Realizing the Provisions and Purpose of God’s Good News

Romans 1:5-6

As we continue our look at the gospel, God’s Good News, it is good to know that there are definite benefits in our relationship with God through Jesus.  Two things we would like to look at in this third part of “The Gospel, God’s News” are provision and purpose.   As Paul introduces himself to the Romans, he declares that as a result of their common faith, that “we” have received grace and apostleship. In Ephesians, Paul declares that by the grace of God we are saved, not of works least any should boast, Ephesians 2:8-9. Also, the relationship we have with God through Jesus Christ provides us redemption and gives us a way to be reconciled back to God, Romans 5:10. The ultimate provision of our relationship is that it results in our salvation. For Paul and all of us who have confessed Jesus, the provision of God gives us grace and a purpose for living. 

What shall we do with this grace that we have? When we recognize that the favor of God is upon our lives, shall we continue living our life for ourselves or begin seeking God to carry out the purpose He has for us.    For many people, the provisions of grace and purpose are grey areas. Today, I hope will add some enlightenment to those reading.   God has a general will and a specific will.   The general will for every believer is to be saved. After salvation, God has a desire that we grow through a process called sanctification, which is setting ourselves apart to become more like him. Second Peter 3:18 says, “and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” Therefore the provision of God’s grace in a general sense calls for us to become more like Him. To become more like Him, we must be knowledgeable of His Word. As we learn His Word, James 1:22 calls for us to be doers and not just hearers.

So what does God want me to do right now.   Right now God wants us to learn His Word and then carry out the principles of His Word in our daily lives. Right now don’t make it any more complicated than that. Do you know what God says? Are you using God’s principles to direct your attitude and your actions? Is your daily living consistent with God’s Word?   Realize that the favor or provision of God’s grace on your life right now is to be a living witness of the written Word of God. Your charge is to let people see the Bible rather than just hear you quote or read it to them. God would get so much glory out of our lives if we would daily live for him. So in general the favor upon your life should be manifested in a life that lives for Him. 

I was picking up a member from work today and he was sharing with me.  Somehow the conversation got to the point where I said, “You know God really wants to use you.”   He said, “My brother keeps telling me that.” I said, “It is true.”   On his job, people know of his faith and many times they are testing it to see if it is real. He is only on the job because of the favor of God.   People hear him talk about Jesus; but, more than that they see him live for Jesus. That‘s why God gave him the favor to have the job. 

For Paul, who used to be Saul, his favor from God has been identified for a specific purpose, apostleship. The fact that God had called him for a specific purpose is what so many people want to be able to identify; however, let’s begin with just being faithful over a few things like the general principle of letting our light shine before men so that they may see our good works. If we are faithful to the general call, then look for God to use you in a specific way. 

I end with this prayer: Lord, thank you for the provision of grace that is in our lives. Help us to use our favor everyday in a way that brings you honor glory and praise. Then God, if it be your will for us to do something greater for you, give us the courage and boldness to walk in faith and carry out your divine will for our life. In Jesus Name, I pray! AMEN!