How can church leaders effectively "urge them to continue in the grace"? The Setting of Acts 13:43 Paul and Barnabas have just delivered the gospel in the synagogue of Pisidian Antioch. As the gathering disperses, “Paul and Barnabas spoke with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God” (Acts 13:43). The verse highlights two key realities: • Leaders speak personally to people who have shown interest in Christ. • The central plea is not merely to start well but to persevere in God’s grace. What It Means to “Continue in the Grace of God” Grace is God’s unearned favor expressed supremely in Christ’s saving work (Ephesians 2:8–9). To continue in that grace involves: • Ongoing reliance on Christ’s completed work rather than self-effort (Galatians 3:3). • Daily reception of the Spirit’s empowering presence (Acts 20:32). • Growth in holiness that flows from gratitude, not legalism (Titus 2:11-12). • Steadfast faith amid opposition or disappointment (Hebrews 12:28). Essential Attitudes for Leaders Who Urge Perseverance • Conviction: A settled certainty that grace alone saves and sustains (2 Timothy 1:12). • Tender Boldness: Speaking truth plainly yet warmly, as Paul and Barnabas did (1 Thessalonians 2:8). • Dependency: Modeling reliance on prayer and the Word, showing grace in action (Colossians 4:6). • Consistency: Living the same gospel privately and publicly to prove its reality (Philippians 1:27). Practical Ways to Urge Believers to Remain in Grace 1. Center Every Teaching on Christ “For I decided to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). Continual Christ-centered preaching keeps grace in view. 2. Highlight the Sufficiency of Scripture “Now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up” (Acts 20:32). Regular exposition nourishes hearts and counters drift. 3. Facilitate Gospel-Shaped Community • Small groups that review Sunday’s text. • Testimony times where members recount evidences of grace. Authentic fellowship reinforces perseverance. 4. Offer Intentional Encouragement “But encourage one another daily…so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13). Personal notes, calls, and visits communicate shepherdly care. 5. Equip Saints for Spiritual Disciplines • Scripture meditation (Psalm 1:2). • Regular prayer (Colossians 4:2). • Weekly corporate worship (Hebrews 10:25). Disciplines are means, not merits—channels through which grace flows. 6. Address Legalism and License Alike “It is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods” (Hebrews 13:9). Confront rule-based religion and casual antinomian attitudes with the same gospel remedy. 7. Model Repentance and Joy Leaders who confess sin openly and rejoice freely display the ongoing power of grace (1 John 1:7-9). Safeguards Against Drifting • Regular remembrance of the Lord’s Supper keeps eyes on Christ’s sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:26). • Doctrinal catechism anchors believers in truth (2 Peter 1:12-15). • Accountability partnerships provide loving correction (Proverbs 27:17). • Mission involvement channels grace outward, preventing stagnation (Matthew 28:19-20). Strengthening Through Scripture • “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you” (John 15:4). • “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). • “Continue in the faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel” (Colossians 1:23). • “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). Conclusion To urge believers to “continue in the grace of God” is to keep Christ central, Scripture open, community vibrant, and personal lives transparent. When leaders speak with conviction and compassion, God’s people are strengthened to persevere, proving that the grace that saves is the very grace that keeps. |
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