Topic: FUNCTION FROM THE PLACE OF UNDERSTANDING – Bishop Mike Okonkwo Devotional 8 March 2020 [The Redeemed Evangelical Mission]

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FUNCTION FROM THE PLACE OF UNDERSTANDING

“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,” Ephesians 1:18 KJV

In Christ, nothing works against you! After Apostle Paul came in contact with Jesus, he “…determined not to know anything …save Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1Corinthians 2:2 KJV). And in 1Corinthians 1:31, he said: ‘’…He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” In other words, let your celebration be that you are in the Lord. 

When you understand the things that God has done for you, your Christian experience will no longer be a struggle. According to Romans 2:4, it is the goodness of God that leads us to repentance; not His judgement and condemnation! It is His goodness that draws you to himself. That is what brings about repentance. Remember that repentance is not just about crying and changing from your sinful ways; repentance is also about changing your mind and agreeing with God. That is true biblical repentance.

When your sacrifice is done with an understanding of His mercy and grace on your behalf, it will affect your response to Him, your lifestyle and your relationships with others. It will teach you how to live a life that is pleasing to Him. When you know that God has been merciful to you, you will not be merciless to others because grace is not free. Grace is not free as some people think. Grace was paid for by the sacrifice of Jesus. Without sacrifice, there is no grace. You are free from condemnation because of the sacrifice of Jesus. By reason of the sacrifice of Jesus, you are entitled to anything good. You ought not to be a failure in life.

Grace stands on your sacrifice! The sacrifice you are willing to make for the sake of Christ reveals how much grace you have received. It also reflects your understanding and the depth of the revelation you have received. Sacrifice becomes worship because you know that the grace of God is always enough.

Further Reading: Ephesians 1:15-22

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Deuteronomy 1-3; Evening- Mark 10:32-52