By Prophet John Tunke Bisina
TEXTS: 1 Peter 4:10–11; 1 Corinthians 4:1–7; 15:10; 2 Corinthians 6:1–4; Matthew 25:14–30
THE Christian life is powered, preserved, and propelled by the grace of God. Grace is not merely unmerited favour; it is God’s transforming power, His divine influence upon the heart, and His enabling strength for holy living and fruitful service (Titus 2:11–12). Yet, though freely given, Scripture issues a sobering warning: “We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain” (2 Corinthians 6:1). This reveals that grace, though abundant, can be neglected, resisted, or wasted. When rightly stewarded, however, grace becomes the driving force behind spiritual growth, effective service, and eternal reward.
Faithful stewardship of God’s grace involves the intentional and responsible management of every spiritual resource, ability, and opportunity entrusted to the believer. Paul speaks of “the dispensation of the grace of God” given to him (Ephesians 3:2), showing that grace carries stewardship responsibility. Scripture further establishes the standard: “It is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). Grace is not merely to be received; it must be diligently directed.
The life of the Apostle Paul provides a compelling model. He declared, “By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10). Paul recognized grace as the source of his identity, the strength behind his labour, and the explanation for his fruitfulness. Yet he did not stop at recognition—he responded with diligence. His life demonstrates that grace must be acknowledged, applied, and advanced.
A faithful response to grace begins with dependence: a humble reliance on God as the Source of all sufficiency (Ephesians 2:8–9). This dependence leads to a decisive turning from sin in repentance, for grace calls sinners to conversion and surrender (Acts 3:19; 2 Corinthians 6:2). Such response must move beyond confession into diligence, as grace empowers active labour and faithful obedience (Philippians 2:12–13). Grace also demands dedication, producing a consecrated life that denies ungodliness and embraces righteousness (Titus 2:11–12; Romans 12:1–2).
As grace is embraced, it fosters development, leading to growth in spiritual maturity and Christlike character (2 Peter 3:18; 2 Peter 1:5–8). It also calls for deployment, as every believer is entrusted with gifts meant to serve others as stewards of God’s manifold grace (1 Peter 4:10–11; Romans 12:6–8). In seasons of difficulty, grace sustains through determination, strengthening believers to endure trials and remain faithful (2 Corinthians 12:9; 2 Timothy 2:1–3).
Yet Scripture makes it clear that grace can be denied. This denial often begins with disregard, when grace is received but left unused (2 Corinthians 6:1; Matthew 25:26). It progresses through disobedience, as individuals refuse divine instruction (Luke 6:46), and through distortion, when grace is twisted into a license for sin (Jude 1:4; Romans 6:1–2). Pride introduces disdain, causing individuals to resist grace through self-exaltation (James 4:6), while distraction diverts attention to worldly pursuits that choke spiritual fruitfulness (1 John 2:15–17; Luke 8:14).
Grace may further be hindered by dormancy, where gifts and opportunities are buried rather than used (Matthew 25:25), and ultimately by defiance, where the Holy Spirit is grieved and resisted (Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 10:29). Such patterns reveal that grace denied is grace diminished.
The dangers of dormant grace are both serious and sobering. It begins with deprivation, as unused grace leads to loss of divine opportunity (Matthew 25:26). This is followed by divestment, where God removes neglected resources and entrusts them to others (Matthew 25:28; Luke 19:26). The unfaithful steward faces denunciation, being rebuked as “wicked and lazy” (Matthew 25:26), and ultimately disqualification, losing the privilege of sharing in the master’s joy (Matthew 25:30; 1 Corinthians 3:13–15). The final outcome is damnation, a sobering picture of eternal judgment for persistent unfaithfulness (Matthew 25:30; Luke 19:27).
In contrast, those who steward grace faithfully experience remarkable dividends. Grace produces distinction, forming excellence in character and holiness (Titus 2:14; Galatians 5:22–23). It leads to development, increasing capacity and spiritual influence (Matthew 25:16–17). Faithful stewards receive divine approval, hearing the commendation, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). They are entrusted with greater responsibility through delegation, as God promotes them into higher assignments (Luke 19:17).
Such faithful stewardship results in delight, bringing deeper fellowship and joy in the Lord (Matthew 25:21; John 14:21), and ultimately culminates in destiny rewarded, where every grace-empowered act receives eternal recompense (Revelation 22:12).
Grace is God’s precious investment placed in the hands of every believer. It saves, shapes, strengthens, and sends. Yet it must not be neglected, resisted, or wasted. The warning is clear, but so is the promise. If rightly stewarded, grace will lead to growth, usefulness, joy, and eternal reward.
Therefore, let every believer rise to the call of faithful stewardship and be able to declare with conviction: “His grace toward me was not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:10).
…Delivered during the Sunday Scripture Class at the OLD TIME POWER CHURCH on May 10, 2026. Subscribe to our Youtube & WhatsApp channels @Oldtimepowerchurch, follow us on Facebook.com/Old Time Power Church, and visit our site: oldtimepowerchurch.org
