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My friends, we complete our “grace” walk today. Remember all words in quotes reflect the root Greek words that are part of the grace word family:
65. We’re partakers (koinonia – fellow sharers) of “grace” when we help defend and confirm the true and complete gospel, including the sacrificial giving of our $ for its cause – (Phil. 1:7)
66. For Christ’s sake, we’re “granted” (favored-graced) to suffer for Him as well as believing in Him – (Phil. 1:29)
67. Because Jesus humbled Himself in obedience even to death on a cross, the Father “bestowed” (favored-graced) on Jesus the name above every name – (Phil. 2:8-9)
68. “Grace” can be with our spirit – (Phil. 4:23)
69. We can understand the “grace” of God in truth – (Col. 1:6)
70. The Father has “forgiven” all our transgressions, making us alive together with Jesus – (Col. 2:13)
71. We’re to be “forgiving” each other just as the Lord “forgave” us – (Col. 3:13)
72. Singing with “thankfulness” in our hearts to God is possible when the word of Christ richly dwells with us – (Col. 3:16)
73. Our speech should always be with “grace” and seasoned with salt knowing then how to respond to each person – (Col. 4:6)
74. Because of the wrath of retribution from Jesus upon the disobedient and to not be lost to eternal destruction away from the presence (face) of the Lamb and His glorious power, we pray for each other to be counted worthy and in accord (harmony, conformity) with the “grace” of the Father and Lord Jesus Christ, (why?) so that the name of the Lord Jesus will be glorified in us and us in him (see TORMENTED FOREVER WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LAMB – REVELATION 14 [MONDAY MANNA 44]) – 2 Thes. 1: 5-12
75. By “grace,” both the Lord Jesus Christ and the Father have loved us who are obedient to the end and given us eternal comfort and good hope – 2 Thes. 2: 2:16
76. Paul “thanked” Christ Jesus our Lord because He considered Paul faithful putting him into service, and “grace” was more than abundant to overcome his blasphemy, aggression and persecution of Jesus’ church – 1 Tim. 1:12-14; 2 Tim. 1:3
77. Do not neglect the “spiritual gift” given us by God, and kindle it afresh – 1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6
78. Granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, God saved us according to His own purpose and “grace,” not according our works, we’re not ashamed of the testimony of our Lord so we join together to suffer for the gospel according to the power of God – 2 Tim. 1:8-9
79. Therefore, be strong in the “grace” that is in Christ Jesus – 2 Tim. 2:1
80. The “grace” of God has appeared: a) bringing salvation to all men, b) instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and live sensibly, righteously, and godly, c) looking for the blessed hope and appearing of our great Lord Jesus, d) who gave Himself (why?) to redeem us from every lawless deed, e) and purify for Himself a people f) zealous for good deeds – Titus 2:11-14
81. Justified by His “grace,” were made heirs according to the hope of eternal life – Titus 3:7
82. Paul hoped through the holy ones’ prayers, he would be “given” (graced) to them – Philemon 1:22
83. By the “grace” of God, Jesus tasted death for everyone – Heb. 2:9
84. Holding fast to our confession (striving to enter the narrow gate) and because of the One who is sinlessly perfect after being tempted in all things as we are therefore understanding our plight, we can draw near with confidence to the throne of “grace,” so we may find mercy and “grace” to help in time of need before sinning – Heb. 4:16
85. When brethren continue to sin willfully after knowing the truth, a sacrifice for their sins no longer remains, just a terrifying expectation of furious fire in judgment that will severely punish him who tramples underfoot the blood of Jesus by which he was sanctified, and insults the Spirit of “grace,” being terrified to fall into the hands of the living god – Heb. 10: 26-31
86. We must pursue peace with all men and be holy to see the Lord (endure-saved to the end), therefore we must see to it no one comes short of the “grace” of God (see also grace in vain) – Heb. 12:14-15
87. Being warned from heaven by Jesus and since He is a consuming fire, we may receive an unshakable kingdom if we show “gratitude” and offer our God service with reverence and awe – Heb. 12:25-29
88. Our heart can be strengthened by “grace,” and it’s good – Heb. 13:9
89. God gives a greater “grace” and is opposed to the proud so He gives “grace” to the humble, therefore we can submit to God, humbling ourselves in His presence, therefore a) resisting the devil, b) drawing near to God, c) cleaning our hands from sin, d) purifying our hearts – James 4:6-8; 1 Peter 5:5
90. Prepare our minds for action, be sober, fix our hope completely on the “grace” to be brought to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ – 1 Peter 1:13
91. Being submissive to unreasonable masters when we suffer for doing what’s right, servants find “favor” with God, since Christ suffered and left us an example to follow – 1 Peter 2:18-21
92. Husbands, living with your wife in an understanding way as with someone weaker, show your wife honor as a fellow heir of the “grace” of life, so that our prayers will not be hindered – 1 Peter 3:7
93. Since each of us received a special “gift,” we’re to employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold (many colored – varied) “grace” of God – 1 Peter 4:10
94. After we’ve suffered a while, the God of all “grace” who called us to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself a) perfect, b) confirm, c) strengthen, and d) establish you – 1 Peter 5:10
95. Paul exhorted and testified to the true “grace” of God, that they we must stand firm in it – 1 Peter 5:12
96. Being on guard not to be carried away by the error of unprincipled men and falling from our own steadfastness, we can grow in the “grace” and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – 2 Peter 3:17-18
97. We must contend earnestly for the faith, for ungodly persons, marked out for condemnation, have crept in unnoticed turning the “grace” of our God into licentiousness (shameless sin coming from a strangled conscience), denying the Master and Lord, Jesus Christ – Jude 4
Note Craig Keener’s IVP Bible Background Commentary word on Jude 4:
“The heresy Jude addresses resembles that proclaimed by false prophets in the Old Testament: judgment would not come on God’s people because of his special favor for them—a doctrine that led to sin (Jeremiah 6:14; Jeremiah 8:11; Jeremiah 23:17; Ezekiel 13:10, 16; Micah 3:5). Biblical grace means forgiveness and power to overcome sin, not permission to act immorally.“
Well, beloved, there you have it. A thorough review of the glory, blessing, power, use, and responsibility of those making a claim to “charisma,” i.e. the grace, favor, thanks, rewards, and giftings in the New Covenant record.
Remember once again the recap from Malina and Rohrbaugh’s magnificent work, Social-Science Commentary on the Synoptic Gospels, “Patronage System in Roman Palestine, “ page 388-90, we find:
“Patron-client systems (exist for) reciprocity between social unequals… (a) person in need (called a client) has his needs met by… a higher-status, well-situated person (called a patron). BY granting the favor, the client implicitly promises to pay back the patron whenever and however the patron determines. By granting the favor, the patron, in turn, implicitly promised to be open for further requests at unspecified later times…Brokers mediate between patrons above and clients below…In the Gospels, Jesus often acts as the broker for God…the one through whom clients obtain access to God’s favor… (clients) owe loyalty and public acknowledgment of honor (to the patron) in return…In the New Testament the language of grace is the language of patronage.”
The grace of God we know makes the perfect sacrifice of Jesus a gift that can’t be earned by anyone. The notion of a direct “payback” for what He has done on Calvary is impossible. But… we must count the cost of a life of overcoming sacrifice for the Lamb commands our obedience as His “due.”
The patron, God, doesn’t suggest, but requires His clients to owe Him loyalty, honor, for He is a consuming fire to those who overtly and willfully refuse Him, and to those who apostate and walk away. If we domesticate God, we lose the fear of God, and being unwise, we become fools.
We might say, in conclusion, that grace and mercy work together in God’s economy. Grace must first come since without it, we do not or can not receive God’s mercy (His compassion and pity toward us as creatures).
Please be aware, dear ones: at least it appears blatantly obvious to me (maybe you too) that in all the 97 items I’ve listed of “grace,” not one, and I repeat, not one, seems to indicate “Oh, it’s OK. God’s grace is there to excuse all your sin past, present, and future, even if you practice it. We just can’t help it because we’re sinners.”
Yes, grace dispenses mercy to us, giving us time and an opportunity to repent over our sin, and extends forgiveness to us from God and to each other. But the Word of God is clear that grace’s main role is enabling us to love holy lives, not for providing habitual fleshly excuses in the name of our very Savior. Oh, God, help us to see Your way!
The false teachers of our age have turned the gospel of grace upside down, which is a scheme of the devil. Satan’s goal is always taking a truth, then blurring it, eventually turning it on its ear. If you honestly believe or teach that grace is primarily for covering sin vs. resisting temptation and living holy lives, you need to repent. Cheap grace is an abomination to Christ.
Faith without overcoming works is dead. It is not automatic on cruise control, but extremely active. We strive against the world, against our flesh, against the devil and his schemes. Abiding is not being only, but actively doing. Jesus in many teachings, especially in the sheep and goats, determines who goes to heaven and hell by what they did. Most confessing Christians I know (including myself until the last few years) would be considered goats in that parable. They (and I until recently) are not doing the deeds Jesus commanded.
Paul, being saved from the wrath to come for over 20 years by this time, writes his Corinthians with a settled confidence that he will see His Lord. But he knows the grace of our Lord is for experiencing victory, not coddling sin. He warned them that he himself, their own spiritual father, after walking closely with God over 20 years at that point, would be cut off if he didn’t watch himself continuingly, for he must make his body his slave:
1 Cor. 9:24-27 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes (agonizes) in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified (adokimos).
Other uses of the word “adokimos”:
Romans 1:28 – God gave them over to a depraved mind; 2 Cor. 13:5-7 – Test yourselves, unless indeed you fail the test?; 2 Tim. 3:8 men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith; Titus 1:16 – being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed; Hebrews 6:8- but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned.
The Father’s grace is precious, costly beyond our ability to understand, given by His holy Son to both those for who don’t value it and to those of us who will treasure it. But there are limits to His grace.
Living a life of loving surrender, we give Him his “due.” Enjoy Him, love Him, obey Him, fear Him. Endure to the very end. And heaven will then be ours!
Remember the very words of our Lord:
John 5:14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.”
John 14:15, 21, 23 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments…He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him…Jesus answered and said to him, “IF anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.”
Luke 6:46 “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?
Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.
If we obey by His grace, His peace will reign:
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful (of your circumstances or man).
So, then, we:
…will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col. 1:10)
Biblical grace always leads us to holiness. See The Great Gospel Deception.
Oh, beloved, the love of God toward us!
Please comment on this post right below. Feel free to write and proclaim your leadings in the Spirit in an honorable fashion.
Your friend and brother in fighting the good fight,
Marc
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See the other Parts:
GOD’S MARVELOUS GRACE – PART 1 [MONDAY MANNA 46]
GOD’S MARVELOUS GRACE – PART 2 [MONDAY MANNA 47]
GOD’S MARVELOUS GRACE – PART 3 [MONDAY MANNA 48]
GOD’S MARVELOUS GRACE – PART 4 [MONDAY MANNA 49]
Saints, we’re one day closer to Home, and Him! Love Him wholeheartedly!
You may view our Archives here: MONDAY MANNA – ARCHIVES; Complete Archives; feel free to write and proclaim your leadings in the Spirit in an honorable fashion. May our Father richly bless you with His grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in order to walk worthy of His name.