Thriving in 2025 Through the Means of Grace from Pastor Dexter Mitchell

Blog Post: Thriving in 2025 Through the Means of Grace By Dexter Mitchell

Scripture Focus: 2 Peter 3:18
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”

What is Grace?

Grace is one of the most incredible gifts from God. It’s His unmerited favor—His loving action to enable us to do what we cannot do on our own. Grace is not just about the forgiveness of sins; it’s also about empowerment. As Dallas Willard said, “Grace is not opposed to effort; it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude; effort is an action.” This means that while we don’t earn grace, we are called to actively cooperate with God’s Spirit to grow in it.

In 2 Peter 3:18, we’re encouraged to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.” How do we do that? John Wesley’s concept of the means of grace gives us practical tools for thriving in our faith. These God-ordained practices are channels through which His grace flows into our lives, helping us grow spiritually and glorify Him in all we do.

The Means of Grace: God’s Tools for Growth

Wesley divided the means of grace into two categories:

1. Works of Piety

These are spiritual disciplines that nurture our love for God:

• Prayer: Regular communication with God that aligns our hearts with His.

• Searching the Scriptures: Reading, meditating on, and studying the Bible for wisdom and guidance.

• Fasting: Abstaining from food or comforts to focus on God.

• Holy Communion: A sacred practice that reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice.

• Worship: Expressing adoration and gratitude to God.

2. Works of Mercy

These are outward expressions of God’s love:

• Feeding the hungry.

• Clothing the naked.

• Visiting the sick and imprisoned.

• Advocating for justice and showing kindness to those in need.

How the Means of Grace Help Us Thrive in 2025

The world in 2025 is fast-paced and unpredictable. The means of grace help us stay grounded, empowered, and spiritually healthy. Here’s how they can help:

Prayer: Aligning with God’s Power

Prayer connects us to God’s strength and wisdom. In a world full of distractions, prayer anchors us in God’s presence.

• Tip: Dedicate specific times each day to prayer, whether it’s in the morning, during lunch, or before bed.

Scripture: Growing in Knowledge

God’s Word is our guide for navigating life. It grounds us in truth and helps us make wise decisions.

• Tip: Start a Bible reading plan or meditate on one Scripture each day.

Fasting: Surrendering Dependence

Fasting teaches us to rely on God rather than earthly comforts. It’s a powerful way to reset and focus on Him.

• Tip: Choose one day a month to fast from a meal or a distraction, like social media.

Holy Communion: Experiencing Christ’s Presence

Communion strengthens our connection to Christ and reminds us of His grace.

• Tip: Approach communion with intentional preparation, reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice.

Worship: Re-centering on God’s Greatness

Worship renews our joy and strengthens our faith. It lifts our focus from life’s problems to God’s power.

• Tip: Create a daily worship habit through music, prayer, or gratitude.

Acts of Service: Reflecting God’s Love

Serving others allows God’s grace to flow through us. It’s how we live out His love in a hurting world.

• Tip: Volunteer at a local shelter, visit someone in need, or find small ways to bless those around you.

Grace and Effort: Thriving Through Action

God’s grace empowers us, but it also calls for our effort. Using the means of grace is like tending a garden—we can’t make plants grow, but we can create the conditions for growth. By practicing these disciplines, we open our hearts to God’s transforming power, allowing Him to shape us into the people He created us to be.

Conclusion: Growing in Grace

As 2 Peter 3:18 reminds us, growth in grace is a lifelong journey. God has provided us with the means of grace to help us thrive in 2025. These practices—prayer, Scripture, fasting, worship, communion, and service—are tools for living abundantly in Christ.

Challenge for 2025: Choose one means of grace to focus on this week. Whether it’s deepening your prayer life, studying Scripture, or serving others, commit to growing in God’s grace. Remember, His unmerited favor empowers you to do what you cannot do on your own. Let’s thrive together this year, for His glory!

Closing Thought: Grace is not just a gift; it’s an invitation to grow. Let’s accept that invitation and step into the abundant life God has for us.