(It Takes Abundance Of Grace To Reign In Life)
By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
TO THE BIBLE: “For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:17)
LET’S TALK
In this verse of scripture, the Apostle Paul didn’t say “…those who receive grace…” rather, he said, “…those who receive abundance of grace….” The word “abundance” here brings to mind a bowl filled to the brim and running over. Paul’s talking about an overflowing of grace that belongs only to those who can receive it, and then he lets us know that this grace is what you need to reign in life.
So, the question is, have you received the abundance of grace? Remember, it’s those that receive the abundance of grace that will reign in life, not those that are given. Most people interpret the word “receive” with some passive connotation, thinking of it as that which comes to you without any effort on your part, such as receiving a letter in your mailbox.
However, the idea God’s Word brings to us suggests something different. The word “receive” is from the Greek word “lambano,” which doesn’t suggest passive receiving but means to “take” or “catch” something and make it yours, to get hold of something, to seize it.
When the woman with the issue of blood touched Jesus’ garment and received her healing, she took or “lambano-ed” the power out of Him by faith (Mark 5:25-29). The Roman soldiers, however, stripped Jesus of those same garments and received nothing because they didn’t believe (Matthew 27:35). So, it’s not a question of God’s ability but who can receive (take) grace. Take advantage of the grace of God, for that grace has been lavishly poured out upon all men (Titus 2:11); it’s yours for the taking!
Go Deeper: Ephesians 2:4-6; Revelation 5:9-10
Speak: Dear Father, I thank you for your grace, which you have lavishly poured out unto me. Thank you for the gift of righteousness that gives me the boldness in your presence and causes me to reign in life as a king, in Jesus’ Name. Amen
Daily Bible Reading: ONE YEAR 2 Corinthians 6:3-7:1, Proverbs 20-21
TWO YEAR Luke 21:20-28, 1 Samuel 26
Act: What is that good thing you desire in life for which you require grace? Is it healing, divine protection or good grades? You already have the abundance of grace to that effect. Seize it and make it yours!