E63 - Hope’s Harbor Gritty Bible Devotions - Do you have Grace? What is it?
Hope’s Harbor
Gritty Bible Devotions
Episode #63
Title: Do you have Grace? And what is it?
Date: July 18, 2022
Contact: info@hopesharbor.net
Key verse(s): Romans 5:1&2 - ‘Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, vs 2 – ‘through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.’
Definition of grace: graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): - acceptable, benefit, favor, gift, grace (-ious), joy liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).
The root word grace is taken from A primary verb; to be full of “cheer”, that is, calmly happy or well off;
Intro: (Ask for suggestions for future devotions)
Grace is a positive word, a positive thought. Grace is the main theme in what is probably the most famous hymn of Christian history – Amazing Grace.
But still, what is grace and do we need it. If so, how so?
I hope this episode will answer those questions, especially since I have them also.
Devotion focus: How to find grace –
When studying this topic I read through every verse in the NT containing the word grace and also the verses containing the root word. I saw that if I were to list the different words used to describe grace in the definition above and place them in Romans 5:2 it helps with understanding how to recognize grace in my own life. So here goes:
· also we have access by faith into this graciousness of manner or act in which we stand
· also we have access by faith into this divine influence upon the heart in which we stand
· also we have access by faith into this benefit in which we stand
· also we have access by faith into this favor in which we stand
· also we have access by faith into this gift in which we stand
· also we have access by faith into this pleasure in which we stand
· also we have access by faith into this calm happiness in which we stand
Every one of these descriptions points to Jesus’s impartations to us of the effects of the cross. Also, we need the benefits of grace, those of peace and rest.
I’ve heard it said grace is the undeserved merit GOD gives us after we become His child. When GOD shows us grace, the act contains His forgiveness, based on our faith-based response to the Gospel. (Gospel means the Good News that Jesus died for sinners, all sinners, so they may all be saved if they so choose. (1 Timothy 2:4 – ‘Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.’ KJV)
So to answer the question ‘do you have grace,’ you have all the grace you want and by faith to believe this you will have all the grace you need.
Summary: Grace contains several meanings and applications, all of which are intended by GOD to bless you. Grace is a gift that has the power to give peace, joy, gladness, and happiness. The measure of grace you enjoy depends on how you choose to learn the means of grace and apply your faith to receive the knowledge of grace.
Action to consider: Take time, I know ‘Who has time?’, still, take time to read through the show notes on the bulleted items of grace. Write them down and think about the aspects of grace surrounding you. Doing this will help with applying the benefits of grace in areas of your life needing relief.
If you don’t do the work required to grow in the grace and knowledge of GOD you will remain unchanged, even though GOD intends you and me to benefit from His imparted grace through the gift of His Son.
And why does He desire us to benefit? Because He loves us…
Next week’s devotion: It depends on whether I get any requests -