There Are Different Graces by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace (Philippians 1:7).

The Apostle Paul, in our opening verse, was addressing the church in Philippi, and said they were partakers of his (Paul’s) grace; the grace of God bestowed on him. There’re different graces on people’s lives, aside from the general grace of Jesus Christ which we all received for salvation. 1 Peter 5:5 says, "…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." Observe that the Apostle Peter wasn’t writing here to unbelievers, but to the Church, to people who already had the grace of God upon their lives.

Thus, it’s clear that God does give more grace. He increases the grace on your life for two reasons: firstly, on the basis of your humility; secondly, on the basis of His calling upon your life. James 4:6 says, "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." The general grace of God is what brought you salvation and protects you in salvation. However, when God calls you, He gives you a responsibility and the grace to fulfil that responsibility.

In Ephesians 3:8, Paul said, "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ." Paul makes a personal reference to the grace given to him, and what that grace was for; it was to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. He makes a similar assertion in Romans 15:15-16: "Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God…."

The Lord has given you grace for that which He’s called you to do. Recognize that grace, and function in it. Keep walking in love and humility, and He’ll continually increase that grace for you to be more effective in fulfilling His calling on your life.

Prayer

I’ve received abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness; therefore, I’m reigning in life, over and above the corrupting influences of this world. Thank you, Lord, for the grace bestowed on me for ministry; I walk conscious of this grace and in its benefits in my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

further study: John 1:16-17; Galatians 2:9; 2 Timothy 2:1; Acts 11:22-23

: Isaiah 19-22 Ephesians 3:1-21