KNOW HIS GRACE

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Importance of Knowing Grace
2. Grace Is a Gift, Not a Reward
3. 2 Corinthians 8:9 – Jesus Became Poor So We Could Be Rich
4. Understanding “Rich” – More Than Spiritual
5. 2 Peter 1:3 – All Things Already Given
6. Work vs. Grace: Renewing the Mind
7. Luke 5: The Catch of Fish – A Picture of Grace
8. The Mindset of Law vs. The Mindset of Grace
9. Resting in His Love and Receiving

Introduction: The Importance of Knowing Grace

The pastors begin by emphasizing their excitement to share the Word of God, noting that it is not only for the listeners but also a reminder for themselves. They stress that the Word continually refreshes and strengthens believers.

They introduce the main theme: understanding grace—especially as it relates to finances, though they clarify that the same principles apply equally to healing and every area of life.

They reference the concept of the vine and branches from John 15, explaining that believers are connected to Christ. Just as branches receive everything from the vine naturally, believers receive all blessings through their connection to Jesus. There is no striving required; everything flows naturally from Him.

They emphasize unity with God: believers are one with the Father and Christ. Because of this unity, everything that belongs to Christ also belongs to the believer. This includes provision, healing, wisdom, and relationships.

Grace Is a Gift, Not a Reward

The pastors clearly define grace as a gift, not a reward. This is a foundational truth. They explain that reward comes from work, but grace comes from what Jesus has already done. This distinction is critical because many believers unknowingly mix grace with effort, creating confusion and frustration.

They stress that there should be no “but,” “have to,” or “need to” added to grace. Everything has already been completed by Jesus. Believers are fully qualified by God because they have been made righteous through Christ. They emphasize that right believing leads to right living. When believers understand grace correctly, their lives naturally reflect that truth without striving or legalism.

2 Corinthians 8:9 – Jesus Became Poor So We Could Be Rich

The pastors highlight this key verse: "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich."

They emphasize the opening phrase: “For ye know the grace.” This shows that believers are expected to know and understand grace.

They explain that Jesus becoming poor is part of grace. Just as Jesus became sin so believers could become righteous, and became sick so believers could be healed, He also became poor so believers could be made rich. This is not something earned—it is part of the finished work of Christ. Grace provides it fully.

Understanding “Rich

The pastors take time to explain that the word “rich” in this verse is not limited to spiritual blessings. They explain that the Greek meaning includes becoming wealthy, having abundance, and possessing outward goods. This includes material provision, not just internal or spiritual benefits.

They emphasize that this is still grace. It is not earned wealth—it is provided through Jesus.

They reiterate: "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich."

This provision is part of the same grace that provides healing and every other blessing.

2 Peter 1:3 – All Things Already Given

The pastors connect this truth with another verse: "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue."

They emphasize that everything needed for life and godliness has already been given. The key phrase is “through the knowledge.” Just like in 2 Corinthians 8:9, knowing and understanding grace is essential.

They explain that believers do not need to work for these things—they already have them through Christ. The role of the believer is to renew their mind and come into agreement with what has already been provided.

Work vs. Grace: Renewing the Mind

The pastors contrast work and grace clearly:
Work equals reward.
Grace equals gift.

They explain that many believers still operate with a mindset of striving, thinking they must earn God’s blessings. This mindset needs to be renewed. They encourage believers to rest in God’s love rather than worry or strive. They emphasize that worry has no place in a grace-based life. The focus should be on trusting and receiving, not working to earn.

Luke 5: The Catch of Fish – A Picture of Grace

The pastors then move to the story in Luke 5: "And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord."

They emphasize that Peter and his partners had worked all night and caught nothing. This represents human effort under the law. But when they followed Jesus’ word, they experienced overwhelming provision—so much that their nets broke and boats began to sink.

They explain that this catch was extremely large—enough to potentially provide for their households for many years, even representing millions in today’s terms.

This demonstrates how grace provides beyond human effort.

The Mindset of Law vs. The Mindset of Grace

The pastor's focus on Peter’s reaction: "When Simon Peter saw it, he fell at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord."

They explain that Peter responded with a mindset shaped by the law—feeling unworthy and undeserving. He believed he had not worked for or earned this blessing, so he rejected it. This reflects a legalistic mindset, where people believe blessings must be earned through obedience and effort. In contrast, Jesus was demonstrating grace—a system where believers are already qualified through righteousness given by God.

The pastors explain that believers must shift from a law-based mindset to a grace-based mindset, recognizing that everything is a gift.

Resting in His Love and Receiving

The teaching concludes with a strong emphasis on rest. Believers are encouraged to rest in God’s love and grace, knowing that everything has already been provided.

They emphasize that God has not given a spirit of fear, but power, love, and a sound mind. A sound mind understands grace. They remind believers that they are fully qualified through Christ and that their needs have already been met.

The final encouragement is to simply receive and be thankful, allowing God’s blessings to flow naturally—just like branches receiving from the vine.

We hope this article blessed you and helped you understand the depth and simplicity of God’s grace. Take time to meditate on these truths and allow them to renew your mind. Share this teaching with others so they, too, can experience the freedom of living in grace.