Divine Victory

Preacher: AVMSE Tunji Obiwole
First Lesson: 2 Chronicles 13:1-13
Second Lesson: Acts 15:1-12
Topic: Divine Victory

Introduction: The Power of Obedience in Redemption

The foundation of our salvation is built upon two divine principles—Grace and Faith. Grace is God’s unmerited favor, His benevolence extended to us without our works. Faith, on the other hand, is the channel through which we access this grace. A proper understanding of both is essential for living a victorious Christian life.

THE MEANING OF GRACE

Grace is the unearned, unmerited kindness of God. It is through grace that:

• We receive salvation (Titus 2:11) – “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.”
• We are justified (Romans 3:24) – “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
• We are sustained (2 Corinthians 12:9) – “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Without grace, man remains condemned, unable to attain righteousness before a holy God

The Power of Faith

Faith is the hand that receives what grace provides. It is through faith that:

• We are justified before God (Romans 5:1) – “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
• We overcome the world (1 John 5:4) – “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”
• We please God (Hebrews 11:6) – “But without faith it is impossible to please Him.”

Faith is active, not passive. It is believing and acting upon God’s Word, trusting Him completely.

Grace & Faith: and Working Together

Though grace and faith are distinct, they work together in perfect harmony:

• Grace makes salvation available; faith takes hold of it.
• Grace provides righteousness; faith receives it.
• Grace is God’s gift; faith is man’s response.

Paul clarifies this in Ephesians 2:8 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith.” Without grace, faith has nothing to receive; without faith, grace cannot be accessed.

Avoiding Extremes

Some believers misunderstand grace and faith, leading to two dangerous extremes:

1. Grace Without Faith: This leads to complacency, where one assumes all is done without any personal response or responsibility.
2. Faith Without Grace: This results in legalism—trying to earn God’s favor through human effort rather than trusting in His grace.

A balanced Christian life acknowledges that we do not work for salvation, but we work because of salvation (Philippians 2:12-13).

Living in Grace Through Faith

To live a victorious Christian life, we must:

Grow in both grace and faith (2 Peter 3:18) – “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Depend on God’s grace daily (2 Corinthians 9:8) – “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you.”

Strengthen our faith through the Word (Romans 10:17) – “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Walk in obedience (James 2:17) – “Faith without works is dead.”

Conclusion & Prayer

Grace and faith are two sides of the same coin in our walk with God. Grace provides, faith receives. As believers, we must embrace both, ensuring that we neither take God’s grace for granted nor attempt to replace it with works. By doing so, we experience the fullness of God’s salvation and His abundant blessings in our lives.

May the Lord help us to continually grow in grace and faith. Amen.