FREELY GIVEN

“to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” ‭ Ephesians 1:6 NIVUK‬‬‬‬ ‬

The fourth action of God towards humanity that we are highlighting today, are the words “freely given” or “bestowed” as some translations say. This is such a powerful word and it’s connected to the word grace. It’s grace that He has freely given us.

Let me make just a couple of observations:

First, the grace He has freely given us is in the past tense. Therefore, it’s already been given. It’s grace, for the taking. He has not withheld the grace, nor will He withdraw it from us. It’s already been offered to us.

Second, the grace He has already offered is free. We can’t earn through effort or good works the grace that God freely gives us. It’s free. It didn’t cost us anything, but it did cost God something. The grace He freely gives us is in the One He loves, that is Jesus Christ. Jesus laid down His life so that God’s incredible grace will be offered to the entire world. This free grace that’s ready to be accepted is the ability to become who God says we are and the ability to do what He says we can do. This grace works within us and we partner with God’s grace through faith and obedience.

God bestows upon us everything we need. What a gracious and generous God He is!

CONSIDER

1. Dallas Willard once said, “God is not opposed to effort. He’s opposed to earning.” How might your effort and your obedience partner with God?

2. In what way can your attitude make a positive adjustment when you consider that God has ALREADY offered free grace

3. Identify a specific area in your life where God’s grace works to develop your character and strengthen your God-given identity.

4. Because you have been given freely the grace found in Christ, how will you add value and benefit to another?