The Disruptive Work Of Grace

The summer after I graduated high school I had a job that required working outside all day in the construction field. One day it was incredibly hot, and I was so thirsty but unfortunately, I was out of water.

I actually stumbled upon a half gallon of water that was left behind by someone else. I was so thirsty, I mean desperate, that I drank from it despite not knowing whose it was (I don’t recommend doing that).

When you are parched even just a drop of water is refreshing.

Grace is the water that our lives long for. We desire it. We’re thirsty for it and in desperate need of it.

Below are three ways that grace works in our life and what we should do with it:

Grace Is A Refreshing Work

If you’ve ever needed grace you know how refreshing it is to receive it.  

In Titus 2, scripture explains that when grace impacts one’s life it frees and cleanses a person to become committed to doing the work of God.

Titus 2:11-12, 14 (NLT)

"For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds."

Grace changes everything. When you receive God’s grace He shares life with you. God binds Himself to you. He is committed to helping you become more like Him in character and heart.

Grace Is A Disruptive Work

Grace is refreshing but it’s also shocking to our system.

It’s a new way of living.

It is absolutely disruptive to life as we know it. The book of Romans gives insight into this:

Romans 7:22-23 (NLT)

I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.

Sound familiar?

I’m starting a new workout plan this week. I’m ready to change things up. I could tell you exactly what I did everyday last year while I was at the gym. I need something new to reach new goals.

There will be a battle between what I’ve been conditioned to and what I want to become.

The new workout plan will be disruptive to what I’ve been used to – it may even hurt a little.  It’s going to challenge me but if I follow it, it will change me too.

To get the results, I have to surrender to the plan.

Thankfully, there is grace for working the new plan…

Romans 7:24-25 (NLT)

Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…

When grace is disruptive, lean into it. Trust that God’s grace is working something in and through you that is far superior than anything you’ve experienced in the past.

Grace Is Evidence That Grace Works

Acts 4:32-33 (ESV)

Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.

Great grace was on the believers in Jesus. How do we know? Because of what they were doing.  

Luke, the writer is describing what happens when a person/group experiences grace. Those who had experienced grace were now graciously giving.

Grace Generates More Grace.

Grace is to be shared.

Grace is the work of God.

What is Gods response to a world of people who ignore, destroy, damage, disrespect and hurt themselves and others?  A work of grace.

If we’re not growing in grace it actually means we are rejecting God’s generous work in our life.

How do you know if you’ve experienced grace? If you’re willing to give grace.

The evidence of the work of God’s grace in one’s life is a work of grace through their life.

How could the work of grace in your life influence a work of grace through your life?