MEMORY VERSE: “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:” – Hebrews 12:28 (KJV).
BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Corinthians 8:6-9 (KJV) (RCCG Sunday School Student Manual 13 August 2023)
6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
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I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
LESSON INTRODUCTION
In addition to the description of ‘Grace’ given in the previous lesson, Grace can also be referred to as the divine influence in a human heart that reflects on the outside. It produces favour, beauty, goodwill, loveliness and ability. It increase as one grows in the knowledge of God’s word (2 Peter 3:18). We shall therefore consider the various dimensions of grace mentioned in the Bible as well as some actions that can be taken with or against grace.
LESSON OUTLINES
DIMENSIONS OF GRACE
WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH/AGAINST GRACE
1. DIMENSIONS OF GRACE
The Bible talks about grace in various dimensions. For instance, we have common grace (Psalm 145:9; Matthew 5:45), saving grace (Ephesians 2:4-9; Titus 2:11), abundant grace (2 Corinthians 4:15), sanctifying grace (Titus 2:12; 1 John 2:15-16), sustaining grace (Romans 6:14; Jude: 1:24-25), supernatural/enabling grace (Philippians 4:13; Luke1:37), service (gifting) grace (Romans 12:6; Ephesians 4:7), sufficient grace (2 Corinthians 9:8; 1 Peter 5:10), victorious grace (1 Samuel 17:36-37), sacrificial giving grace (Genesis 22:9-10; 2 Corinthians 12:15), great grace (Acts 4:33), eternal grace (1 Corinthians 9:27), etc.
The key to accessing and operating at any of these levels or dimensions of grace lies in the degree of one’s connection with Christ from whom all grace originates and the desire to grow in Him (John 15:5; Philippians 4:13; 2 Peter 3:18).
2. WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH/AGAINST GRACE
There are lots of benefits that a believer can derive from grace apart from salvation. Grace can impart great blessings (Psalm 84:11). It also imparts faith (Acts 18:27). In addition, it makes one God’s elect (Romans 11:5-6), gives boldness (1 Corinthians 15:10), calls believers to the ministry (Galatians 1:15), helps render acceptable service (Hebrews 12:28), gives seasoning to speech (Colossians 4:6), gives strength (2 Timothy 2:1), helps in time of need (Hebrews 4:16) and brings hope (2 Thessalonians 2:16), among others.
However, it is possible to do the following against grace:
Receive grace in vain (2 Corinthians 6:1).
Frustrate grace in one’s life (Galatians 2:21).
Fall from grace (Galatians 1:6-8; 5:4).
Fail of the grace of God (Hebrews 12:15).
Turn grace into lasciviousness (Jude 4).
Sin in spite of grace (Romans 6:1).
Reject grace through pride (James 4:6).
CONCLUSION: Every believer must aspire to grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18). It is a dangerous thing to abuse grace despite its benefits.
QUESTIONS:
State the dimensions of Grace known to you.
What can you do with/against grace?
FURTHER READINGS:
Monday: 1 Peter 5:5-6 (KJV); 5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
Tuesday: Proverbs 3:34 (KJV); Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
Wednesday: Proverbs 11:16 (KJV); A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
Thursday: Luke 9:16 (KJV); Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.
Friday: Luke 22:19 (KJV); And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Saturday: John 1:12 (KJV); But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Sunday: 1 Corinthians 15:10 (KJV); But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
ASSIGNMENT: Identify with any two of the dimensions of grace above and state how they have worked for you (5×2=10 Marks).
RCCG Sunday School HYMN
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, O how I love Thee well, I am happy, it makes me glad To rejoice at Thy birth.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well, Both young and old will sing Thy song, We long for Sunday School.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Christ was Thy first teacher, The Holy Spirit, great teacher, Does manifest in thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, This testimony is sure, That God, the Father Almighty, Poured His blessing on Thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Though the sun be so bright, Or if the clouds black with rain, I’ll be in Sunday School.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, I rejoice to see Thee, Will thou pass over me today? Without my being blest?
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