Last night in our adult bible study we emphasized the foundation of grace for all giving. 2 Corinthians 8 opens with this statement, "We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia." 2 Corinthians 9 verse 8 continues the idea, "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." And then verse 14, "while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you."
If our giving is going to be generous, if your ministry is going to endure, we must be people who love, cling to, and experience God's grace. God's grace is God's favor giving us what we do not deserve. Grace is not limited to the first prayer of faith and repentance. Life is not intended to be lived on left-over grace. Just as Timothy needed grace, mercy, and peace so also do you. To live in grace we have to order our priorities- seek first the kingdom and His righteousness. To live in grace we have to realize that we need grace. Admitting we cannot do what God desires for our life and experiecing God's forgiveness through Christ and the Spirit's power is a large part of living in grace.
Lord, show us grace today. Show us our sin that we may see your grace. Bring us into ministry that is over our heads so that we may experiencing your grace that overflows our cups. I don't want to live a life ignorant of grace. I don't want to live a life that is inconsequential for your kingdom. I want to live in grace. I want to give generously. If I am to be poor so that others may pour out grace then Lord make me humble. Raise up generous givers and humble receivers. Make us a church who sees needs and meets them. Make us a church that lives according to the grace that Christ provides.
In His name
Amen
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