How can we "continue in the grace of God" in our daily lives? Setting the Scene Acts 13:43: “After the synagogue service had ended, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.” What the Grace of God Is • Unmerited favor shown in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Ongoing power for holy living (Titus 2:11-12). • A sphere in which believers now stand (Romans 5:1-2). Why Continuance Matters • Salvation begins by grace and is sustained by grace (Colossians 2:6). • Growth in Christ depends on it: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). • Drifting is possible: “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God” (Hebrews 12:15). Practical Ways to Continue in Grace • Live anchored in the Word – Receive Scripture daily; grace is “able to build you up” (Acts 20:32). • Abide in Christ – “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you” (John 15:4). Continual dependence keeps the channel of grace open. • Walk by the Spirit – “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). He imparts grace moment by moment. • Cultivate humble reliance – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Consciously cast every care on Him. • Participate in fellowship – Grace is multiplied through mutual encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Obey promptly – Grace never excuses sin; it empowers obedience (Romans 6:14). • Serve generously – “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace” (1 Peter 4:10). Cautions Against Falling from Grace • Legalism—trying to earn what Christ already provided (Galatians 5:4). • License—using grace as a cover for sin (Jude 4). • Neglect—ignoring spiritual disciplines and drifting away (Hebrews 2:1). Encouraging Promises for Those Who Continue • Grace is sufficient in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). • God “is able to make all grace abound to you” (2 Corinthians 9:8). • The throne of grace remains open for timely help (Hebrews 4:16). |
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