Grace: A Call to Righteousness
Introduction:
Praise Jesus, Radiant.Life family! It is a joy today as we reflect on one of the most precious gifts we have from God: His grace. Grace is the foundation of our faith. It is by grace that we are saved, not by works, so that no one may boast. Grace is the unmerited favor of God—a divine invitation into His love and forgiveness. Yet, I want us to pause and consider how we view this grace. Have we misunderstood it? Have we treated it casually? Have we used it as an excuse for sin rather than the power to overcome it? The Apostle Paul poses a profound question in Romans 6:1-2: "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?" His answer is clear: "Certainly not!"
1. Grace Does Not Condone Sin; It Conquers Sin
Let’s start with this truth: the grace of God never operates in sin. Any theology or belief system that tells you to sin more because grace will cover you is not only wrong—it is demonic. It is a distortion of God’s Word and cheapens the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. When Jesus encountered the woman caught in adultery, He said two things that reveal the heart of grace: "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more." (John 8:11). His grace forgave her, but it also called her to leave her life of sin. Grace does not excuse sin; it conquers sin. Paul reinforces this in Romans 6:2: "How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?" Grace doesn’t just pardon us; it transforms us. It breaks the chains of sin and empowers us to live in righteousness.
2. We Do Not Sin So That Grace May Increase
As a church community, we must guard against the misconception that grace allows us to live however we please. Paul’s rhetorical question—“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?”—addresses a dangerous mindset. The idea that more sin leads to more grace is a lie. Grace is not an invitation to indulge in sin; it is the power to overcome it. It is the gift that enables us to live in the freedom Christ purchased for us. To misuse grace as an excuse for sin is to mock the cross. Jude 1:4 warns us about those who "turn the grace of our God into lewdness." Let us not fall into this trap. True grace inspires us to live lives of holiness, not rebellion.
3. Grace Calls Us to a Transformed Life
When Jesus told the woman, "Go and sin no more," He wasn’t just giving her a command; He was offering her a promise. The promise was that His grace would enable her to live differently. This is the beauty of the Gospel: grace doesn’t leave us where it found us. It lifts us up and sets us on a path of transformation. Titus 2:11-12 says, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age." Radiant.Life, grace teaches us to say “no” to sin and “yes” to righteousness. It equips us to live in obedience, reflecting God’s holiness in every area of our lives.
4. Grace Empowers Us to Walk in Freedom
The same grace that saved us sustains us. It is grace that gives us the strength to resist temptation, the courage to stand for truth, and the humility to repent when we fall short. This is why grace is not passive—it is active. It is not a blanket that covers our sin while we remain unchanged. It is the power that transforms our hearts, renews our minds, and sets us free from the bondage of sin.
Conclusion:
Radiant.Life, let us remember this: the grace of God never operates in sin. Grace is holy because it comes from a holy God. It is a gift that forgives, transforms, and empowers. Jesus’ words to the woman caught in adultery echo through the ages: "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more." Let us heed this call to righteousness. Let us reject any theology that twists grace into an excuse for sin. Instead, let us embrace grace for what it truly is: the power to live in the freedom and holiness Christ has called us to.
Call to Action:
I challenge each of you to reflect on your life today. Are there areas where you’ve been abusing God’s grace? Are there sins you’ve justified, thinking grace will cover them? If so, repent. Turn back to God, and let His grace transform you. Together, as a community, let us walk in the fullness of God’s grace. Let us live lives that honor Him, reflect His holiness, and radiate His light to the world. May His grace abound in your life, not as an excuse for sin, but as the power to overcome it. Amen. Let us pray.