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The work of Grace

Introduction:

  • Grace is a divine gift, given freely to us in various ways 
  • In spiritual life, God's grace plays a big role 
    • God's grace leads to repentance
      • Give examples; after St Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost, "Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart" Acts 2:37

    • God's grace stops us from falling in sin 
      • Give examples
    • God's grace encourages us to attain virtues 
      • Give examples

Visitations of Grace:

  • Sometimes we find ourselves moved towards doing what is good - especially in the spiritual field 
  • This is the work of God's grace
  • The fathers refer to that as a "visitation of grace"
    • We are "visited" by God's grace which encourages us to do good at the moment 
      • Examples
  • Christ knocking on the door 
  • Fear is also considered a result from God's grace

When do they happen 

  • We could be "visited" by God's grace at any time
  • God's grace works in everyone 

What should be our response towards them 

  • It is important to note that God's grace works in us to produce good works but it does NOT force us to do good works 
    • Grace is an internal movement towards what is good and Godly, but it does not force or pushes you to do anything, the decision has to come from you 
  • God's grace works is us all the time. However, the question is do we work with it or not?
  • Right hand thief Vs left hand thief 

What prevents God's grace from us 

  • “Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts" Hebrews 3:15
    • "Hear His voice" is the work of grace, "harden your hearts" is our response towards it
  • Pharaoh return then changes his mind - response to grace then abandons it 
  • Satan opposes God's grace 
    • go reconcile - how about my dignity 

Can God's grace abandon us?

How to benefit from the visitations of grace

  • Do not say my will is weak, God's grace can strengthen your will - but you should respond to it 
  • Do not say my sin is too big
    • "where sin abounded, grace abounded much more" Romans 5:20
  • We have to work with God's grace 
    • Grace and works 
      • God's grace will plant a seed, you need to water and care for the seed to grow
      • God's grace will tell you something, and you do it
      • God's grace will save you from falling into sin, you do not return to that sin again 
  • Pray for God's grace and to grow in God's grace
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