Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: GRACE (08/24/23)
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TITLE: Getting What We Don't Deserve | Previous Challenge Entry
By Doug Laird
08/30/23 -
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It is by acknowledging that one is saved by grace and receives the unearned and undeserved grace-gift (eternal life) from God, that one avoids developing a “holier than thou” attitude that turns people off, and that God hates.
It is by acknowledging that it is by the enabling (3) power that God provides, that one avoids the frustrating and futile attempt to execute the life of discipleship via human power.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast (Eph. 2: 8, 9 NASB 2020).”
Having haughty eyes (looking down one’s nose at others) is at the top of the Proverbs 6 list of the things that God hates.
It is spoken of in the same breath as murder.
“There are six things that the Lord hates, Seven that are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood… (Proverbs 6:16-17 NASB2020).”
In balance, one must not use a false sense of humility to excuse the need to address sin in our lives. Engaging and continuing in sin are choices we make.
The “everyone is doing it (sin) ” sales pitch is promoted by the gates (powers) of Hell.
This sales pitch is an attempt to add the one we see in the mirror to the long list of those who ARE doing it.
The Matt. 7: 13 majority may very well be doing it, but “everyone” is not.
The sufficiency of grace can be a difficult lesson to learn.
Three times Paul prayed for relief from a tormenting thorn in his flesh, but the answer was NO, being told that God’s grace was all he needed.
It is whpen we are weak (dependent on Him) that we are most useful (4) to God.
Grace enables one to do the will of God, whereas God’s mercy is there for us when we fail (5).
The last words that a departing individual leaves behind, are often very significant (e.g., John Chapters 16 and 17), and often contain disclosures of past events, and his or her desires, instructions, and advice, regarding future events to come.
Shortly before his own crucifixion, Peter wrote his second epistle (6), calling for born-again believers to advance and remain steadfast in discipleship by continuing to grow in the GRACE and in the knowledge of the Lord.
Many Biblical scholars acquire much factual information, but fail to grow in God’s grace, diminishing their usefulness as an instrument (7) in the hands of God.
Jesus did not pull any punches, especially when addressing self-righteous individuals, but generated a strong desire among sinners to hear more of what He had to say.
Knowledgeable, but holier than thou, individuals will repel listeners, whereas grace-oriented disciples will draw inquirers to them.
This opens the door to 1Pet. 3: 15 opportunities to share the unadulterated Gospel Message with those in need of salvation, and edifying principles of doctrine with those who have been born-again.
People are more inclined to listen when THEY do the asking, as opposed to having unsolicited advice thrusted upon them.
Both knowledgeable Biblical scholars and grace-oriented disciples can quote Scripture, but grace-oriented disciples will develop the practice of doing so, with “gentleness and respect (1Pet. 3: 16 NASB2020).”
God the Holy Spirit knows just how much divine pressure (8) is necessary to get the message through. Some nuts are harder to crack than others.
The disciple’s part in the evangelization and or edification process, is to present the unadulterated Gospel Message to UNBELIEVERS for salvation, and to share principle(s) of Bible Doctrine with fellow born-again believers to promote discipleship.
It is God the Holy Spirit who reproves (9) and makes the Gospel Message or principle(s) of doctrine understandable (10), providing listeners opportunities to be saved and or edified.
It is then up to the recipient to either believe or disbelieve the information, apply it, and reap the blessings or the consequences of his or her decision.
When one keeps in mind the grace and mercy that God has shown to him or her, he or she should have no issues about extending them to others (11).
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(1) Phil. 4: 19 (2) John 15: 5 ( 3) John 15: 5 (4) 2Cor. 12: 9 (5) Luke 18: 10 -14 (6) 2Peter (7) 9: 15 (8) Heb. 4: 12 (9) John 16: 8 (10) 1Cor. 2: 14 (11) Matt. 18: 23-33
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