from Gary Hamrick
... Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Chapel
for
Built Up by Grace
... God’s grace not only saves us, it sustains us until we receive our eternal inheritance in Christ.
Acts 20:32 NKJV (devotion translation)
So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
Devotion:
Today's Scripture reminds us that the Christian life is sustained not by our strength, but by God's grace.
As the apostle Paul prepared to part from the Ephesian elders, he entrusted them to God and to "the word of His grace." Paul knew that he would no longer be present to encourage, teach, or shepherd them. Yet he was confident that God's grace would continue the work in their lives. This passage reveals an important truth for every believer. Our security rests not in human support, but in the faithful care of God.
Grace is God's unmerited favor shown to us through Jesus Christ. It is not something we earn through good works or moral effort. Scripture certainly calls us to holiness, yet God's law was never intended to save us. Rather, it reveals God's holy character and exposes our need for a Savior. Left to ourselves, we fall short of God's perfect standard.
This is why the gospel is such good news. Jesus came into the world to accomplish what we never could. Through His death and resurrection, He offers forgiveness for our sins and His righteousness to all who trust in Him by faith. Grace reminds us that our standing before God rests on Christ's finished work, not our imperfect performance.
Paul says that God's grace builds us up and gives us an inheritance among those who are sanctified. Grace strengthens weary hearts, lifts the burden of guilt, and assures us that eternal life is secure in Christ. Because Jesus died and rose again, believers have an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade.
Entrust both your life and those you love to God's faithful hands, knowing that His grace is sufficient for every need.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your grace through Jesus Christ. Help me to rest in what Christ has done rather than in my own efforts. Build me up in faith and teach me to trust You with every part of my life. Amen.
Related Sermon:
Digging Deeper:
- Ephesians 2:8-10 ↗ - God’s grace saves us and prepares us for a life of good works.
- Philippians 1:6 ↗ - God faithfully completes the work He begins in every believer.
- 1 Peter 1:3-4 ↗ - Believers have an imperishable inheritance kept secure in heaven.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 ↗ - God’s grace is sufficient and His strength is perfected in weakness.
- Colossians 2:6-7 ↗ - Continue walking in Christ, being rooted and built up in Him.
- Hebrews 4:16 ↗ - God’s throne of grace provides mercy and help in every time of need.