Where is the “Mega-Grace” that the Apostles Had?
The following is a teaching article by Chris Kauffman:
I want to discuss 3 reasons that the Body of Christ as a whole is not walking in the mega-grace and dunamis power that the apostles did. I believe that the biggest reason is because of the incomplete agape love that motivated them. But the 3 that I want to elaborate on are spiritual strongholds that can prevent that love from manifesting in our hearts.
1. We rely on our own strength
Physically speaking we have so much strength, ability, knowledge and yet Paul “boasted in his weakness” because Jesus told Paul “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power [dunamis] is perfected in weakness.”
It’s not that physical strength is bad, but it can become a hindrance to spiritual strength, because our physical strength has given way to pride. James 4:6 says: “But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” This strength ties into the second reason…
2. We have Pride
God hates all forms of pride because pride opposes Him. Only when we humble ourselves, stop depending on our ways, thoughts, and understanding will He grant us more grace and direct ALL our paths!
James 4 continues: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you!” (James 4:7-10).
Simply: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you!”
3. A lack of Focus
Both strength and pride blossom together in one deceptive fruit and Psalm 69:22,23 describe it well: “May their table before them become a snare; And when they are in peace, may it become a trap. May their eyes grow dim so that they cannot see“
I am still working through this too, Lord help us! This verse is deep and a little disturbing.
Have we allowed the “good things” in life and the peace we have had blind us to our pride that we have lost focus?
The Kingdom of God is not built by human hands! Buildings, programs, fundraisers, charity, converts, etc…are all “good things” but, can be elevated above the will of God if we lose focus. In the New Testament, the Kingdom of God is described in spiritual or Heavenly ways. Actually, we don’t even build His house…He does.
“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” and “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”(Zech.4:6) In Hebrew the root of the word for might can relate to wealth/strength and power can be translated ability.
What if we read it; “not by your ability, strength, wealth or resources but by My Spirit”? I think that would help us focus more on His Spirit because the hands of Jesus have started His house and His hands will complete it.(Zech.4:9)
“And he will bring forth the temple capstone with shoutings of ‘Grace! Grace!’ because of this!“(Zech.4:7)
That sounds like the double, or mega-grace that we need!
Sometimes it even sounds vague but, we are told to “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” and “fix your thoughts on things above, not on things of the earth.“
Because “the Kingdom of God is righteousness, joy and peace in the Holy Spirit” and “For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power.”
As we allow the Spirit of God to “open our eyes” to these truths, we will become more and more grounded on the one and only Cornerstone. We will receive more and more grace; God has promised it and only He can do it!
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