How can you "understand the grace of God in truth" more deeply? Colossians 1:6—The Anchor Verse “...just as in all the world, this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, so also it has been doing among you since the day you heard and came to know the grace of God in truth.” Grace in Truth—What the Phrase Conveys • Grace: the free, unearned favor and power of God poured out through Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9) • In truth: not theory or hearsay, but the authentic, apostolic gospel that reveals Christ Himself (John 1:14, 17) • The result: fruit that lasts and growth that continues wherever this message is received (Acts 20:32) Recognize the Gospel that Came to You • God’s grace arrived personally through the proclamation of Christ crucified and risen (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) • Accept the historical, literal events of the cross and empty tomb as the foundation of your standing with God (Romans 5:1-2) Hear and Keep Hearing • Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:17) • Return often to passages that rehearse the gospel—Isaiah 53; John 3; Romans 3-5; Ephesians 1-2 • Let Scripture, not shifting feelings, define grace Stand, Do Not Strive • “By grace I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10) • Rest in full justification—sins forgiven, righteousness credited—before pursuing any act of obedience • Approach the throne of grace with confidence, not hesitation (Hebrews 4:16) Walk Empowered by the Spirit • Grace trains, it does not merely excuse (Titus 2:11-12) • Depend on the indwelling Spirit to produce the fruit of love, joy, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-25) • Daily yield, acknowledging that apart from Christ nothing of lasting value is accomplished (John 15:5) Serve out of Overflow • Grace equips for ministry: “the grace given to me to be a minister” (Romans 15:15-16) • Spiritual gifts operate as manifestations of grace (1 Peter 4:10-11) • Give and forgive freely, mirroring the generosity you have received (2 Corinthians 9:8) Rehearse the Word of Grace • Memorize key verses—Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 8:1; 2 Timothy 2:1 • Sing psalms and hymns that exalt God’s favor (Colossians 3:16) • Journal evidences of grace to cultivate gratitude Grow Continually • “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18) • Expect increasing maturity: deeper humility, stronger faith, wider love • Anticipate final glorification when grace reaches its ultimate expression (1 Peter 1:13) Summary Takeaways • Grace is a person—Jesus Christ—encountered in the truthful gospel • Ongoing exposure to that truth expands understanding and bears visible fruit • The believer stands secure, walks empowered, and serves effectively by staying rooted in grace |
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