The first things we need to do to get grace “Brothers, we want to inform you about the grace of God that has been granted to the Macedonian churches. Thus, when they were tested by many tribulations, they rejoiced greatly. And though they were poor, their charity extended far. We testify to you that in this matter of grace, and in the matter of sharing in the ministry for the saints, they earnestly besought us, and gave themselves more than they were able. After this, they surrendered themselves first to the Lord, and to us because of God’s will; We do not want to do this. (II Corinthians 8:1-5)
Paul says that it was the grace of God that was bestowed upon the Macedonian churches. Why did they receive grace? What can we do to receive grace? We are seeing many sentences like this in the Bible to remain in grace, to receive grace along with grace, and to grow in grace. None of those in the Old Testament received grace. – Grace is revealed to us in the new covenant. “Not according to our works, but according to his own will, which was given to us in Christ Jesus from the beginning of time, and according to his grace, which was revealed by the revelation of Christ Jesus our Savior, he saved us and called us with a holy calling” (1 Timothy 1: 9-10) Macedonian Churches Grace – to receive A powerful reason is that they surrendered ‘first to the Lord’. On top of that, because of God’s will, they handed themselves over to ‘God’s servants’. When some pray, have mercy, We hear you pray to be filled with grace. But it is very sad that they do not know how to receive grace. There are some things we need to know before receiving grace. Without them we cannot receive grace. We must not forget that grace is sufficient for every problem in our life.
1.First is His Kingdom, righteousness.
Do not worry about what to eat, what to drink, what to wear; The Gentiles inquire about all these things; Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. Therefore seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. Then all things will be granted to you (Matthew 6:31-33).
What is seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness? Where do you find these? If they are seen, they will be seen in the holy community. In other words, you should find out what the needs of the church are that reflect the kingdom of God and spend your time and property on them. It means to seek righteousness and do righteous deeds. It means to seek the kingdom of God and righteousness. These are If we do, all our needs will be met. We would be foolish to think that our every need should be met without them. The Macedonian congregation “gave of themselves, not only according to their ability, but beyond their ability, in the service of the saints. Handed over to God and divine servants. We can understand what surrender means by Acts 4:36. Barnabas was a landowner. He who has entrusted himself to God and his servants is seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness. So he sold the land he had and brought the price and laid it at the feet of the apostles. Only such people will receive grace.
2.first answer.
If, while you are offering your offering at the altar, you remember that something against your brother has come upon you, leave your offering there before the altar, and go first and reconcile with your brother; Then come and offer your offering (Matthew 5:23-24).
The answer is that one of the fruits of the Spirit is “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, and peace” (Galatians 5:22). Every believer must be at peace with everyone. ” Seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34 : 14) This answer is our “authority” and rules us (Isaiah 60 : 17) Paul, the man of God, says. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15).
3.first stone.
When Jesus entered the temple, all the people gathered to listen to his teaching. The scribes, the Pharisees, brought a single woman caught in adultery and stood her in the middle, Teacher! This woman was caught committing adultery. Moses commanded in the Law to stone them to death, but they asked him, “What do you say?” They searched him and asked him to accuse him of crime. Seeing their intent, Jesus bent down and wrote something on the ground. While they were asking persistently, he looked up and said, “He who is without sin among you may be the first to throw a stone at her.” Then he bent down and wrote on the ground. They thought that Jesus did not know their faults, mistakes and sins. In Psalm 90:8 “You have kept our sins before you. In the light of your face, our secret sins are visible”. Their faults are greater than her faults. Starting from the youngest, without anyone throwing a stone at her. Get away from there until you are older. (John 8:2-9)
Finding fault with others has become a habit of every human being. The Word teaches us to walk spiritually in these last days. Matthew 7:5 Take the beam out of your own eye. Then you will see clearly to remove the mote that is in your brother’s eye. First, we surrender ourselves to God’s servants because of God’s will to the Lord. Let us first seek God’s kingdom , righteousness, and peace. Before blaming others
Let us first remove the beam from our own eye and prepare for the coming of the Lord by receiving grace after grace like the Macedonian church.
