People Grace
God's grace is dispensed through people, and we are called to become channels of it to others.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the concept of 'people grace,' highlighting that while God uses angels, He primarily relies on caring individuals to share His grace with others. This grace is not only a gift we receive but also a responsibility to dispense to those in need, as illustrated by the Apostle Paul's ministry. Wilkerson encourages believers to recognize their own healing through grace and to become channels of comfort for others, especially during times of suffering. He challenges the congregation to consider their role as stewards of God's grace, urging them to move beyond self-focused prayers to actively minister to others. Ultimately, our struggles can cultivate a deeper desire to extend mercy and grace to those around us.
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God often uses angels to minister to people. But mostly, he uses his own caring people to dispense his grace. This is one reason we're made partakers of his grace: to become channels of it. We are meant to dispense it to others. I call this "people grace."
"Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ" (Ephesians 4:7). Because of the comfort we're given through God's grace, it is impossible for any of us to continue grieving our whole lifetime. At some point, we are being healed by the Lord and we begin to build up a reservoir of God's grace.
I believe this is what Paul meant when he wrote, "I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me...that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ" (Ephesians 3:7-8). "Ye all are partakers of my grace" (Philippians 1:7). The apostle is making a profound statement. He's saying, "When I go to God's throne to obtain grace, it is for your sake. I want to be a merciful shepherd to you, not a judgmental one. I want to be able to dispense grace to you in your time of need." God's grace made Paul a compassionate shepherd, able to weep with those who grieved.
Peter writes, "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" (1 Peter 4:10). What does it mean to be a good steward, or dispenser, of God's manifold grace? Am I such a person? Or do I spend my time praying only for my own pain, grief and struggles?
Beloved, our present sufferings are producing something precious in our lives. They are forming in us a cry for the gift of mercy and grace, to offer to others who are hurting. Our sufferings make us want to be grace givers.
Sermon Outline
- God's Grace Through People
- The Measure of God's Grace
- Being a Good Steward of God's Grace
- Our Sufferings Produce a Cry for Mercy and Grace
- Forming in us a desire to be grace givers
- Offering mercy and grace to others who are hurting
Key Quotes
“Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” — David Wilkerson
“I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me...that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” — David Wilkerson
“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We should strive to become good stewards of God's manifold grace by ministering to others with the gift of mercy and grace.
- Our sufferings can produce a cry for the gift of mercy and grace, making us want to be grace givers to others.
- We can dispense God's grace by being compassionate and merciful to those who are hurting.