Redemption – Obedience – Grace
The Master of Self
Defining Grace
Notes on Preceding Questions
Use the definitions provided for a better understanding of what grace is and for greater understanding of the question notes, which follow each definition. Pay special attention to underlined portion of the definitions.
Grace =
5485. cavri” charis, khar´-ece; from 5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstr. or concr.; lit., fig., or spiritual; espec. the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; incl. gratitude):— acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, worthy).
5463. caivrw chairoµ, khah´-ee-ro; a primary verb; to be “cheer”ful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off; impers. espec. as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well:— farewell, be glad, God speed, greeting, hall, joy (- fully), rejoice.
New Strong’s dictionary of Hebrew and Greek words
Note on Q-1
If we have an inner desire to better ourselves or rid our lives of sin, it because the grace of God is moving within our hearts making us have these desires. Without the grace of God, we would have no motivation toward this end at all. Therefore, we must keep in mind when we see a ‘Christian’ who seems to not want to grow spiritually or change into the image of Christ; it would be wiser for us to pray that the grace of God would rest upon them to desire such, instead of giving them a firm scolding about their lack of ‘spirituality.’
Note on Q-2
When we get to a place in life where we truly understand how much grace God has poured out on our lives, gratitude begins to rise up within us like a fountain that cannot be contained. We realize how great His mercy is and how undeserving we are.
Note on Q-3
Another byproduct of God’s grace is deep understanding of our acceptability to and before God. Because of Christ, we are fully accepted by God the Father from the moment we take Jesus into our hearts. We do not receive our acceptability in degrees or stages. We have it fully and eternally. God does desire us to grow, change, and be able to walk in His full purpose and will for our lives, yet, this is a separate issue from our acceptability to Him.
Note on Q-4
All the trying in the world will often do you little good with people without the favor of God, which comes through His grace. We do not need to fear or be intimated by anyone, we only need to pray that God’s grace and favor will rest upon us everywhere we go and be present in our dealings with everyone we encounter.
Note on Q-5
I will describe an ideal state of being. When we come to mature as a Christian and evolve into full comprehension of the grace of God, we should become peaceful inside. Our condition should become calmly happy, what I also refer to as joyous in the Lord. The struggle with life, self, and others should cease and be replaced with peace, trust, and humility.