THE RICHES OF GOD'S GRACE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Ephesians 1:7
Key Verse:
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” — Ephesians 1:7 KJV
Supporting Texts:
Ephesians 2:4-9; Romans 3:23-24; Romans 5:20-21; Titus 2:11-12; Titus 3:5-7; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 4:16; James 4:6.
Description:
This message reveals the immeasurable riches of God's grace through which sinners receive redemption, forgiveness, salvation, strength and abundant spiritual blessings.
INTRODUCTION
Grace is one of the greatest expressions of God's love towards humanity. It is God's unmerited favour extended to people who could never earn His goodness by their own works. Ephesians 1:7 teaches that our redemption and forgiveness are according to the riches of God's grace. This means that the measure of what God has done for us is not determined by our human worthiness but by the abundance of His grace.
The riches of God's grace are inexhaustible. God's grace is sufficient for salvation, forgiveness, restoration, strength, service and victorious Christian living. Where human ability ends, divine grace begins. Where sin has produced guilt, grace provides forgiveness; where weakness appears, grace supplies strength; and where failure has brought shame, grace can restore dignity and purpose.
The believer must therefore understand that grace is not a small portion of God's goodness given to us. We have been brought into the riches of His grace through Christ Jesus. We must receive grace by faith, depend upon it daily, avoid abusing it and allow it to transform our character and conduct. When we understand the riches of God's grace, we will live with gratitude, confidence, humility and expectation.
1. THE RICHES OF GOD'S GRACE BRING SALVATION
The greatest manifestation of grace is salvation. We were sinners without the ability to save ourselves, but God provided salvation through Jesus Christ. Salvation is not a reward for good behaviour; it is a gift received through faith in Christ.
God's grace reaches people at their lowest point and lifts them into a new relationship with Him.
a) GRACE SAVES US WHEN WE COULD NOT SAVE OURSELVES [Ephesians 2:8-9]
Paul teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works. Human effort cannot purchase eternal salvation. God's grace provides what human righteousness can never achieve.
b) GRACE JUSTIFIES THE UNGODLY [Romans 3:24]
We are justified freely by God's grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God does not justify us because we have earned His acceptance; He justifies us because of Christ's finished work.
c) GRACE BRINGS US INTO A NEW LIFE [Titus 2:11-12]
The grace of God that brings salvation also teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. True grace does not leave a person unchanged; it trains us to live soberly, righteously and godly.
d) GRACE MAKES US CHILDREN OF GOD [John 1:12-13]
Those who receive Christ are given power to become the sons of God. Grace brings us into a relationship and inheritance that we could never obtain through natural ability.
Biblical Example:
Zacchaeus encountered the grace of Jesus and his life changed dramatically. The man who had been known for dishonest gain became willing to restore what he had taken and demonstrate genuine repentance (Luke 19:1-10).
2. THE RICHES OF GOD'S GRACE PROVIDE FORGIVENESS
One of the greatest treasures of grace is forgiveness. Sin produces guilt and separation from God, but grace provides a way back through the blood of Jesus Christ.
The believer should never take forgiveness lightly. It cost Christ His blood, but God's grace makes that forgiveness available to everyone who genuinely repents and believes.
a) GRACE BRINGS FORGIVENESS THROUGH CHRIST [Ephesians 1:7]
Paul connects redemption and forgiveness directly to the riches of God's grace. Our forgiveness rests upon what Christ has accomplished, not upon our ability to compensate for our sins.
b) GRACE IS GREATER THAN SIN [Romans 5:20]
Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. This does not encourage sin; rather, it demonstrates that the saving power of God is greater than the sinful condition from which He rescues us.
c) GRACE RESTORES THE FALLEN [Psalm 51:10-12]
David's prayer after his sin shows that failure does not have to be the end of a person's relationship with God. Through repentance and God's mercy, restoration is possible.
d) GRACE TEACHES US TO FORGIVE OTHERS [Ephesians 4:32]
Those who have received abundant forgiveness should become people who forgive. God's grace received should become God's grace expressed through our relationships.
Biblical Example:
The apostle Peter denied Jesus three times, yet the Lord restored him and recommissioned him. Peter's restoration demonstrates that failure does not cancel God's purpose when there is genuine repentance and submission to Christ (John 21:15-17).
3. THE RICHES OF GOD'S GRACE GIVE US STRENGTH IN WEAKNESS
Grace does not mean that believers will never experience weakness or difficult circumstances. Rather, grace supplies supernatural strength when our natural strength is insufficient.
There are moments when prayer does not immediately remove the challenge, but God's grace gives us strength to stand, endure and overcome.
a) GRACE IS SUFFICIENT IN YOUR WEAKNESS [2 Corinthians 12:9]
God told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” Divine grace does not always remove the difficulty immediately, but it provides sufficient strength to remain victorious through it.
b) GRACE MAKES GOD'S POWER AVAILABLE [2 Corinthians 12:9]
Paul discovered that God's strength is made perfect in weakness. When human ability reaches its limit, God's power can become more evident.
c) GRACE ENABLES YOU TO ENDURE TRIALS [Hebrews 12:28]
God's grace gives believers stability in seasons of pressure. We can continue faithfully because our strength does not come solely from ourselves.
d) GRACE ENABLES YOU TO SERVE GOD EFFECTIVELY [1 Corinthians 15:10]
Paul acknowledged that he laboured because of God's grace working in him. Grace does not make us lazy; it empowers us to fulfil divine assignments effectively.
Biblical Example:
Paul endured persecution, imprisonment, beatings and opposition, yet he continued his ministry. His life demonstrated that divine grace can sustain a servant of God through extraordinary difficulties (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).
4. THE RICHES OF GOD'S GRACE GIVE US ACCESS TO GOD
Grace gives believers confidence to approach God. We do not come because we have achieved perfection; we come because Jesus Christ has opened the way.
The throne that could have been a place of judgement becomes a throne of grace for those who are in Christ.
a) GRACE INVITES US TO COME BOLDLY [Hebrews 4:16]
We are instructed to come boldly to the throne of grace so that we may obtain mercy and find grace for help in time of need. God does not reject the sincere believer who comes through Christ.
b) GRACE PROVIDES MERCY [Hebrews 4:16]
There are times when we need mercy because we have failed or fallen short. God's throne supplies mercy for the repentant and humble heart.
c) GRACE PROVIDES HELP WHEN WE NEED IT [Hebrews 4:16]
Grace is not merely a theological concept. It is practical divine assistance available in times of need.
d) GRACE BUILDS CONFIDENCE IN PRAYER [Ephesians 3:12]
Through Christ we have boldness and access with confidence by faith. Grace removes the fear that prevents believers from approaching God.
Biblical Example:
Esther approached the king despite the danger involved because she understood that favour was necessary for her request to be granted. Her experience illustrates the importance of divine favour and courage in approaching authority (Esther 5:1-3).
5. THE RICHES OF GOD'S GRACE EMPOWER US FOR DIVINE PURPOSE
God's grace does not merely save us from something; it saves us for something. Every believer has a divine purpose, and grace provides the capacity to fulfil that purpose.
The assignment may be greater than your natural ability, but God's grace is always greater than the assignment He gives you.
a) GRACE MAKES YOU AN INSTRUMENT [2 Corinthians 4:7]
Paul describes believers as earthen vessels carrying heavenly treasure. God can use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes.
b) GRACE EQUIPS YOU FOR SERVICE [Ephesians 3:7]
Paul became a minister according to the gift of God's grace. Ministry is not merely the product of education or personality; it requires divine empowerment.
c) GRACE GIVES YOU CAPACITY FOR GOOD WORKS [2 Corinthians 9:8]
God is able to make all grace abound towards believers so that they may abound in every good work. Grace produces capacity for kingdom productivity.
d) GRACE ENABLES YOU TO FINISH YOUR ASSIGNMENT [Acts 20:24]
Paul was determined to finish his course and ministry. God's grace enables believers to remain faithful until their assignment is completed.
Biblical Example:
Moses felt inadequate when God called him, but God assured him of His presence and empowerment. What Moses lacked naturally, God supplied supernaturally (Exodus 3:10-12).
6. THE RICHES OF GOD'S GRACE REQUIRE A RESPONSE OF HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE
Grace is freely given, but it must never be abused. The same grace that forgives us also teaches us to live differently. God's grace should produce humility, holiness, gratitude and obedience.
A person who truly understands grace will not use it as an excuse for sin. Instead, grace becomes the power that enables him to overcome sin and honour God.
a) GRACE CALLS US TO HUMILITY [James 4:6]
God gives more grace to the humble. Pride resists grace, but humility positions us to receive greater measures of God's help.
b) GRACE TEACHES US TO REJECT UNGODLINESS [Titus 2:11-12]
Grace teaches believers to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. Any teaching of grace that encourages deliberate rebellion against God misunderstands biblical grace.
c) GRACE CALLS US TO OBEDIENCE [Romans 6:14]
Sin should not have dominion over the believer because we are under grace. Grace gives us the power to live above the controlling influence of sin.
d) GRACE SHOULD PRODUCE GRATITUDE [Colossians 3:15-17]
Those who understand what God has done should become thankful people. Gratitude is a natural response to the riches of God's grace.
Biblical Example:
Mary, the mother of Jesus, responded to God's extraordinary favour with humility and submission, saying, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). Divine favour produced obedience in her.
CONCLUSION
The riches of God's grace are beyond human calculation. Through grace, we have redemption, forgiveness, salvation, strength, access to God, divine empowerment and the ability to fulfil our purpose. None of these blessings is earned by human merit. They flow from the generous heart of God and are made available through Jesus Christ.
Therefore, never take God's grace for granted. Receive it with faith, walk in it with humility, serve God through it and allow it to transform your character. When you are weak, depend on grace; when you fail, return to grace; when you serve, depend on grace; and when you succeed, give all the glory to God. His grace is rich enough to save you, strong enough to sustain you and sufficient enough to carry you into His divine purpose.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, thank You for the riches of Your grace that You have made available to me through Christ Jesus, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, let Your grace continually speak salvation, mercy and favour over my life, in Jesus name.
3. Father, let every power of sin and weakness that is limiting my walk with You be broken by Your grace, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, strengthen me by Your grace in every area where I am weak, in Jesus name.
5. Father, let Your grace restore everything that sin, failure and disobedience have damaged in my life, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, give me abundant grace to fulfil every assignment and purpose You have ordained for my life, in Jesus name.
7. Father, let Your grace give me victory over every temptation, trial and opposition, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, give me grace to walk in humility, holiness, obedience and the fear of God, in Jesus name.
9. Father, let the riches of Your grace bring divine favour, open doors and supernatural opportunities into my life, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let Your grace abound towards me until I fulfil my divine purpose and finish my course faithfully, in Jesus name.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. The riches of God's grace shall continually speak for you, and you shall never lack the divine help required for your journey.
2. You shall receive abundant grace to overcome every weakness, limitation, temptation and opposition confronting your life.
3. The grace that saved you shall also sustain you, strengthen you and preserve you to the end.
4. You shall experience God's mercy and favour in places where human ability cannot help you.
5. Every door that has remained closed because of human limitation shall open by the operation of divine grace.
6. You shall receive supernatural capacity to accomplish assignments that are greater than your natural ability.
7. You shall not fall from grace into disgrace; you shall continue to grow in holiness, wisdom, favour and spiritual strength.
8. The grace of God shall distinguish you, establish you and cause your life to become a testimony of His goodness.
9. You shall have sufficient grace for every season, every battle, every responsibility and every divine assignment.
10. You shall finish your course with joy, fulfil your purpose and become everything God has ordained you to become by the riches of His grace.
