Sustaining grace

(The following is an outline of the message that was preached by Michael Larsen on January 20, 2019.)

SUSTAINING GRACE – WHY WE NEED IT

The Bible tells us that God always finishes what He starts. Philippians 1:6  “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” It says, “God will finish it.” 

How can we be sure we're going to finish? Because of God's Sustaining Grace. What is Sustaining Grace? Sustaining Grace is the power to keep on going when I feel like giving up.

There are three things in life that can cause you to stumble. 

1. I can count on God's Sustaining Grace to help me keep on standing when I'm tempted.

1 Peter 5:8-9, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

2. God's sustaining Grace helps me keep standing when I'm tired. 

Galatians 6:9, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”  

3. God's Sustaining Grace gives me the power to keep going when I'm troubled.

Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

How do get that kind of grace to keep going in spite of temptations, tiredness and troubles? You do four things: 

1. Call out. Cry out to God. 

2. Fill your mind with God's word. 

3. Accept support from God's people. 
4. Hold on to God's promises.