Young People's Group

Partakers of Grace with Me

by Mitchell Tan
June 27, 2018

“WITH GRACE YOU CAN ACE”

What a challenging statement made by Pastor at a recent Pines 2 session! He was explaining to the young people about the grace of God and how it can enable us to attempt much for the Lord. He explained how His grace and strength can help us to achieve even high marks in our studies, like scoring an “A” in any subject. I think all of us who were there were very encouraged by that Bible study session. Yes, with grace, we can ace anything.

THE DEFINITION OF GRACE

“Partakers with me of grace.”
Philippians 1:7

What is grace? Pastor explained that grace is best seen as action. It is the actual action and deeds that we get down to doing. It is the result that comes about when we apply grace into our life. It will affect the way we live and serve. Grace is far more than just a concept we understand. The working definition of grace is best expressed through the work that we do and the fruits that we bear for the Lord.

LOOKING AT THE GRACE IN PAUL’S LIFE

The Lord’s grace in Paul’s life can be seen in the following ways

1. SALVATION

It is by the grace of God that Paul was saved (1 Timothy 1:15).

2. SANCTIFICATION

It is also by the grace of the Lord that we are changed as we grow.

3. SERVICE

Paul sought to serve the Lord well through the grace that was given to him to understand the mysteries of the church, to preach and to teach it with power (Ephesians 3:1-8).

4. SUFFERING

The apostle of grace also went through much suffering and by the grace of God was able to cope and triumph over them (2 Corinthians 12:9).

BEING PARTAKERS OF GRACE WITH PAUL

“Inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.”
Philippians 1:8

Paul wrote of how the Philippian Church shared in this fellowship of experiencing the grace of God with him. They were partakers of the same grace of God as Paul. It was by the grace of God that Paul became all that he could be. It was by grace that he was able to cope in being imprisoned for Christ. It was by grace that he preached, defended and established vigorously the truths of the gospel. Even as Paul could achieve much in his life and ministry for the Lord, we too can similarly achieve much through grace.

IMITATING PAUL

Young people, let’s seek to imitate Paul. Through the grace of God, we can be like him. Paul wrote these words to the Philippian Church

“Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.”
Philippians 3:17

He challenged them to join in imitating his example. They were to take note of those who walked in the same manner as Paul. They were meant to be a pattern that the Philippians could follow after. By the grace of God, we can be like Paul. Let’s seek to imitate his example of life and service to God.

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