What role does "the word of His grace" play in our witness? Setting the scene: Acts 20:32 “ ‘And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified.’ ” (Acts 20:32) Unpacking “the word of His grace” • “Word” (Greek: logos) points to the spoken and written revelation of God, preserved in Scripture. • “His grace” highlights the unearned favor God extends through Christ’s finished work (Ephesians 2:8–9). • Together, the phrase describes the gospel message and the whole counsel of God that centers on grace from start to finish. What the word of His grace does for us • Builds us up—strengthens faith, shapes character, and matures spiritual understanding (Acts 20:32; 1 Peter 2:2). • Gives an inheritance—assures believers of their eternal standing and future hope (Colossians 1:12; 1 Peter 1:3–4). • Equips for every good work—Scripture “is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). How the word equips our witness 1. Provides the message we proclaim • “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). • Our testimony gains authority when rooted in Scripture rather than opinion. 2. Shapes the messenger • Ongoing exposure to the word renews the mind (Romans 12:2), producing Christ-like speech and conduct that validate the message (Philippians 2:15–16). 3. Supplies grace-filled speech • “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). • The same grace that saves us flavors every conversation, drawing listeners rather than driving them away. 4. Sustains boldness under pressure • Early believers “continued to speak the word of God with boldness” despite threats (Acts 4:31). • Confidence flows from knowing the message is God’s own, not ours to invent or dilute. 5. Demonstrates transforming power • Personal change backs up verbal witness. “With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:33). • Observable grace in everyday life makes the gospel tangible. Practicing a grace-filled witness • Start each day in Scripture, asking God to impress one truth to share. • Memorize key gospel verses (e.g., John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8–9; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4). • When conversation turns spiritual, quote or paraphrase Scripture naturally, letting God’s word speak for itself. • Share personal stories that highlight God’s grace, not personal achievement. • Respond to objections with gentle respect, keeping answers anchored in Scripture (1 Peter 3:15). • Pray for hearers by name, trusting the Spirit to apply the word of His grace to their hearts. Conclusion The word of His grace is both the content and the catalyst of our witness. As it builds us up, it flows out of us—offering the same life-giving grace to everyone God places in our path. |
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