The Ongoing Work of Grace in a Believer’s Life
Think about planting a flower. At first, you just have a small seed. You plant it, water it, and make sure it gets enough sunlight. Over time, the seed starts to grow into a beautiful flower. Just like the flower needs care and attention to grow, our lives need God’s grace to grow and become more like Him.
Scriptural Reference: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” – Ephesians 2:8
God’s grace is a bit like the water and sunlight for our faith. When we believe in Jesus, we receive God’s grace. But it doesn’t stop there. God’s grace continues to work in our lives, helping us to grow and change every day to become more like Jesus. This ongoing work of grace in our lives is what helps us to grow spiritually and live in a way that pleases God.
Growing in Grace and Holiness
Growing in grace and holiness is like learning to play an instrument. When you first start, you might know only a few notes. But with practice and help from your teacher, you get better and better. Eventually, you can play beautiful music. Similarly, growing in grace and holiness means learning and practicing how to live in a way that honors God.
Scriptural Reference: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” – 2 Peter 3:18
Grace helps us become holy, which means becoming more like Jesus. It’s like being trained to live according to God’s ways, making good choices, and loving others. Holiness is not something we achieve overnight. It’s a journey, and God’s grace is with us every step of the way, helping us to grow.
A Story About Grace and Sanctification
Let’s tell a story about a girl named Emma. Emma wanted to become a great artist. When she first started painting, her pictures didn’t look very good. But her art teacher, Mrs. Johnson, saw her potential and decided to help her. Mrs. Johnson gave Emma tips, showed her new techniques, and encouraged her not to give up. Over time, Emma’s paintings improved, and she became a talented artist.
Mrs. Johnson’s help is like God’s grace. Even though Emma wasn’t a great artist at first, with her teacher’s help, she grew and got better. God’s grace does the same for us. Even when we make mistakes or struggle, God’s grace helps us grow and become more like Jesus.
Scriptural Reference: “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14
Practical Examples
- Reading the Bible: Just like practicing an instrument makes you better, reading the Bible helps you grow in grace and holiness. It teaches you about God and how to live like Jesus. Scriptural Reference: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105
- Praying: Talking to God through prayer helps you stay close to Him. It’s like having a conversation with your best friend who always helps you. Scriptural Reference: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2
- Helping Others: When you help others, you show God’s love to them. It’s a way to practice living like Jesus. Scriptural Reference: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Summary
Grace is God’s loving gift that helps us grow in our faith. It starts when we first believe in Jesus and continues to work in our lives, helping us become more like Him. Growing in grace and holiness is like learning and practicing how to live in a way that honors God. By reading the Bible, praying, and helping others, we grow in our faith and become more like Jesus. Remember, God’s grace is always with us, helping us every step of the way.
