If the Grace of God is irresistible, how should we receive it, if we even choose to accept and receive this irresistible grace? Paul was a contemptible person, out to kill Jews. He was some of the worst of the worst of people. There was no way that Paul deserved the grace that was given to him, and he chose to accept.
As I wrote this message, I reflected back on my life. I too have done so much that I should have been rejected by God. However, his grace, that irresistible grace, was one that I tried to reject, time and time again. Finally, I accepted his grace. The grace is not something I deserved. By accepting this grace, there was a choice in what to do with it.
In Greek, there are many definitions of Grace. Grace can mean beauty, gratitude or benefit given. I fail to keep in mind gratitude and benefit given. I have a difficult time saying thank you sometimes. Not because I am not grateful, but more because I am embarrassed by needing someone’s help. I have been trying to show my gratitude in saying thank you for the Grace given to me by others, in that I have receive benefit from what they have done. They have given Grace to me, and by failing to show I am thankful, I discourage them from showing Grace again. So, the question is.
Once you receive grace, what next? Well, Paul took the grace and used the grace for others. So, how did that look? Well, for starters, Paul made three missionary trips. Paul made some very convincing arguments for the Gentiles to be able to join the Christian church officially. Good thing for you and I, not being Jews, that we can be part of the Christian church. Paul did not stop there. He started many churches as well.
So, what did Paul do with grace? He received it and acted upon it. He did not hoard it to himself. Grace freely given by God to Paul, to be given away to others. Have we accepted God’s grace? If so, what do we do with it? Some people waste it. They accept it but do not use it responsibly.
Let me read to you from John 6:25-30
“When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform?” (John 6:25-30, ESV)
So, let me ask you, what had Jesus done the day before? Does anyone recall? That previous evening, Jesus fed 5,000 people. And with what? Five loaves of bread and two fish.
Jesus had show and given grace. These people that had been feed accepted this grace. They accepted it, but did not do so responsibly, as they did not go and use it that was given. So let’s go back to John 6: Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform?”
Okay……Are you saying Duhhhhhh? Say with me, Duhhhhhhhh. These guys looked like they just wanted another free lunch. What sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? Is that not a call of do it again, so we can feast? Hey Jesus, it is dinner time again, we need you to feed us.
Jesus goes on to make it pretty darn clear to the crowed, who he is, and what they need to do. However, this is not what they really wanted. They didn’t want to do the work for accepting the grace that was given to them.
In Ezekiel, God points out that some “religious people” ignore God’s grace. They receive and do nothing with it.
In Ezekiel 33:30-32, it says.
““As for you, son of man, your people who talk together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, say to one another, each to his brother, ‘Come, and hear what the word is that comes from the Lord.’ And they come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear what you say but they will not do it; for with lustful talk in their mouths they act; their heart is set on their gain. And behold, you are to them like one who sings lustful songs with a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument, for they hear what you say, but they will not do it.” (Ezekiel 33:30-32, ESV)
Now, this is a bit harsh, but it does point out that some believers who come
don’t put Biblical teaching to practice.
Like not sharing God’s grace with others
Like coming to church to listen to beautiful songs but ignore the words.
It is a feel good experience, but for heaven’s sake don’t challenge me to “walk the walk!” Don’t make me get out of the boat, NO, NO, NO, NOT THAT!
There is no law that says you must accept the grace. Nothing is stopping you from saying no. So, is grace irresistible?
I know my answer? Do you know yours? Are you ready to accept the grace, and put it to use?
When you sing the next song, smell the roses. When you sing the next song, hear the words. When you sing the next song, sing the words and let them resonate.
Love your God with all your heart
Love your neighbor as yourself
Love your spouse
Love your children
Look for opportunities to serve
Look for the value in all things
Look at God’s creations
Stop to smell the roses
Stop to hear the words in Christian songs
Stop being a Christian that is non responsive
Begin to look for God’s Grace, in everything
Begin to look for ways to share God’s Grace
Begin to be in relationship with Christ…..Today
Grace is given to us in the cross. The cross of love shed by the body and blood of God, in human form, Jesus Christ, or Lord and Savior. I invite you to go with me and go forth today and respond to the grace of the cross.
Amen.