Continuing in the Word of His Grace
Attribution: This post draws from Day by Day by Grace, offering a reflection on today's encouragement to live by God's word of grace.
As followers of Christ, we are called to grow continually in our relationship with Him. This growth involves relying on His grace and immersing ourselves in His Word. Acts 14:21-22 describes Paul and his missionary team returning to cities where they had preached the gospel, urging the disciples to "continue in the faith." This message still resonates with us today: to persevere in the truth revealed by God, which is foundational for a life of grace.
The Word of His Grace
Scripture is described in Acts 20:32 as "the word of His grace." This description reveals the essence of God’s Word: it is permeated with grace. It teaches us about the free and undeserved riches of God's blessings—our justification, sanctification, and ultimate glorification. It also exposes our desperate need for grace, showing us how to access it through humility and dependence on God.
Continuing in God’s grace is inseparable from continuing in His Word. It is through Scripture that we learn to trust God’s promises and are equipped to live out His calling.
Why Continue in the Word?
Paul's exhortation to "continue in the faith" in Acts 14:22 is not a call to a stagnant or routine faith, but an invitation to an ongoing, dynamic journey of abiding in God’s truth. This includes:
Daily Reading: Spending time prayerfully reading Scripture keeps our hearts aligned with God’s heart.
Regular Study: Deep dives into the Word build a firm understanding of God’s promises and precepts.
Meditation: Reflecting on Scripture helps us apply its truths to our daily lives, allowing its transformative power to shape us.
Above all, being in the Word draws us closer to Christ Himself. The ultimate goal of studying Scripture is not merely to gain knowledge but to grow in intimacy with the Lord. As we know Him more, His grace flows more abundantly into our lives, enabling us to live for His glory.
Living by Grace Through the Word
Grace is not just the foundation of our salvation; it is the power that sustains our daily walk with God. The word of His grace teaches us how to live in this grace moment by moment. Through Scripture, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness, challenged to trust Him more deeply, and equipped to face life’s difficulties with confidence in His promises.
When we center our lives on theWord of His grace, we become more aware of His presence and His work within us. This awareness transforms our hearts, strengthens our faith, and propels us to live as witnesses of His grace to the world around us.
Closing Reflection
Lord Jesus, I thank You for the life-giving truth of Your Word of grace. May it always hold the highest place in my heart and life. I am grateful for the rich blessings and transformative power found in Your Scriptures. As I continue to study and reflect on Your Word, may it deepen my relationship with You and empower me to live in a way that glorifies Your name. Amen.