The Amazing Grace of God Pt 5
Last week we talked about Recognizing God’s amazing grace around you. Today we are going to talk about Recognizing God’s amazing grace in you.
Now, if you’re like me, and I know you are, we don’t care nearly as much about what God is doing in us as we do around us because you are human. We want him to give us stuff and fix our problems. Right??? But…
God cares much more about your character than your comfort.
This is a bummer, I know. However, I’m sure those of you who have lived enough life have come to really appreciate character; patience (especially on the freeway, or that difficult family member), or inner strength for trials, wisdom, or graciousness (not letting mean people and hurts in life change you into someone you don’t like), or self-control, or humility (not thinking less of yourself, just thinking of yourself less, and others more.)
These characteristics are priceless. They help you succeed in every area of life and cause you to bring glory to God. The Bible calls this “Christlikeness”
Christlikeness: Responding like Jesus would without thinking about it
This is when you don’t need the bracelet anymore.
Did you know that salvation is not God’s ultimate goal in your life? It is transforming you into the image of His Son! The more you are like Christ, the more you will successfully navigate life, will be a brighter light for Christ, and be much less annoying to those around you.
Let’s look at one of the most famous passages of Scripture and see what its primary point is:
“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed (pressed into the mold of) to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many believers.” Romans 8:28-29 Amp
But how does this get accomplished? Primarily through suffering, trials, and hardships. Why? Because they cause you to press into God, and it’s there that God uses His grace to transform you to look just like His Son.
It’s in the struggle that you pray, “God give me patience, wisdom, and strength,” right?
Recently I was lying on a beach in Cabo after a series of meetings. While I was lying there, looking up into the clear blue sky, I didn’t pray, “God make this stop!” No, it’s when I’m suffering that I pray that prayer.
Let’s look at what Peter says about God’s grace “in us.” And remember, he used to be a prideful, self-willed, ambitious, impetuous person. But over the years, God’s grace did a beautiful work in him.
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time,(Remember when Peter cut off a soldier’s ear when they came to take Jesus, or wanted to erect three tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, or when Jesus had to rebuke Peter for trying to give Jesus advice about not going to the cross?), casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:6-8 Amp (Peter should know!)
While God is trying to make you, Satan is trying to break you.
Peter goes on to say:
“But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.] 10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be].” 1 Peter 5:9-10 Amp
The word “complete” means to make perfect, to restore, to fit, arrange, adjust, and to put in order.
To “confirm” means to turn resolutely in a certain direction.
To “strengthen” means to have bodily vigor, and to strengthen one’s soul.
And to “establish” means to lay the foundation. To settle.
Here is one sentence in the Bible that most clearly defines Christlikeness:
But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” Galatians 5:22, 23a Amp
Q. Which of these do you not want?
Q. Which of these do you want more of?
Gaining more of these characteristics is a long, hard road, but it is worth it. No pain, no gain. Sometimes it will look like you are moving backwards, but this is nothing more than the un-Christlike parts of you rising to the top so you can recognize them and ask God to transform them. Don’t get discouraged, there is always hope because God loves you and is way more committed to this process than you are. (Think Philippians 1:6)
Q. After reading this, can you recognize the work of God’s grace in you? Are you more like Jesus than when you first began
Q. What can you do to partner with what God’s grace in you?