Empowered by Greater Grace: Overcoming Challenges Together
Summary
In the message delivered by Elvis Ghansah, the focus is on the concept of "greater grace" as a divine empowerment that enables individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their goals, particularly in the context of spreading the Christian gospel. The message draws from the narrative in Acts 11:19-24, where early Christians, despite facing persecution, were scattered and continued to preach the gospel. This perseverance and expansion of the Christian faith were attributed to the grace of God.
Elvis Ghansah emphasizes that grace is not limited to religious activities but extends to all areas of life, including personal projects, businesses, and other endeavors. The grace of God is presented as an enabling force that empowers individuals to accomplish tasks that may seem impossible on their own. This grace is accompanied by the hand of God, which provides support and guidance, ensuring that believers are not alone in their efforts.
The message further explains that the manifestation of grace in a person's life is evident to others, as it enables them to love their neighbors, represent Christ genuinely, and become ambassadors of their faith. The grace of God is said to look beyond human weaknesses and failures, focusing instead on the heart and willingness to surrender to God. This grace also instills a belief in the word of God, which encourages believers to continue pursuing their divine calling, even in the face of adversity.
Elvis Ghansah recounts the story of Elisha, who, through grace, was able to see the army of Heaven that protected him and his servant from their enemies. This illustrates that grace provides spiritual insight and support that is not visible to the physical eye. The message also highlights the importance of believing in God's word and trusting in His power above all else.
The concept of grace is further expanded upon by discussing its association with gifts and talents. According to Ephesians 4:7, grace is given to each person according to the measure of Christ's gift. This means that grace comes with the ability to do certain things that one could not do on their own. Believers are encouraged to use their gifts for the benefit of others and to serve faithfully, as stated in 1 Peter 4:10.
Elvis Ghansah calls for a change in mentality and mindset, urging believers to be proactive in using their gifts and to seek greater impact in their service to God. The message also references Jesus Christ and Stephen as examples of individuals who were full of grace and truth, and who performed great wonders and signs among the people.
In conclusion, the message delivered by Elvis Ghansah is a call to recognize and rely on the "greater grace" available to believers to run the race set before them in the year ahead. This grace is not only for overcoming personal weaknesses but also for achieving greater things in service to God and others.
Key Takeaways:
- Greater grace is a divine empowerment that goes beyond religious activities, impacting all areas of life and enabling individuals to achieve what seems impossible. This grace is a testament to God's active presence and support in the lives of believers. [24:26]
- The grace of God is evident in a person's life through their actions and character. It allows believers to love others, represent Christ authentically, and stand firm in their faith despite challenges. This grace is not based on human merit but on a willing heart. [28:36]
- Believers are endowed with gifts and talents through grace, which they are called to use for the benefit of others and the advancement of God's kingdom. This service should be carried out faithfully, reflecting the diverse forms of grace at work within the Christian community. [34:40]
- The examples of Jesus and Stephen demonstrate that being full of grace and truth leads to significant impact and the performance of wonders and signs. Believers are encouraged to seek a similar fullness of grace to make a meaningful difference in the world. [39:14]
- Recognizing and relying on the grace of God is crucial for overcoming personal limitations and for the collective success of the Christian community. This grace is a source of strength and guidance, ensuring that believers are not alone in their journey of faith. [40:41]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 11:19-24 (NIV)
> "Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts."
2. Ephesians 4:7 (NIV)
> "But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it."
3. 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
> "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of the early Christians to the persecution they faced, according to Acts 11:19-24?
2. How does Acts 11:21 describe the support the early Christians received while spreading the gospel?
3. According to Ephesians 4:7, how is grace distributed among believers?
4. What does 1 Peter 4:10 say about the purpose of the gifts given to believers?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How did the grace of God enable the early Christians to continue preaching despite persecution? ([23:41])
2. What does it mean for the grace of God to be evident in a person's life, as seen in Acts 11:23? ([21:13])
3. How can believers today apply the concept of using their gifts to serve others, as instructed in 1 Peter 4:10? ([36:51])
4. What role does the "hand of God" play in the lives of believers, according to the sermon? ([25:05])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge. How did you experience God's grace during that period? ([23:41])
2. In what ways can you make the grace of God evident in your daily actions and interactions with others? ([21:13])
3. Identify a personal project or goal you have. How can you rely on God's grace to achieve it? ([24:26])
4. How can you use your unique gifts and talents to serve others in your community or church? ([36:51])
5. Think of a situation where you need God's guidance and support. How can you pray for His hand to be upon you in that situation? ([25:05])
6. How can you change your mindset to be more proactive in using your gifts for God's service, as encouraged in the sermon? ([36:04])
7. Reflect on the examples of Jesus and Stephen. How can you seek to be full of grace and truth in your own life? ([39:14])
Devotional
Day 1: Empowerment Beyond Boundaries
Greater grace empowers us beyond our natural capabilities, enabling us to achieve the extraordinary in all life's facets. This divine empowerment is not confined to spiritual acts but extends to personal, professional, and communal endeavors, transforming challenges into triumphs. [24:26]
2 Corinthians 9:8 - "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel inadequate? How can you open yourself up to God's grace to empower you in that area?
Day 2: Grace Visible in Action
The grace of God in one's life shines through actions and character, enabling genuine love and steadfast faith. This divine favor is not earned but is a reflection of a heart surrendered to God, allowing us to be authentic ambassadors of Christ's love. [28:36]
Colossians 3:12-14 - "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate God's grace through your actions towards someone who may be difficult to love?
Day 3: Stewarding Grace-Given Gifts
Grace equips us with unique gifts and talents, calling us to serve others and advance God's kingdom. This service, rooted in diverse expressions of grace, should be carried out with faithfulness and a heart for communal upliftment. [34:40]
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 - "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work."
Reflection: What gifts have you been given by grace, and how can you use them to serve others this week?
Day 4: Fullness of Grace for Impact
Being full of grace and truth, like Jesus and Stephen, leads to a life of significant impact, marked by wonders and service. This fullness is a call to believers to seek a deeper experience of grace, enabling them to make a meaningful difference in the world. [39:14]
Acts 6:8 - "Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people."
Reflection: In what ways can you seek a fuller experience of God's grace to increase your impact on those around you?
Day 5: Relying on Grace for the Journey
Recognizing and relying on God's grace is essential for overcoming personal limitations and achieving collective success. This grace is our source of strength and guidance, assuring us that we are never alone in our faith journey. [40:41]
Hebrews 4:16 - "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Reflection: Can you identify a situation where you need to rely more on God's grace rather than your own strength? How can you consciously do that this week?
Quotes
1) "The grace of God does not look at our weakness, it does not look at our failures, it only looks at our heart and our willingness to surrender to him." [29:56]
2) "With the grace of God comes the hand of God... when God's power supports you and backs you, you will do signs and wonders." [41:23]
3) "When there is great grace, it must be seen... you cannot say there's great grace upon me without manifestation." [19:30]
4) "The grace of God comes with gifts, it comes with talents, it comes with abilities to do certain things." [35:24]
5) "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others faithfully, administering God's grace in its various forms." [36:51]
6) "When the grace of God moves you to do things, other people see you and they become happy. Fellow believers see you and they know that yes, this is the grace of God upon this person." [31:57]
7) "This year, tell yourself I have received great grace and the Hand of the Lord is upon me; I will make it, I will succeed, I will be victorious." [26:32]
8) "Great grace enables the use of your gift for Kingdom Service... to serve others faithfully and ministering God's grace in its various forms." [37:38]
9) "May you receive commendation this year because of the great grace upon your life... may you get favorable answers to your prayer this year in the mighty name of Jesus." [33:55]
10) "We need the grace of God to empower us... that same Grace is available to us today, praise the Lord, and with the grace of God comes the hand of God." [24:26]
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