. Father, sustain me through every trial, temptation, and difficult season, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, help me to extend forgiveness, mercy, patience, and kindness to those around me, in Jesus name.

9. Father, let Your grace restore every area of my life that has been damaged by sin, failure, or discouragement, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, complete the good work You have begun in me and let my life continually glorify Your name, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall receive abundant grace to fulfil God's purpose for your life.

2. Every burden of condemnation, shame, and unworthiness shall be lifted from your life.

3. God's strength shall be made perfect in your weakness, and you shall not be defeated by your limitations.

4. You shall not depend on human wisdom or fleshly strength; the grace of God shall sustain you.

5. In every trial and difficult season, you shall receive timely help from the throne of grace.

6. The grace of God shall transform your character, strengthen your faith, and establish your steps in righteousness.

7. Every power seeking to frustrate God's purpose for your life shall be overcome by divine grace.

8. The Lord shall restore every area of your life affected by failure, loss, or discouragement.

9. You shall extend mercy and forgiveness to others because you have received abundant grace from God.

10. From this day forward, you shall walk confidently in God's grace, reflect the character of Christ, and continually bring honour to the name of the Lord.