Topical Bible: Power of God: Receive Increase of Grace By

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The concept of receiving an increase of grace through the power of God is a profound theme woven throughout the Scriptures. Grace, as understood in the biblical context, is the unmerited favor and divine assistance given by God to humanity for regeneration and sanctification. The power of God is the divine force through which He accomplishes His will, and it is through this power that believers can experience an increase in grace.

Scriptural Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently emphasizes the relationship between God's power and the grace bestowed upon believers. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 , Paul recounts the Lord's words to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." This passage highlights that God's grace is not only sufficient but is made perfect through His power, especially in human weakness.

Means of Receiving Grace

1. Faith in Jesus Christ: The primary means by which believers receive an increase of grace is through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God." Faith is the channel through which God's grace flows, and it is through the power of God that faith itself is sustained and strengthened.

2. Prayer and Supplication: Prayer is a vital practice for accessing the power of God and receiving His grace. Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers to "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Through prayer, believers can tap into the divine power that dispenses grace for every circumstance.

3. The Word of God: Scripture is a conduit of God's power and grace. Acts 20:32 declares, "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." The Word of God is living and active, and through it, believers receive the grace necessary for spiritual growth and maturity.

4. The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the agent of God's power and the dispenser of grace. Romans 5:5 states, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." The Spirit empowers believers to live in accordance with God's will, thereby increasing grace in their lives.

5. Humility and Submission: James 4:6 reminds us, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" Humility and submission to God's will are essential attitudes for receiving an increase of grace. By acknowledging our dependence on God, we open ourselves to His empowering presence.

Examples from Scripture

The life of the Apostle Paul serves as a testament to the power of God in increasing grace. Despite his "thorn in the flesh," Paul experienced God's grace abundantly, enabling him to fulfill his apostolic mission (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Similarly, the early church, as described in Acts, was marked by great grace upon all the believers, as they relied on the power of God for boldness and unity (Acts 4:33).

Conclusion

The power of God is the divine enabler that allows believers to receive an increase of grace. Through faith, prayer, the Word, the Holy Spirit, and humility, Christians are invited to experience the fullness of God's grace, which equips them for every good work and sustains them in their spiritual journey.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Properties of Sanctifying Grace
... of Trent formally defines these truths when it says: "[We receive] justice within ...
a careful distinction between the absolute and the ordinary power of God. ...
/.../pohle/grace actual and habitual/section 3 the properties of.htm

Whether a Man Can Merit an Increase of Grace or Charity
... everything that is merited is inevitably received from God, since it ... That is why
they receive no other reward ... increase of grace is not beyond the power of grace ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article eight whether a man 2.htm

Measureless Power and Endless Glory
... with, that the only measure of the power is God ... God-given increase of our knowledge
of God, in every ... there is always more bestowed than we receive, more than ...
/.../measureless power and endless glory.htm

The Means of Grace
... creature; but merely through the grace or power of the ... let him not think that he
shall receive any thing ... is this profitable only for the men of God, for those ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 16 the means of.htm

On the Sacraments in General
... Orders our spiritual rulers are appointed by God; and by ... A. The Sacraments have the
power of giving grace ... of the living because those who receive them worthily ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 13 on the sacraments.htm

'The Measure of Grace'
... of the Spirit which they that believed on Him were to receive.' We cannot ... a power
working in them, which is really the limitless power of God, and heartens ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the measure of grace.htm

How we Ought Lovingly to Receive God.
... Lord, what new power is lodged in this bodily sight? ... nothing more is required of
him, for God completes what is ... is better, OFTEN, or SELDOM, to receive Thee in ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter xxiii how we ought.htm

Daily Fellowship with God
... 8. All this can only be in the power of the Holy ... and seek full fellowship with the
great and holy God, and wait ... needful the giving up of all is to receive Him. ...
/.../murray/the deeper christian life/i daily fellowship with god.htm

On Grace.
... him, unless it be through some other, who has more power than he ... Apostle counsels
us, "We exhort you, brethren, that ye receive not the grace of GOD in vain ...
/.../rolle/the form of perfect living and other prose treatises/on grace.htm

"We must Increase, but I must Decrease. "
... He is mightily tempted to disparage their power, and condemn them ... energised will,
the soul turns to God with the words: "A man can receive nothing, except ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/ix we must increase but.htm