Living One: A Study of Integrity in Hebrewsনমুনা

Day 12: The grace of God enables us – activity flows from identity
Trying, but failing
Have you ever tried to do something that was impossible? Small children daydream and play out silly things like flying or walking on water. They can spend hours playing imaginary games that transport them to make-belief worlds where anything is possible. But, alas, such things are only make-belief, humanly impossible.
But have you ever tried and succeeded at a difficult task that took preparation, practise, and endurance – something like running and finishing a marathon, completing a gruelling hiking trail or passing a difficult exam? It’s hard, but possible.
Much the same with our spiritual growth, or sanctification. Character transformation is possible. But it’s hard work. It takes dedication and much patience with oneself.
But it isn’t merely a human effort. No, the same Godly gift that started us off on this journey – grace – also enables us to change for the better. Titus 2:12 (NIV) assures that “the grace of God…enables us to say ‘no’ to ungodliness”. Put positively, this means that God’s grace empowers me to say ‘yes’ to godliness! It’s possible! Through the power of the Holy Spirit working in my life, I am able to grow. In Galatians 5:22 (NIV), the apostle Paul talks about “fruit of the Spirit”, which graphically describes the result of allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us.
But how can we be certain that we will change? Jesus was our example! Having lived as both fully God and fully human, he relied on the Holy Spirit. Of course, Jesus never sinned and so there was no need for his “sinful nature” to be transformed, because Jesus never had a sinful nature and therefore never sinned. Still, he showed us throughout his ministry what a life that was filled with and led by the Spirit looked like.
In Philippians 2:12 (NIV) we are exhorted to “work out [our] salvation with fear and trembling”, which simply means to make the most of our walk with God.
This is a crucial, daily activity for a Christian. When we are born again, we are no longer alienated from God. We become sons and daughters; we are saved in an instant. This new position is not achieved through works – it is received by faith.
And now our highest goal is to increasingly resemble the character Jesus, not through our own efforts but by accepting God’s invitation to allow him to do his work in us.
Prayer reflection
Father, thank you for your grace in Christ, which not only gave me new life and brought me near to you, but also enables me daily to grow. I give myself into your hands again today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
About this Plan

The book of Hebrews introduces us to the Living One who stands centre stage in God’s story with humanity. We discover God’s love in His commitment to restore us to reign in this life. This 15-day plan is a journey—from weariness into rest, from alienation into belonging, and from isolation into the invitation of being part of God’s family.
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