ARE YOU GROWING IN GRACE?

The personalities and ministries of the Biblical writers, are so different. I love the Apostle Peter, although a simple Fisherman, and had many failures in his life, he became empowered by the Holy Spirit and was such a key person in God’s plan for the birth of the Church. In his first Epistle he writes and deals with external problems the Church was (and is facing). In his second Epistle he writes and warns about false teachers and the need to watch out for them and for them to guard their inward life. He concludes this letter with the admonition in 3:18 AMP But grow in grace (undeserved favor, spiritual strength) and recognition and knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him [be] glory (honor, majesty, and splendor) both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (so be it)!

We cannot (must not) stand still in our Christian walk, but work continually on GROWING. I am so glad we don’t have to do it on our own and in our own strength but in the GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. The Amplifies spells it our for us, we have available to us the UNDESERVED FAVOUR of God, and that we have WITHIN US the spiritual strength. Paul says in Ephesians 3:20 AMP Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work WITHIN US, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]The moment we were born again the Holy Spirit (The third member of the Godhead) came into to dwell in us, and as we learn to let Him be PRESIDENT in our lives we will GROW. The Holy Spirit introduces us to the GRACE OF GOD, this undeserved favour of God, all because Jesus died in our place on the cross. Like every TRUTH in the Word of God we can abuse this grace. The German Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer calls this abuse “cheap grace” a dear friend (now with the Lord called it) “greasy grace”. Theologians call it the heresy of Antinomianism. In simple terms this is the teaching that now I am a Christian, all my sins (past present and future) are forgiven and forgotten) so therefore it means I can now do what I like as it is all forgiven.( Sadly, I have friends that have been caught up in this teaching, and are living immoral, defeated lives and feel no conviction whatsoever). POSITIONALLY this is true, but experientially the Apostle John writing to Christians (please note to Christians) says in 1 John 1:7 & 9 AMP But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, (of the Word of God and our conscience) we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]. then in verse 9 If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]

We must maintain an attitude of confession and repentance throughout our entire Christian life, as it is by the GRACE OF GOD WE HAVE POWER TO LIVE OVER SIN.

Peter goes on in verse 18 and tells us that we must grow in KNOWLEDGE. I would suggest this is the intimate knowledge that comes through our growing relationship with the Lord Jesus, but also our knowledge of the Word. The Word confirms our depravity and our inability to live victorious lives, but also tells us we can be MORE THAN CONQUERERS over sin (Romans 8:37 NKJV) Peter reminds us of all that is available to us 2 Peter 1:3 AMP For His divine power has bestowed upon us ALL things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).

Let us not be deceived, and make excuses for our often inconsistent walk with God, but LAY HOLD OF HIS GRACE EVERY HOUR.

I trust you remember this old hymn:

1. He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
   He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
   To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
   To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
2. When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
   When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
   When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
   Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
3. Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
   Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
   Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
   The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
4. His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
   His power no boundary known unto men;
   For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
   He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again

I read this statement on FB this week and felt to place it here.

Grace is when God gives us good things we don’t deserve.

Mercy is when he spares us from bad things we deserve.

Blessings are when He is generous with both.

Truly we can never run out of reasons to thank Him.

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME.