21-Day Growth Challenge | Day Three: "By Grace Through Faith"
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Insight
When you read the word “faith,” it has two basic meanings.
1. "Faith A" is your doctrine or system of beliefs.
2. "Faith B" is believing in your heart and acting on the promises and instructions of the Word of God.
"Faith A” is “What I believe.” "Faith B” is “What I do.” You need both A and B, because A without B is only religion lacking power and relationship with God.
Every blessing and act of faith begins with the grace of God. Grace is God's favor and provision. Both grace and faith are "not of ourselves." It is the gift of God and it is our responsibility to cultivate the gifts God gave us. He does not force us to trust Him.
Every blessing and act of faith begins with the grace of God. Grace is God's favor and provision. Both grace and faith are "not of ourselves." It is the gift of God and it is our responsibility to cultivate the gifts God gave us. He does not force us to trust Him.
If we are not growing in our love relationship with God, reading/believing the Word of God, and living by faith (which is taking action in line with God’s word), we are left to "ourselves" and to our "boasting."
Again, Ephesians 2:8-9 reads, “For by GRACE you have been saved THROUGH FAITH, and that NOT OF YOURSELVES; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
This is why living by grace through faith is so important. Living this way helps you realize that you are special because you are God's workmanship—crafted by God Himself. You also realize that the whole reason for "grace through faith" is to cause you to perform the "good works" for which you were purposefully designed and built by God!
Example:
If you have ever tried to use a butter knife as a screwdriver, you have a good picture what it looks like to not operate by "grace through faith." Utensils and tools are purpose designed and built.
Prayer
In your prayer today, ask God to help you avoid shortcuts such as using knives as screwdrivers. Thank God for the grace to live by faith in order to receive/recognize His gifts in your life.
Day Three | Exercise
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