RECEIVING THE GRACE OF GOD IN VAIN

RECEIVING THE GRACE OF GOD IN VAIN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 6:1

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 6:1
“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.”

Supporting Texts: Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 2:11-14; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Galatians 2:21; Hebrews 12:15; Philippians 2:12-13; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20

Description: God's grace is freely given but must never be treated carelessly; it should produce faith, obedience, transformation and fruitful service in the life of every believer.

INTRODUCTION

Grace is the undeserved favour of God towards humanity. We are saved by grace through faith, not because of our works or human merit. God has given us what we could never earn through the finished work of Jesus Christ. Grace forgives, restores, empowers and gives us the opportunity to live a new life in Christ.

However, Paul gives a serious warning: “Receive not the grace of God in vain.” To receive God's grace in vain means to receive His grace without allowing it to accomplish its intended purpose in our lives. It is possible to hear the Gospel, profess faith in Christ and enjoy God's blessings while failing to respond to His grace with genuine transformation and obedience.

God's grace is not given merely to make us comfortable; it is given to transform us and empower us for His purpose. Therefore, we must cooperate with God's grace, grow in it, serve faithfully and ensure that the grace we have received produces lasting spiritual fruit.

1. UNDERSTAND THE GREATNESS OF GOD'S GRACE

We cannot properly respond to grace until we understand what God has done for us. Grace is God's unmerited favour, freely given to people who could never earn salvation by their own efforts.

a. We Are Saved by Grace (Ephesians 2:8-9) — Salvation is God's gift and cannot be purchased through human works.

b. Grace Comes Through Christ (John 1:16-17) — The fullness of grace has been revealed through Jesus Christ.

c. Grace Forgives Our Sins (Ephesians 1:7) — Through Christ we have redemption and forgiveness according to God's abundant grace.

d. Grace Gives Us a New Beginning (2 Corinthians 5:17) — God's grace does not merely forgive our past; it establishes us in a new life.

Biblical Example: Paul, who once persecuted the Church, received God's grace and became a powerful apostle of Christ (1 Timothy 1:13-16).

2. DO NOT TREAT GOD'S GRACE AS SOMETHING COMMON

Grace is precious because it cost Christ His life. We must never treat lightly what God has provided through the sacrifice of His Son.

a. Do Not Despise God's Goodness (Romans 2:4) — God's goodness is intended to lead people to repentance.

b. Do Not Turn Grace Into An Excuse for Sin (Romans 6:1-2) — Grace does not give believers permission to continue deliberately in sin.

c. Do Not Frustrate Grace (Galatians 2:21) — We must never live as though Christ's sacrifice were unnecessary.

d. Honour the Sacrifice of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:20) — Since we were bought with a price, our lives should glorify God.

Biblical Example: Esau treated his birthright as something of little value and later regretted his decision (Genesis 25:29-34; Hebrews 12:16-17).

3. GOD'S GRACE SHOULD PRODUCE TRANSFORMATION

Grace is not merely a doctrine we confess; it is a divine influence that changes the life of the person who receives it.

a. Grace Teaches Us to Deny Ungodliness (Titus 2:11-12) — God's grace trains believers to reject sinful living.

b. Grace Produces a New Lifestyle (Ephesians 4:22-24) — Those who have received Christ must put off the old nature and live according to the new.

c. Grace Produces Spiritual Fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) — The work of God's Spirit should become evident in our character.

d. Grace Leads to Holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16) — God's grace calls us into a life that reflects His holiness.

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus demonstrated genuine transformation after encountering Jesus by changing his attitude towards possessions and making restitution (Luke 19:1-10).

4. GRACE MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY OBEDIENCE

Grace does not cancel our responsibility to obey God. Instead, grace gives us the ability and desire to follow God's will.

a. Obey God's Word (James 1:22) — Hearing the Word without doing it produces no lasting spiritual benefit.

b. Follow Christ's Commands (John 14:15) — Love for Christ is demonstrated through obedience.

c. Walk in the Light (1 John 1:7) — Those who fellowship with God should walk according to His truth.

d. Submit to God's Will (Romans 12:1-2) — Grace should lead us to surrender our lives to God.

Biblical Example: Noah responded to God's grace and instruction by obeying God's command to build the ark (Genesis 6:8, 22).

5. GRACE MUST PRODUCE FRUITFUL SERVICE

God's grace is not only for our benefit; it equips us to serve others and fulfil our divine assignment. Grace received should become grace expressed.

a. Grace Gives Us Spiritual Gifts (Romans 12:6) — God gives different gifts according to His grace.

b. Grace Enables Ministry (Ephesians 3:7) — Paul described his ministry as a gift of God's grace.

c. Serve Others With Your Gifts (1 Peter 4:10) — Every believer should use God's grace to bless others.

d. Labour According to Grace (1 Corinthians 15:10) — God's grace should produce diligent and fruitful labour.

Biblical Example: Paul acknowledged that God's grace enabled him to labour abundantly in the ministry (1 Corinthians 15:10).

6. DO NOT ALLOW SIN TO NULLIFY THE PURPOSE OF GRACE

Although grace is abundant, believers must not deliberately choose a lifestyle that contradicts the grace they have received. Sin can hinder spiritual growth and make God's gracious work ineffective in practical experience.

a. Put Sin to Death (Romans 8:13) — Through the Spirit, believers must continually reject sinful practices.

b. Resist Temptation (James 4:7) — We must submit ourselves to God and resist the devil.

c. Keep Your Heart From Hardening (Hebrews 3:12–13) — Persistent unbelief and sin can harden the heart.

d. Pursue Righteousness (1 Timothy 6:11) — We are called to actively pursue godliness, faith, love and holiness.

Biblical Example: Samson repeatedly ignored God's warnings and compromised his consecration, eventually suffering devastating consequences (Judges 16:17-21).

7. COOPERATE WITH THE GRACE OF GOD

Paul described himself as a “worker together” with God. God's grace does not make us passive; it enables us to cooperate with Him in fulfilling His purposes.

a. Work Out Your Salvation (Philippians 2:12-13) — We must respond actively to God's work in us.

b. Grow in Grace (2 Peter 3:18) — Spiritual growth should continue throughout our Christian journey.

c. Depend on God's Strength (2 Corinthians 12:9) — God's grace provides strength when human strength is insufficient.

d. Remain Available to God (Isaiah 6:8) — We should willingly make ourselves available for God's purposes.

Biblical Example: Mary responded to God's call with humble submission, saying, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord” (Luke 1:38).

8. MAKE YOUR LIFE A FRUITFUL RESPONSE TO GRACE

The ultimate evidence that we have received God's grace is not merely what we say but what His grace produces in our lives. Our lives should demonstrate that God's grace has not been received in vain.

a. Bear Much Fruit (John 15:5) — Remaining in Christ should produce spiritual fruit.

b. Let Your Light Shine (Matthew 5:16) — Our transformed lives should point others towards God.

c. Be Zealous for Good Works (Titus 2:14) — Christ redeemed us so that we would become zealous for good works.

d. Finish Your Assignment (Acts 20:24) — We should faithfully complete the work God has entrusted to us.

Biblical Example: Dorcas used her life and resources to serve others, and her good works became a testimony in the early Church (Acts 9:36-39).

CONCLUSION

God's grace is one of the greatest gifts humanity has ever received. Through Christ, we have received forgiveness, salvation, restoration, empowerment and a new identity. But Paul warns us not to receive this grace in vain. Grace must not remain merely a confession on our lips; it must become a transforming power in our lives.

Therefore, let us respond to God's grace with faith, obedience, holiness and faithful service. Let the grace we have received produce visible fruit in our character, relationships, ministry and daily walk with God. May nobody look at our lives and conclude that God's grace was wasted upon us.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for the grace You have freely given me through Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me never to receive Your grace in vain, in Jesus name.

3. Father, let Your grace transform every area of my life, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, give me grace to live in obedience to Your Word, in Jesus name.

5. Father, deliver me from every habit that can frustrate the purpose of Your grace in my life, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, let Your grace empower me to serve You faithfully, in Jesus name.

7. Father, cause my life to produce abundant spiritual fruit, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, strengthen me to overcome every temptation and remain faithful to You, in Jesus name.

9. Father, help me to grow continually in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let the grace upon my life fulfil its divine purpose and make my life fruitful, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall not receive the grace of God in vain.

2. The grace of God upon your life shall produce genuine transformation.

3. You shall grow continually in grace and in the knowledge of Christ.

4. You shall overcome every temptation that seeks to pull you away from God's purpose.

5. You shall walk in obedience, holiness and righteousness.

6. The grace of God shall empower you to fulfil your divine assignment.

7. Your life shall produce abundant spiritual fruit.

8. You shall not frustrate the grace of God upon your life.

9. You shall become a blessing to many people through the grace God has given you.

10. You shall finish your race faithfully, and the grace of God shall carry you to the end.