The Work of Grace

.... In our previous postings we've described grace as an empowerment which God gives in response to our faith, that we should have strength enough to walk with Him as servants of righteousness. But this, too, is easily misunderstood, so we must define it further. However we may be empowered, Grace is still the working of God in our lives, as opposed to being our own works, and we must carefully keep this perspective in view (Romans 11:6; Galatians 2:21):

.... "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

(Ephesians 2:8-10)

.... Grace itself, like faith, is entirely dependent on our relationship with God. He even prepares the events of our lives beforehand that we should walk in them. Through them, God Himself does all of the real work, especially by working on us through those occasions. So He is working both on us, and through us.
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.... This perspective makes God Himself the true worker, and we are merely worked upon. We are the workmanship, and all that He requires of us is to trust Him and follow His leading (Hebrews 11:6). So for ourselves, we’ll have nothing of which to boast:

.... "So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.'"

(Luke 17:10)

.... God Himself will supply all the strength we need in order to walk free of sin, but it is interesting to note that He may supply some of that strength through other Christians, for the purpose of supporting or encouraging each other in Christ (2 Corinthians 4:15; Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6; 2 Corinthians 8:6). But even then, we must always keep the true perspective in view. All grace ultimately proceeds from God, through Christ Himself (John 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:4).

.... "And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace."

(John 1:16)

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Daily Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 2