Activated Grace

August 27, 2023

Activated Grace

The capacity for communication has gone from Pony Express 160 years ago to instant messages/calling anywhere in the world today. The common element between now and then, however, is that though a message is sent, it still needs an open reception for it to be completed. Also, it’s not enough for it to just arrive at the address. It must still be opened and acted upon for it to be effective. If, for some reason, the mail is received and yet unopened, it may be there, but will have just been received in vain. Much benefit is possible where there is an active reception, but as soon as it is closed down for any reason there can be no effect by any messages sent.

Everything that is provided to us from our Father God is in the form of grace, an empowered blessing that is completely apart from our merit. In Christ, it has been sent in overwhelming abundance and is just waiting to be activated in our lives. The heart is the destination of this grace and needs to be first of all open and receptive, not to just a certain application of it, but to every benefit that comes to and through us for the glory of God. Its God-empowerment will not only bless and enrich us, but will enable us to carry and display God’s goodness to others as well. For His purpose and provision to be effective in us, the openness of the heart is critical, that it not be deactivated and shut down for any reason. To shut it down in one area will affect its other forms as well and cause it to have been received in vain. As we draw close to the Father in worship, there is a dramatic effect of His opening the heart, causing it to come alive to all of grace’s benefits.

Notes

Though received, it may have been in vain

1 Corinthians 15:10 (NKJV) 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Until grace produces God results, its reception is in vain

2 Corinthians 6:1 (NKJV) 1 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

Through everything that might close the heart, there is grace to keep it open

2 Corinthians 6:11-13 (NKJV) 11 O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. 13 Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open.

How does our heart open?

In worship, the heart is opened to activate grace.

Acts 16:14 (NKJV) 14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.

There is a grace for God-empowerment wherever we go to make Christ visible.

2 Corinthians 2:14 (TPT) 14 God always makes his grace visible in Christ, who includes us as partners of his endless triumph. Through our yielded lives he spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere we go.

Reliance on grace in ministering

1 Peter 4:10-11 (NKJV) 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

An open heart maintains faith in God no matter the circumstances.

Grace to bless precedes provision to bless

2 Corinthians 8:1-2 (NKJV) 1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.

Abounding in one grace doesn’t negate the need for all

2 Corinthians 8:7 (NKJV) 7 But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.

Jesus’ grace to to give

2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV) 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

By caring for the grace of giving there is openness to all grace for every opportunity

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (NKJV) 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 865 Abounding in one grace doesn’t negate the need for all 2 Corinthians 8:7 (NKJV) 7 But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.

Jesus’ grace to to give

2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV) 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

Overview

  • It is possible to receive the grace of God in vain.
  • Without an act of faith, the provision of grace has no activation of blessing and power.
  • The activation of grace first requires an open heart that comes by grace in worship.
  • Activated grace precedes physical provision in response to faith.
  • The open heart to grace in one area will enable it in all.
  • The greater purpose of activated grace is the visibility of Christ and the spreading of knowing Him everywhere.

Prayer

Father, I am so grateful for your provision of grace that is more than enough for any area of weakness I am experiencing. As I draw near to You in worship now I ask for Your opening of my heart for the activation of Your grace in every area of my life so that the world may effectively experience You through me.

Declarations

  • In Christ, I have been given grace that is greater than all my sins and any other area of weakness in my life.
  • I do not allow my heart to become closed by people and circumstances of life, but draw near to my Father in worship where grace is activated by faith from an open heart.
  • In His presence, I receive revelation by His Word that enables my heart to embrace all forms of His amazing grace in overpowering victory.
  • Wherever I go there is a diffusion of God’s grace as it is ensured that His grace has not been received in vain.