Preacher: AVMSE Tunji Obiwole
1st Lesson : II Chronicles 13:1-13
2nd Lesson: Acts 15:1-12
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:
- Grace Without Faith: This leads to complacency, where one assumes all is done without any personal response or responsibility.
- 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.
Hymns for the Service
| Hymns for the Service: | ||
| 1. CCC HYMN 005 YORUBA: 1. K’awa elese yiwa pada, Jesu yio s’okale sinu wa o, K’awa elese yiwa pada, Jesu yio s’okale sinu wa o, Nibo la o duro de Jesu? Tawa yio fi ri? N’ile esin la wa o ri Jesu Nibo la o duro de Jesu? Tawa yio fi ri? N’ile esin la wa o ri Jesu. ENGLISH: 1. Let us sinners repent from sins, Jesus Christ will descend into our midst, Let us sinners repent from sins, Jesus Christ will descend into our midst, Where shall we await Jesus that we might all see Him, In the Holy Church shall we see Jesus. | 2. CCC HYMN 305. YORUBA: Omo ‘jo Celestial Mimo, Lat’ Orun Mimo wa ni, A nho f’ayo, a nbu sayo, A nke Halleluya, Eni to Olorun se tire, Ta lo le ko ju ija si. Amin. ENGLISH Children of Holy Celestial, From Holy Heaven above, We all shout for joy, We all dance with joy, We all shout Halleluyah, Who ever belongs to God, No evil can confront him. Amen. | 3.. CCC HYMN 266 YORUBA: 1. 1: Agbara nla otito to sanmo meje wa, Agbara nla otito to sanmo meje wa, Agbara nla lo je, Agbara nla lo je, Agbara nla otito to sanmo meje wa, Agbara isegun ni fun wa. ENGLISH The true mighty power that cometh from seven skies, The true mighty power that cometh from seven skies, It’s a mighty power, It’s a mighty power, The true mighty power that cometh from seven skies, It is a victory power for us all. The true mighty power that cometh from seven skies. |
| 4. CCC Hymn 070 YORUBA Fara Sali Fara Sali Alali Tira Siso Tira Siso Atali. Amin. ENGLISH Fara Sali Fara Sali Alali Tira Siso Tira Siso Atali. Amen | 5. CCC HYMN 457 YORUBA Okunkun ko le bori, Bori imole kan, Okunkun ko le bori, Bori imole kan, Halleluya, Halleluya, Halleluya, Okunkun ko le bori, Bori imole kan. Amin. ENGLISH Darkness can never prevail, Prevail over the light, Darkness can never prevail, Prevail over the light, Halleluyah, Halleluyah, Halleluyah, Darkness can never prevail, Prevail over the light. Amen. | 6. .CCC HYMN 287 YORUBA 1. Enyin araiye, e sin Jesu, Chorus: E bo ‘kan yin s’oro, Igbala mbe lowo Re, E bo ‘kan yin s’oro, Igbala mbe lowo Re. ENGLISH 1. Ye brethren, come and worship Jesus, Chorus: Ponder within your hearts, Salvation abides with Him, Ponder within your hearts, Salvation abides with Him.. |
| 7. CCC HYMN 876 YORUBA 1: Emi ni, mase beru, Mo l’Emi l’Oba na, Oba Olupese, Ma si se foya, Emi yio pese aini re fun o, Gboju re soke ki o ka irawo, Oju orun wo bi o le mo iye won. ENGLISH 1: It is Me don’t be afraid, I say I am the King , The King of providence, Do no be afraid, I shall always provide your needs for thee, Lift up thy eyes to the sky and count the stars, Look up the sky and see if you can count them. |
