How can we "grow in the grace" of Jesus in daily life? Setting Our Aim: The Call to Grow “ But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. ” (2 Peter 3:18) God’s Word commands growth, not stagnation. Grace is the sphere in which we mature and the power by which we do it. Grounded in Truth: Feeding on Scripture • Daily reading opens the door to grace; “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). • Memorize and meditate—“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you” (Colossians 3:16). • Believe every promise literally; Scripture is fully trustworthy (Psalm 119:160). • Study with purpose: ask, “What does this reveal about Jesus? How does it call me to depend on His grace?” Anchored in Prayer: Drawing Near for Supply • 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.” • Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Short, earnest whispers throughout the day keep our hearts open to fresh grace. • Thank Him aloud for specific evidences of grace already given; gratitude multiplies awareness of His favor. Humbly Dependent: Renouncing Self-Sufficiency • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). • Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). Clear fellowship channels mean unobstructed grace flow. • Choose a servant mindset—Jesus “came not to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:45). Grace thrives where pride dies. Walking in Obedience: Practicing What He Reveals • Grace is never an excuse to coast; it empowers obedience (Titus 2:11-12). • Start with known commands: forgive, tell the truth, keep pure. • Each step of obedience invites greater grace—“To the faithful You show Yourself faithful” (2 Samuel 22:26). Living in Community: Receiving and Sharing Grace • Hebrews 10:24-25 urges regular gathering; grace is amplified through fellowship. • Speak “with grace, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). • Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Mutual support strengthens our grasp of grace. Serving Through Love: Channels, Not Reservoirs • “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s multifaceted grace” (1 Peter 4:10). • Identify your spiritual gift, then volunteer—church, neighborhood, workplace. • Outward flow prevents stagnation; giving grace away deepens our own experience of it. Guarded by Hope: Looking to Christ’s Return • 2 Peter 3 points to the day “when the elements will melt with heat,” then calls us to grow now. Eternal perspective fuels present faithfulness. • Jude 20-21—“Build yourselves up… keep yourselves in the love of God, as you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life.” • Daily anticipation of His coming purifies motives and sustains perseverance. Daily Checkpoints: Simple Practices 1. Start the morning in the Word and prayer—10 focused minutes set the course. 2. Pause midday to thank Jesus for two evidences of grace since breakfast. 3. End the day reviewing where grace appeared and where more is needed; confess and commit. Confident Conclusion: Grace Will Finish What It Starts Philippians 1:6—“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Keep stepping forward; His grace guarantees the outcome. |
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