“Grace That Empowers: Living by the Spirit, Not the Flesh”
This Sunday, we continued our journey through the God’s Amazing Grace series with Part 3, and the focus was both liberating and challenging: grace doesn’t just save you—it empowers you to live differently.
Many people think of grace as a one-time experience—the moment they gave their life to Christ. But God’s grace is not just the doorway into salvation; it is the power source for the entire Christian life. It empowers us to live victoriously, walk in freedom, and overcome the pull of the flesh.
1. Grace Isn’t Permission to Sin—It’s Power to Overcome It
Titus 2:11–12 says,
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.”
This is a key truth we often miss: Grace teaches. Grace leads. Grace empowers.
If grace isn’t producing change, it’s likely not being fully received or understood.
God’s grace doesn’t ignore sin—it gives us the power to walk away from it.
2. The Flesh and Spirit Are at War—Grace Tips the Scale
Galatians 5:16 says, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
The old man—the flesh—is still present in our earthly bodies. But grace, working through the Holy Spirit, gives us the power to crucify the flesh and live from our new nature in Christ.
In other words:
You don’t fight sin with willpower—you overcome it by walking in the Spirit.
You don’t try harder to be holy—you trust more deeply in the One who is.
You don’t earn freedom—you receive it and walk it out by grace.
This is not about perfection—it’s about progress through the power of God.
3. Grace Empowers You to Bear Fruit, Not Just Avoid Sin
So often, we view the Christian life as a list of things to avoid. But grace doesn’t just keep us from sin—it leads us into fruitfulness.
Galatians 5:22–23 describes the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities aren’t achieved by self-effort; they are produced as a result of abiding in grace and staying in step with the Spirit.
The grace-empowered life is marked not by fear or failure, but by freedom and fruit.
4. You’re Not Just Forgiven—You’re Transformed
One of the biggest revelations from Sunday’s message was this:
Grace doesn’t leave you where it found you.
2 Corinthians 3:18 says,
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image… by the Spirit of the Lord.”
God’s grace sees you in your brokenness—but it doesn’t stop there. It lifts you, heals you, and transforms you day by day into the image of Jesus. That’s the amazing part of God’s amazing grace—it makes you new, and then teaches you how to live as the new creation you are.
Closing Thoughts: Lean on Grace, Walk in Power
Grace isn’t soft—it’s strong.
Grace isn’t passive—it’s powerful.
Grace isn’t just pardon—it’s partnership with the Holy Spirit.
This week, stop trying to “do better” in your own strength and start leaning on the grace of God that empowers you to live free, walk holy, and bear fruit.
Ask yourself:
Am I relying on grace daily, or on my own ability?
Am I walking in the Spirit, or battling the flesh on my own?
Am I experiencing grace as a transforming force in my life?
Grace didn’t just save you. It sustains you. It changes you. It empowers you.
That’s the power of God’s Amazing Grace.
With renewed strength,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Christian Center
"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"
