Titus 2:11-15
In our common parlance grace is often described as a smoothness or elegance of movement. This may not be totally wrong in the understanding of grace as given by God.
In our walk with God Grace can be said to mean the God given ability to do something without much effort, coupled with the strength and the favor to do what we couldn’t do naturally. In this regard Samson quickly comes to mind with his supernatural ability to do what his natural strength could never have accomplished.
If Grace is a supernatural ability made available to man, as testified by Paul an Apostle of Grace saying “ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”, ( Philippians 4:13) then we must have the right perspective of Grace in order to be helped by God.
This is very important because we all need God’s help especially in this fallen world.
Apostle Paul knew the importance of Grace and also had an understanding of what divine Grace is . In Galatians 2:21 he made the following exposition:
“Therefore, I do not treat God’s gracious gift as something of minor importance and defeat its very purpose. I do not set aside and invalidate and frustrate and nullify the grace (unmerited favor) of God”.
From Apostle Paul’s statement we see that there are certain dispositions that could deny us from enjoy this unmerited gift of grace. If we are full of self sufficiency for instance we may not be able to enjoy this grace of God. James 4:6 says :”God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
The first disposition is to recognize that Jesus Christ is the embodiment of divine grace and without placing our trust in him we cannot enjoy the benefits of divine grace.
The Bible says in John 1:17, “For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ”. Jesus Christ is therefore the embodiment of divine grace and this grace has been offered to all.
Apostle John understood this revolutionary truth when he testified about Jesus saying “ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth”. (John 1: 14-23)
We need to ask and receive this Grace already offered to us by Jesus Christ in order to walk with God in this fallen world full of sin and all unrighteousness.
However knowing that in the flesh we are incapable of certain standards required to walk with God should not be seen as an excuse to remain slothful but should be seen more as an urgent need to receive the grace of God into our situation by asking for help.
We are admonished to this effect in Hebrews 4:16 : “ Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need”.
Even after receiving this Grace Apostle Paul warns: “ we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it”. ( 2 Cor. 6:1)
How do we sustain the Grace of God in our lives ? We must keep asking for its help on a daily basis because each day is filled with its own unique challenges and posing a new experience we have never seen before.
To sustain and refresh the Grace of God for each new day the Bible recommends that we pray about everything. Telling God what we need, and thanking him for all he has done. (Philippians 4:6).
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