HH, Sir Godfrey Gregg D.Div

In Order to Live in Praise,

Believers Must Focus on God’s Abundant Grace

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (Ephesians 1:6)

As I conclude this message which was broken into several parts I want you to read with the assurance as I end this message. I pray that you received of the Lord and you are basking in the sunshine for more of His word.

Next, Paul worships God for his glorious grace. Every gift mentioned—the spiritual blessings in the heavenly places—have come to us because of God’s grace. It was by unmerited favour we were elected, predestined, and adopted. It is unmerited favour that daily changes us and sustains us. In Christ, we have received abundant grace. And this grace is the very thing Paul prays for at the beginning of his letter: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (1:2).

And just as wonderful as the grace we have received is the fact that God wants to give us more. James 4:6 says, “He gives us more grace.” How can we not praise God as well? He is the fount from whom all blessings flow—from him come blessings evermore.

Are you contemplating the Lord’s wonderful grace? Are you petitioning him for more? The worshipping believer is one who stands in awe of God’s overflowing and abundant grace, even in the midst of trials, and drinks deeply from it.

In verses 7-14, we will see further works of God’s grace.

Here are your Application Questions: Paul praised God for his grace while in prison; have you found any other disciplines helpful in cultivating a lifestyle of worship? What things tend to distract you from worshipping God for his glorious grace?

This is the Conclusion

How can we live a life of praise, even during trials? How can we sing songs of praise even when wrongly accused and in prison? We must have a doctrine that draws us to sing. We must not only worship in spirit (with the right heart) but in truth. We must know the truth about God. We must know his Word. Let us leave this portion of our study with this challenge in mind: If we don’t have theology, then we won’t have doxology—worship. If we don’t study him—his mysteries and his works in us—then we won’t know how worthy He is of our worship and praise.

Are you worshipping him with truth throughout the day like Paul did, even during trials?

1. In order to live in praise, believers must focus on their new home—the heavenly realms.
2. In order to live in praise, believers must focus on their spiritual blessings.
3. In order to live in praise, believers must focus on their union with Christ.
4. In order to live in praise, believers must focus on their election.
5. In order to live in praise, believers must focus on their adoption as sons.
6. In order to live in praise, believers must focus on God’s abundant grace.

May Almighty God bless and keep us always in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit who lives and reigns with us ONE God world without end. AMEN