APRIL 30: GROW IN GRACE

We live in a time that poses a challenge to our faith and relationship with God because of the increase in heretical teachings and teachers. These are days that Paul forewarned in the scriptures and encouraged believers to against guard so that none is carried away by the error of lawless men. However, as a safety mechanism for this, Paul admonishes believers to, “grow in the Grace and Knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18).

That is why Paul, speaking of grace and faith, went on to say, “…and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” The very faith through which we are saved came from God (Romans 10:17)! How do you know God and thereby grow in His grace? It must be emphasized that grace came to us in the Person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14-16), and today, God continues to reveal Himself and to impart His grace to us through His Word and the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:24,32). For the message we preach is called the gospel of the grace of God and the word of his grace.

The Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of grace (Hebrews 10:29). Whenever we get into God’s Word and spend time in His presence, we are partaking of grace. This applies in a corporate setting (receiving the Word as it is taught and worshipping corporately) as well as spending time one-on-one with God in the Word and worship.

Ephesians 4:29 even tells us that we can impart grace to one another through godly, edifying words. All of these help you know Him, and the more you know Him, the more you will enjoy and benefit from His grace. Growing in grace is about relationship and intimacy with God. Faith is our part — our response, but even our faith originated from God’s grace.

PRAYER: Father, help me to know you more and grow in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.