Three Spheres of Grace
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10, NIV)
With its multi-faceted nature and diverse expressions, Grace invites us to explore its depths and dimensions. For example, in the Anatomy of Grace, we identified four distinct aspects of grace: God’s nature, the revelation of Jesus, the Holy Spirit’s operation, and the human response of gratitude to God’s benevolence. This exploration continues as we delve into three spheres where God’s grace operates: identity, Christian living, and ministry.
Initially, grace touches our identity at the moment of salvation. By accepting Jesus, we are adopted into God’s family, transforming our identity from sinners to children of God. Specifically, we are accorded the status of the Son—reflecting the very identity of Jesus Himself. Imagine being seen by God as He sees Jesus; this realization marks the onset of grace upon grace! (John 1:16).
Next, grace extends into our daily Christian living. It’s a common misconception that grace’s role ends with salvation. However, grace doesn’t just usher us into God’s family and leave us to navigate life alone. The same grace that saved us also empowers and guides us through the Christian journey. This divine empowerment for daily life exemplifies grace in action.
Lastly, grace manifests in the realm of Christian ministry. Paul attests in Ephesians 3:7,
“Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.” (Ephesians 3:7, KJV)
Here, Paul acknowledges a specific grace that equipped him for ministry, through which God’s wisdom and power were mightily and effectively channeled to impact countless lives during his era and beyond.
In essence, grace encompasses our entire spiritual journey—from salvation through daily life to ministry.
Meditate
Reflect on the three domains of grace’s operation as discussed: identity, Christian living, and ministry.
Apply the Word
If you find yourself wrestling with identity-related issues, day-to-day Christian life, or ministry, embracing and understanding grace is the divine remedy. Growth in grace is achieved by deepening your knowledge of the Son of God and fully trusting in His work for you. Therefore, I grow in grace!
Pray
Pray to the Father, seeking His assistance to rely entirely on grace throughout your journey.
Recommended
- The Anatomy of Grace
- How to Grow in Grace
- Grace is an Experience
- What is Grace? The Revelation of Jesus Christ
- Definition of Grace- 6 Key concepts
- View All Deshen Daily Devotionals
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