How can we ensure God's grace toward us is "not in vain"? By Grace, Not in Vain “But by God’s grace I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” Key thought: God’s grace saves us and supplies the power to serve; our part is to cooperate so the gift accomplishes all God intends. --- Grace That Saves—and Shapes • Ephesians 2:8-10 shows salvation is a gift, yet verse 10 adds, “we are God’s workmanship…to do good works.” • Grace is both POSITION (made new in Christ) and POWER (enabled to live for Him). • Paul’s “I worked…yet not I” captures the synergy: divine enablement plus human responsiveness. --- Working With, Not Against, Grace • 2 Corinthians 6:1: “we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.” • Philippians 2:12-13: “work out your salvation…for it is God who works in you.” Practical steps: – Stay teachable; let Scripture correct and train. – Obey promptly; delayed obedience dulls spiritual sensitivity. – Depend on the Spirit; pray, “Strengthen me to do what You command.” --- Saying “No” and “Yes” • Titus 2:11-14: grace “instructs us to deny ungodliness… and to live sensible, righteous, and godly lives.” – “No” to sin’s allure. – “Yes” to a lifestyle that reflects Christ. • Grace disciplines as well as pardons; receive both aspects. --- Abiding for Daily Power • John 15:4-5: remain in the Vine to bear fruit; “apart from Me you can do nothing.” • Daily habits that keep the connection vibrant: – Word intake—read, memorize, meditate. – Ongoing conversation with God—praise, petition, listening. – Fellowship—mutual sharpening (Hebrews 10:24-25). --- Fruit That Proves Grace Is Active • Colossians 1:10: “bearing fruit in every good work.” • Galatians 5:22-23 lists Spirit-produced character. • James 2:17 warns that inactive faith is dead. Indicators grace is not in vain: – Growing love for God and people. – Service that costs but rejoices. – Increasing likeness to Christ in attitude and action. --- Guarding Against Grace-Draining Pitfalls • Galatians 5:1, 13—license: using freedom “for the flesh.” • Hebrews 12:15—bitterness: “falls short of the grace of God.” • Self-reliance or complacency: forgetting the Source (1 Corinthians 10:12). Regular self-examination and confession keep the flow of grace unhindered. --- Growing in Grace to the Finish • 2 Peter 3:17-18: “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.” • 1 Corinthians 9:24-27: run to obtain the prize; discipline yourself spiritually. • Keep the long view—Christ will reward faithfulness (Revelation 22:12). --- Summary Checklist □ Remember grace is a gift—thank Him often. □ Rely on grace for strength—pray continually. □ Respond to grace with obedience—act quickly. □ Remain in grace through Word, prayer, fellowship—stay connected. □ Reflect grace in fruitful living—serve and love. When these practices mark our lives, God’s grace toward us will never be in vain. |
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