How can we experience "grace and peace" in our daily lives today? Grace and Peace: The Gift in Philippians 1:2 “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:2) • Both grace (charis) and peace (eirēnē) arrive only “from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” • They are not occasional feelings; they are divine provisions anchored in the finished work of Christ. Understanding Grace: God’s Unearned Favor • Ephesians 2:8-9 — “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith … it is the gift of God.” • John 1:17 — “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” Grace means: – God’s forgiveness covering every sin. – God’s power supplying what we lack (2 Corinthians 12:9). – God’s welcome that turns servants into sons and daughters (Romans 8:15-17). Understanding Peace: Wholeness in Christ • Romans 5:1 — “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” • John 14:27 — “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.” Peace means: – Reconciliation with God, nothing left unsettled. – Inner rest that overrides circumstances (Isaiah 26:3). – Harmony with others as Christ’s body lives in unity (Colossians 3:15). Receiving Grace and Peace Daily 1. Look to Jesus continually. • Hebrews 12:2 — “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” 2. Draw near with confidence. • Hebrews 4:16 — “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” 3. Confess and release burdens. • 1 John 1:9 — “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” 4. Surrender anxieties in prayer. • Philippians 4:6-7 — present requests to God, and “the peace of God … will guard your hearts and minds.” Practices that Keep Us Positioned for Grace and Peace • Daily Scripture intake — Romans 15:4 says Scripture brings encouragement and hope. • Ongoing gratitude — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 commands, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” Gratitude tunes the heart to grace. • Spirit-led obedience — Romans 8:6: “The mind of the Spirit is life and peace.” Submission to the Spirit protects peace. • Fellowship and encouragement — Hebrews 10:24-25 urges gathering to “spur one another on.” Grace is often mediated through other believers. Living Grace and Peace Toward Others • Speak grace-filled words (Ephesians 4:29). • Extend forgiveness freely (Matthew 6:14-15). • Pursue reconciliation quickly (Romans 12:18). • Serve sacrificially (Galatians 5:13). Standing Firm When Peace Is Challenged • Remember the Source — peace is “in Me” (John 16:33), not in circumstances. • Guard the mind — Philippians 4:8 calls us to dwell on what is true and praiseworthy. • Cling to promises — “You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast mind” (Isaiah 26:3). Growing in Grace and Peace Over Time • 2 Peter 3:18 — “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Growth is continual: every fresh revelation of Christ deepens awareness of His grace and multiplies peace within. Encouragement to Walk It Out Today Grace and peace are already ours in Christ. As we daily trust Him, receive His Word, cast our cares, and walk in the Spirit, we experience the very blessings Paul pronounced—unearned favor and unshakable wholeness—right where we live. |
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