The Power of God’s Grace to Fulfill Your Vows

Devotional

Day 1: Approach God with Reverence and a Listening Heart

Coming into the house of God is not about filling the air with words or opinions, but about quieting our hearts to truly listen for His voice. When we gather, it is an opportunity to position ourselves with humility and expectancy, seeking to hear what God wants to say rather than being distracted by the noise of others or our own thoughts. This posture of stillness and reverence allows us to receive encouragement, direction, and the refreshing presence of the Lord, reinforcing our faith and dreams for His kingdom. [01:01:50]

Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 (ESV)
"Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few."

Reflection: When you come to church or spend time with God, how can you intentionally quiet your heart and mind to truly listen for His voice rather than filling the space with your own words or distractions?

Day 2: The Seriousness of Vows and Promises to God

Making a vow or promise to God is a weighty matter, not to be taken lightly or made in haste, especially in moments of guilt or emotional intensity. God desires sincerity and follow-through, not empty promises that are quickly forgotten or broken. Instead of relying on our own strength to fulfill vows, we are called to recognize our dependence on His grace, understanding that it is better not to vow than to make a promise we do not intend or are unable to keep. [01:04:56]

Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 (ESV)
"When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay."

Reflection: Is there a promise or commitment you have made to God that you have not fulfilled? What would it look like to bring this honestly before Him today and seek His help to walk it out?

Day 3: God’s Grace Empowers Us in Our Weakness

We are not meant to live the Christian life in our own strength; God’s grace is His supernatural power and ability given to us to walk in victory, especially in our areas of weakness. When we fail or feel inadequate, it is not a reason to withdraw from God, but an invitation to draw near and receive His empowering grace. Our weaknesses become opportunities for God’s strength to be made perfect, and He delights in meeting us with mercy and help in our time of need. [01:14:31]

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
"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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Reflection: What is one area of weakness or failure in your life where you need to stop striving in your own strength and instead ask God for His grace and power today?

Day 4: Boldly Approach the Throne of Grace

No matter our failures or struggles, God invites us to come confidently to His throne of grace, where we can receive mercy and find the help we need. This is not a place of condemnation, but of empowerment and restoration, where God meets us with everything necessary for life and godliness. Memorizing and praying this promise can transform our daily walk, shifting us from a mindset of defeat to one of hope and expectation for God’s intervention. [01:14:31]

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Reflection: What specific situation or struggle do you need to bring boldly to God’s throne of grace today, trusting Him to provide the mercy and help you need?

Day 5: The Enemy Seeks to Destroy, but Jesus Gives Abundant Life

The enemy’s goal is to rob, kill, and destroy the desires and dreams God has placed in our hearts, often using guilt, failure, and discouragement to keep us from walking in freedom. Yet Jesus has come to give us life—abundant, empowered, and victorious—through His grace and presence. No matter what has been lost or broken, God’s power is available to restore, heal, and enable us to live out His purposes with confidence and joy. [01:11:34]

John 10:10 (ESV)
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

Reflection: Where have you experienced loss, discouragement, or a sense of defeat in your spiritual life? How can you invite Jesus to bring His abundant life and restoration into that area today?

Sermon Summary

In the presence of God, there is refreshing, empowering, and life. This is not just for adults, but for our children as well, and we long for every generation to have a real encounter with Jesus. As we gather, we are reminded that our approach to God matters deeply. Ecclesiastes 5 calls us to come into the house of God with humility, to listen rather than to speak hastily, and to position ourselves with expectancy—ready to hear from God, not just from others. The heart posture we bring—one of stillness, reverence, and openness—prepares us to receive what God wants to impart.

A central theme is the seriousness of making vows or promises to God. It is better not to vow than to make a promise and not fulfill it. Many of us, out of guilt or a desire to make things right, promise God that we will change—perhaps to pray more, serve more, or live differently. Yet, in our own strength, we inevitably fail, and this cycle can lead to deeper guilt and discouragement. The truth is, Christianity was never meant to be lived out of our own ability. We are called to rely on the grace of God—His supernatural power and favor—to empower us to live the life He calls us to.

God’s grace is not just unmerited favor; it is His power at work in our weakness. The enemy seeks to rob, kill, and destroy, but Jesus comes to give abundant life. We are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace, especially in our moments of failure and weakness, to receive mercy and find help. Our weakness is not a disqualification; it is the very place where God’s power is perfected. There is nothing lacking in what God provides—He is able to make all grace abound so that we have sufficiency for every good work.

The invitation is to stop striving in our own strength, to lay down empty promises, and to come honestly before God, asking for His grace to empower us. Whether you are facing failure, disappointment, or simply the need for fresh strength, God’s grace is available. The posture of fearing God, being quiet before Him, and seeking His voice and power is the way to walk in true freedom and victory.

Key Takeaways

1. Approach God with humility and expectancy Coming into God’s presence is not about impressing Him with words or performance, but about quieting our hearts to truly listen. When we approach with humility, we position ourselves to receive revelation and encouragement that can only come from Him. This posture opens the door for God to speak directly to our hearts, beyond the noise of opinions and distractions. [46:13]
2. Be cautious with vows; rely on grace, not willpower Making promises to God out of guilt or self-effort often leads to cycles of failure and shame. True transformation comes not from our own resolve, but from God’s empowering grace. We must learn to ask for and depend on His supernatural help, rather than trusting in our own ability to change. [68:22]
3. God’s grace is power perfected in weakness Our weaknesses are not obstacles to God—they are opportunities for His power to be displayed. When we admit our need and come boldly to the throne of grace, we find mercy and strength for every situation. This is the secret to a victorious Christian life: embracing our dependence on God’s sufficiency. [74:31]
4. There is nothing lacking in God’s provision Whatever we need to walk faithfully with God, He has already made available through His grace. We are not left to struggle alone; His sufficiency covers every area of lack. When we truly believe this, it changes how we pray, how we face challenges, and how we view our failures. [78:00]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Praying for the Children
[02:30] - Invitation to Join Children’s Ministry
[03:20] - Continuing in Worship
[06:13] - Opening Hearts to Hear God
[09:02] - Words of Knowledge and Encouragement
[12:12] - Jesus Brings Abundant Life
[13:50] - Introduction to Ecclesiastes 5
[16:50] - Guarding Our Approach to God
[21:50] - The Weight of Making Vows
[28:22] - The Cycle of Guilt and Vows
[31:34] - The Power and Purpose of Grace
[34:31] - God’s Grace in Our Weakness
[38:00] - Nothing Lacking in God’s Provision
[41:55] - Fearing God and Seeking His Grace
[45:53] - Ministry Time and Prayer for Grace
[49:00] - Closing and Invitation to Evening Service

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 (ESV)
> Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. For a dream comes with much business, and a fool’s voice with many words. When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. Let not your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands? For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
> 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
> Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

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### Observation Questions

According to Ecclesiastes 5, what attitude should we have when we come into the house of God? What does it mean to “let your words be few”? ([01:01:50])
What warning does Ecclesiastes 5 give about making vows or promises to God? ([01:04:56])
In 2 Corinthians 12:9, what does God say about weakness and His grace?
What invitation does Hebrews 4:16 give to believers, especially in times of need or failure? ([01:14:31])

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### Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the writer of Ecclesiastes emphasizes listening over speaking when approaching God? How does this relate to our modern church experience? ([46:13])
The sermon describes a cycle of guilt and making promises to God that we can’t keep. Why is it so easy to fall into this pattern, and what does it reveal about our understanding of grace? ([01:08:22])
How does the idea that “God’s power is made perfect in weakness” challenge the way we usually think about our failures and shortcomings? ([01:14:31])
The pastor said, “There is nothing lacking in what God provides—He is able to make all grace abound so that we have sufficiency for every good work.” What does this mean for how we approach our struggles and needs? ([01:18:00])

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### Application Questions

The sermon calls us to approach God with humility and expectancy, not just going through the motions or trying to impress Him. What would it look like for you to come to God this week with a quiet, expectant heart? Is there a specific way you can practice listening for God’s voice instead of filling the silence with your own words? ([46:13])
Have you ever made a promise or vow to God out of guilt or a desire to “make things right”? What happened afterward? How did it affect your relationship with God? ([01:08:22])
The pastor shared that true transformation comes from relying on God’s grace, not our own willpower. Is there an area in your life where you’ve been striving in your own strength? What would it look like to ask for and depend on God’s grace in that area this week? ([01:08:22])
When you experience failure or weakness, do you tend to withdraw from God or try harder on your own? How might your response change if you really believed that your weakness is the very place where God’s power can be displayed? ([01:14:31])
Hebrews 4:16 invites us to come boldly to the throne of grace to receive mercy and help. What is one practical way you can “come boldly” to God this week, especially in an area where you feel weak or discouraged? ([01:14:31])
The sermon says, “There is nothing lacking in God’s provision.” Is there something you feel is lacking in your walk with God right now? How can you bring that need honestly to Him and trust that His grace is enough? ([01:18:00])
The pastor encouraged the church to stop striving and lay down empty promises, coming honestly before God. Is there a promise or expectation you need to release to God today? What would it look like to simply ask for His grace and wait on Him? ([01:08:22])

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Sermon Clips

``We've all been through that, and we misunderstand something about our walk with God, and that is that actually we cannot fulfill those vows in our own strength. We'll fail every time because Christianity was never meant to be about you doing what you can do with your strength so that you can be successful. That's not walking with Christ. Walking with Christ is when his grace and his power comes upon us to empower us to walk with him. [01:09:15] (43 seconds) #GraceEmpowersUs

For me to make a whole lifestyle change, to pray for an hour every morning—man, I'm going to need some supernatural help because fundamentally I'm lazy, fundamentally I'm going to sleep in and I'm going to do things wrong, and then I'm going to be feeling more guilty than when I first made the vow. And wisdom teaches us: don't make vows to God and not keep them, hey? So what we actually need is the grace of God to help us to fulfill what we need to do. [01:10:00] (44 seconds) #SupernaturalHelpNeeded

Let me talk about God's grace for a few moments. A lot of misunderstanding about God's grace. God's grace is about God's power, it's about God's ability, it's about God's favor that's outpoured upon us. It is a supernatural ability of God to enable us to walk right before God. I need the grace of God, you need the grace of God to be able to walk successfully, to be able to walk with empowerment before the Lord. [01:10:46] (39 seconds) #GraceIsPower

There is so much against us walking in victory, maintaining our standing before God, so much that's required to being right with God and at a place of freedom. And of course, what happens is the devil comes and does everything to upset us, to unsettle us. And you know, the enemy, the Bible says, has come to rob, to kill, and destroy. So whether you realize it or not, you've got demon forces raging against you to rob you of life, of freedom, to kill you off from having a relevant relationship with Jesus. [01:11:28] (51 seconds) #VictoryThroughGrace

But I thank God that the Bible says—Jesus said—but I've come to give you life and to give it more abundantly. In other words, I've come to give you supernatural power, to give you grace so that you can face off the devil and you can defeat the devil and you can walk in a walk of victory before him. You were never meant to walk alone. [01:12:24] (23 seconds) #AbundantLifeInChrist

If you've been sitting, you made a vow that you failed to fulfill and your life's in a mess and so you don't want to go near God, but he says come on, draw near with confidence to the throne of grace so that you might receive mercy, find grace, find empowerment to help you in time and need. What a phenomenal scripture. If you have not prayed that scripture a thousand times and you've been a Christian for 40 years, I'm just wondering where you're living. [01:14:54] (32 seconds) #PowerPerfectedInWeakness

God is not concerned and judging you and being negative to you about your weakness. Every one of you here has got some form of weakness in your life, but he said my power is perfected in weakness. In other words, when you are weak, you start to draw on the grace of God and all of a sudden his power is perfected in your life. It starts to work in your life, so your weakness actually becomes a place for God's supernatural power. [01:16:15] (34 seconds) #WeaknessIsOpportunity

Weakness is never the issue. We all feel weak at times. It's how you pray and how you work with Jesus in that moment of weakness, and the great invitation has come boldly to the throne of his grace that you might find grace to help in time of need. So our weakness is actually God's opportunity for the power of Christ to dwell in you and work inside of you. Isn't that a remarkable thing? [01:16:54] (34 seconds) #RelyOnHisGrace

He is inviting you to come into a relationship of reliance on him. See, Jesus is inviting you to experience his great grace, his supernatural power, because he's able to make all grace abound to you, so you're having all sufficiency—whatever you need, he's got there for you. Let me ask you a question: what's lacking for you and I? What do you think is lacking for you in your walk with God? Well, let me answer that question for you: nothing. [01:17:42] (49 seconds) #NothingIsLacking

There is nothing lacking because he's able to make all grace abound to you, that you have all sufficiency for everything, for every good work. There is nothing that is lacking that is not available to help you walk in faith. Now, if you've never understood this and you start to activate this, it'll change your life. You won't be walking in a place of failure every time you come to Sunday because all of a sudden he's working within your life. [01:18:32] (29 seconds) #PrayerForGrace

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