TEXT: 1Pet.4:10-11
1. This is our year of Manifold Grace meaning the year in which the Grace of God will be manifested in:
a. It’s various forms – 1Pet.410(NIV)
b. In ways we may not have seen before – Mk.2:12
c. In complicated many sided ways -1Cor.21-8
d. Thru. Vessels, means or circumstance you may not be expecting –Lu.9:49
e. Shall speak and not be silent e.g
– Noah – found grace – brought forth an Ark –Gen.6:8
– Abraham –found grace –brought forth a nation
– Lot – found grace – brought forth life – Gen.19:19
– Moses – found grace – brought forth people –Exo.33&34
– David – found grace – brought forth throne
– Mary – found grace – brought forth son
The different results of Grace
This therefore implies that:
There is always a bringing forth with Grace and it all depends in your knowledge, understanding and power level – Lu.2:40.
A. Lu.2:40
– The child grew – growth or the determination and desire for it is an essential key on the road to grace.
– Waxed strong in spirit – An empowerment or drawing strength from the Spirit is another sign port on the road to grace
– Grace of God upon – Grace manifested or multiplied.
For example:
Gen 21:8 – Isaac had to grow to get a feast
Exo2:10 – Moses had to grow to get into the palace
1Sam2:26 – Samuel had to grow to begin to function where God wanted him.
Luk1:80 – John the Baptist had to grow before his showing forth
Acts9:22 (NIV) – Paul had to grow to be able to withstand the Jews.
If you don’t grow you can’t move on to bigger things Heb5:12-14
A child is most often known by how he thinks and what he says 1Cor13:11
B. This year, we should be careful not to talk anyhow or criticize what we do not understand Jude8-12
Our Talk and Traditions are based on our understanding and vice versa. We can by its limitation make the word and the grace of God of no effect resulting in no manifestation or multiplication–Matth.15:6
C. Expect God to use people or different situation or events for us e.g.
– Jacob –dream –Polar rods –wealth transfer – Gen.30-37-39; 31:9-12
– Joseph –dream –slavery/prison – throne – Gen.37;39-42
– Shamgar – Ox-goad – Jud.3:31,58
– Gideon – Lamps, Pitchers, Trumpets –Judg.7
– Samson –jaw-bone of an ass – Judg.15:15
– The widow -2mites –Matth.12:42-44
– The lad 5loaves & 2fishes – 14:16-19
– Mary Alabaster box – Matth.26:7-13
– Dorcas needle and thread – Acts 9:36:39
Take note – Nothing is too small or too big for God to use for you this year!
2. Grace that does nothing i.e Just “siddon look” will not be Manifested or Multiplied.
It is the doing grace or the results or accomplishment of grace that shows and multiplies grace! – Lu.2:40; Act.4:33;
– To discover and amplify the grace you carry begin to do whatever He gives you to Ecc.9:10
e.g David Developing the skills for slinging and worship.
1Pet.4:10-11 – it is in doing that grace is expressed – see also: Acts 1:1
3. Tell the story or the young Indian man with the electric bulb.
v This shows that you can’t do without power lu.1:30-38,lu.2:40;24:49, Acts 1:8; 4:33
v Just as knowledge is a multiplier of grace, 2Pet.1:2; Power is a manifestor of Grace –Acts.4:33, John1:16-17; Lu.6:17-19
What is power:-
– Ability to do i.e ability to effect change!
e.g John 2:7-11;6:1-14
Steps to power
1. Hunger/Desperation
· David – Psm.42:1-2; 63:1-2
· Isaiah –Isa.63:15;64:1-2,7
2. Get connected – Mk.3:13-15
3. Holiness –Heb.12:14; Rom.1:4
4. Taking on opportunities to exercise –Lu.9:1-10; Lu.10:3, 17-20
5. Freedom from every/all demonic entanglements – 2Tim.2:3-4
MANIFOLD GRACE 2
The word manifold speaks of “many sided or various qualities or functions”.
Strong’s definition:
poikilos (poy-kee’-los); of uncertain derivation; motley, i.e. various in character:
KJV – divers, manifold.
Manifold definition from Wolfram Mathworld
A manifold is a topological space that is locally Euclidean (i.e., around every point, there is a neighborhood that is topologically the same as the open unit ball in ). To illustrate this idea, consider the ancient belief that the Earth was flat as contrasted with the modern evidence that it is round. The discrepancy arises essentially from the fact that on the small scales that we see, the Earth does indeed look flat. In general, any object that is nearly “flat” on small scales is a manifold, and so manifolds constitute a generalization of objects we could live on in which we would encounter the round/flat Earth problem, as first codified by Poincaré.
1 Peter 4:10
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. KJV
· Grace is received (see also Proverbs 3:34
He (God) mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble
· Grace is to be ministered to the body as good stewards (i.e. attend to the wants and needs of others)
Read (1 Peter 4:7-11) NIV
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling 10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
ii) 2 Corinthians 4:15
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. NIV
iii) 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.6 So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But just as you excel in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us-see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. NIV
Manifold (abundance) grace transforms “offence” to “righteousness”
Romans 5:17
For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
KJV
You must be anointed with grace for excellence and everlasting blessing (Ps 45:2)
David declared;
You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever. NIV
See:
a) Col 4:5-6
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. NIV
b) Zechariah 12:10
“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.
2 Corinthians 1:12
Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God’s grace. NIV
Solomon the wise has this to say in Proverbs 3:21-22
My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;
they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck NIV.
Manifold grace is found in obedience (Proverbs 1:8-9)
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.
NIV
Ref: Isaiah 1:19-20
If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land;
but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. NIV
The wicked do not appreciate grace (Isaiah 26:10)
Though grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness; even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil and regard not the majesty of the LORD.
Matt 5:43-48
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. NIV
Idolatry separates from Grace (Jonah 2:8)
“Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs”
See 2 Corinthians 6:15-16
What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? NIV
Grace rested upon the giver of grace (Luke 2:40)
And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. NIV
John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
NIV
John 1:16
From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. NIV
John 1:17
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. NIV
Great grace produces power (boldness) (Acts 4:33)
With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. NIV
See Acts 6:8
Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. NIV
Manifold grace cannot be hidden (it shows) (Matt 5:14-16)
“You are the light of the world A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
NIV
It was demonstrated in the life of the apostles;
a) Acts 11:23
When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. NIV
b) Acts 13:43
When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
NIV
c) Acts 14:3
So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders. NIV
Manifold Grace preserves
The disciples understood it
a) Acts 14:26
From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. NIV
b) Acts 15:11
No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” NIV
c) Acts 15:40
but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. NIV
d) Acts 20:32
“Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. NIV
Testimonies of Manifold Grace
i) Acts 18:27
When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. NIV
ii) Acts 20:24
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. NIV
iii) Romans 1:5
Through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. NIV
Romans 1:7
iv) Romans 3:21-24
But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. NIV
v) Romans 4:16
Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring-not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.
vi) Romans 5:2
Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. NIV
vii) Romans 5:15
But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! NIV
viii) Romans 5:17
For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.
NIV
ix) Romans 5:20-6:1, 14-16
The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, NIV
so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? NIV
x) Romans 6:14
For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!
xi) Romans 12:6
We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. NIV
xii) 1 Corinthians 3:10
By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. NIV
xiii) 1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them-yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. NIV
xiv) 2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. NIV
Grace in tribulation and suffering
i) James 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” NIV
ii) James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. NIV
iii) 2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. NIV
iv) Philippians 1:7
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. NIV
v) Colossians 4:18
I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
NIV
vi) 2 Thessalonians 2:16
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, NIV
vii) 1 Peter 5:10
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. NIV
viii) 1 Peter 5:12
With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.
The throne is the place of manifold grace
i) Hebrews 2:9
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. NIV
ii) Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. NIV
Other reference:
Hebrews 10:29
How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? NIV
Hebrews 12:15
See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. NIV
Hebrews 13:9
Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those who eat them. NIV
1 Peter 1:2
who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood:
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
NIV
1 Peter 1:10
Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, NIV
1 Peter 1:13
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. NIV
1 Peter 4:10
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. NIV.
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