Grace Has Limits

Introduction

Grace is God’s unmerited favour, freely given to those who believe. It is His divine enablement that saves, sustains, and sanctifies. Yet, grace is not a license for lawlessness; it is the power to live in holiness. God’s grace is rich, abundant, and long-suffering, but it is not limitless in tolerance. The elasticity of divine grace is bound by God’s own holiness and righteousness.
“Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid” (Romans 6:1–2). Grace provides a door of mercy, but rebellion keeps it open only for a season. When that season expires without repentance, judgment replaces grace. Thus, grace is conditional upon faith, obedience, and holiness.

1. God’s Promises Are Conditional

“If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:19). Every divine promise carries an “if.” God’s promises are sure, but their fulfillment depends on man’s alignment with His Word. Grace operates within covenant boundaries; when those boundaries are broken, the promise loses its validity. Eli, Saul, and Samson all began under the covering of divine favour, but disobedience annulled their promises. Grace does not cancel the moral government of God. His mercy is great, yet His justice remains unbending.“Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off” (Romans 11:22).
Grace requires continuance, a steadfast walk in faithfulness. When men persist in rebellion, they drift beyond the line where mercy can no longer operate.

2. The Elasticity of Grace Is Not Infinite

“My Spirit shall not always strive with man” (Genesis 6:3).From the beginning, God declared that His patience with sin has limits. Grace stretches long, but not endlessly. When His Spirit is grieved and quenched repeatedly, divine withdrawal follows.
When men mistake God’s patience for approval, they court destruction. Grace delays judgment, but does not erase it. When the cup of iniquity fills, grace ceases to plead.
“He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1).
The elasticity of grace is not infinite because God is unchangeably holy. His mercy endures forever for those who fear Him (Psalm 103:17), but His long-suffering has a terminus for those who despise His Word.

3. The Breaking of Divine Terms Annuls the Promise

“Far be it from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed” (1 Samuel 2:30).
Eli’s family was chosen for perpetual priesthood. Yet when his sons corrupted the altar and Eli restrained them not, God revoked the promise. Grace turned to judgment. “Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm… that there shall not be an old man in thine house” (1 Samuel 2:31).
Similarly, Saul’s kingdom was destined for greatness, but disobedience annulled the divine decree. “Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God… now thy kingdom shall not continue” (1 Samuel 13:13–14).Each case reveals that divine intervention is conditional. When the terms are broken, the covenant collapses. Grace may open a door, but rebellion shuts it.

4. Grace Withdraws When Sin Persists

“But he wist not that the LORD was departed from him” (Judges 16:20). Samson’s tragedy stands as an eternal warning. Though anointed, he toyed with sin until grace withdrew. He presumed God’s power would remain despite his disobedience, but when the Spirit departed, he became an ordinary man.
God’s gifts and callings are holy; misuse leads to forfeiture. Samson’s strength was never his own, it was the presence of God upon him. Once the presence left, the promise expired. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith”(1 Timothy 4:1).
The departure from faith is the withdrawal of grace’s active influence. Those who live in deliberate rebellion place themselves outside the circle of divine favour.

5. Holiness and Obedience: The Conditions of Grace

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord”(Hebrews 12:14). Holiness and obedience are the twin pillars sustaining God’s promises. Grace empowers holiness, but does not excuse sin. The believer who claims grace while living in rebellion is deceived. “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
Obedience is the language of love. To disobey is to despise grace, and to persist in sin is to insult the Spirit of grace (Hebrews 10:29). One act of rebellion can trigger divine review; continuous rebellion can terminate divine partnership. Grace will never coexist with unrepentant sin. It calls sinners to repentance, not to indulgence.

6. When Grace Is Withdrawn

“Then said the LORD, My Spirit shall not always strive with man” (Genesis 6:3).When men continually resist the Holy Spirit, He eventually ceases striving. Divine silence replaces divine pleading. At that point, men are left to their delusions, imagining God’s presence where He has departed. “Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone” (Hosea 4:17).
That is the most dreadful sentence heaven can utter, let him alone. When God winds up His dealings with a man, there is no guarantee He will reopen the file. Grace despised becomes judgment declared.

7. The Danger of Living on Cancelled Promises

“The LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground” (1 Samuel 3:19). When God moves away from a man, that man’s words, dreams, and hopes become empty echoes. To cling to a revoked promise is to live in a cocoon of delusion, like Saul consulting the witch of Endor, hoping to recover what obedience had lost.
There are believers today clutching at memories of former favour while living in rebellion. They mistake past anointing for current approval. Yet grace once withdrawn does not sustain what sin destroys. “Ichabod” — “The glory is departed from Israel”(1 Samuel 4:21).

8. The Path to Restoration

“Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning” (Joel 2:12). Though grace has limits, repentance reopens mercy’s door. God may not renew the old covenant, but He can establish a new one. David lost favour temporarily through sin, but deep repentance restored his fellowship. “A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 51:17).
The cry, “Lord, don’t wind up on me!” must be every believer’s plea. True repentance, tearing the heart, not garments, moves God to mercy. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9). Grace may begin anew, not because we deserve it, but because God delights in mercy when man truly repents.

9. The Deception of Limitless Grace

“Turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness” (Jude 1:4).Many in this generation teach that grace covers continual rebellion. This is a doctrine of demons designed to lull souls into destruction. Grace does not make sin safe; it makes holiness possible.
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly” (Titus 2:11–12). Those who use grace as an excuse for sin are flying toward hell under the banner of deception. Grace never condones rebellion; it convicts and calls to repentance.

10. The Final Call

“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15).Grace is a gift, but not an endless indulgence. Every soul must choose to walk in obedience or risk being cut off. The Spirit still pleads, “Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15).
Do not live in the orbit of godless wishful thinking. Repent now, return to God’s Word, and live in holiness. Plead: “Lord, do not wind up on me!” If He grants mercy, it will not be a renewal of the old promise, but a fresh covenant of grace—restored through repentance, renewed through obedience, and preserved by holiness.

Conclusion

Grace is not a bottomless well to be abused, it is a holy river flowing from the throne of God, reserved for those who walk uprightly.
“The LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11).Walk uprightly. Obey His voice. Keep His covenant. For grace has limits, yet mercy remains for the broken and contrite heart.
Final Admonition: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).
Grace is divine privilege; sin is human peril. When grace withdraws, judgment steps in. May we live so that grace remains active, mercy abides, and fellowship endures forever!

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© 2025 Green Olives Christian Books. All rights reserved.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE - SELF-REGULATION

From the book of 2 Peter 1:5-10, we learned that, "And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness" (2 Peter 1:6).
Understanding Self-Regulation in the Light of Scripture
Self-regulation, also known as self-control, is a vital component of emotional intelligence. It is the ability to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, particularly in the face of challenges and temptations. The Apostle Peter, in 2 Peter 1:6, emphasizes the need to add temperance (self-control) and patience to our knowledge, illustrating that self-regulation is an essential trait for spiritual growth and godly living.
Plato, one of history’s greatest philosophers, wisely noted, "The first and best victory is to conquer self." This truth aligns with biblical teachings, as conquering oneself through self-regulation is necessary for a peaceful and victorious Christian life. The inability to regulate emotions often leads to impulsive reactions, regrettable decisions, and strained relationships.

The Importance of Self-Regulation
1. Prevents Hasty and Regretful Decisions: Proverbs 25:28 states, "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." Without self-regulation, we become vulnerable to emotional instability, making decisions that may later lead to guilt and regret.
2. Ensures Stability Amid Life’s Challenges: The world is full of trials—temptations, economic hardships, and persecution. However, James 1:12 reminds us, "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life." Christian maturity demands that we remain steadfast and composed in the face of adversity.
3. Protects Against Worldly Influence: In today’s society, many are swayed by impulsive trends, intolerance, and impatience. Romans 12:2 exhorts us, "Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." Believers are called to exhibit patience and godliness rather than following the ways of the world.

How to Develop Self-Regulation
1. Be Born Again: True self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It is only through the transforming power of Jesus Christ that we can receive the grace to regulate our emotions effectively.
2. Practice Temperance Daily: Exercising self-control in small matters builds discipline for larger challenges. Proverbs 16:32 declares, "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city."
3. Rely on Prayer and the Holy Spirit: Jesus is our perfect example of self-regulation. Despite facing false accusations and intense suffering, He remained composed (Isaiah 53:7). By seeking God’s strength through prayer, we can also maintain our calm in difficult situations.
The Fruit of Self-Regulation:
• Peace in Daily Life – Controlling emotions leads to harmony in relationships and a stress-free life.
• Spiritual Growth – Overcoming emotional impulses fosters godliness and Christian maturity.
• Positive Influence on Others – Self-regulation reflects Christ’s nature, making us effective witnesses of His love and peace.
Prayer: Lord, help me to regulate my emotions and walk in temperance. Grant me the grace to stay calm, exhibit patience, and reflect Your peace in my daily interactions. Amen!

© 2025 Green Olives Christian Books. All rights reserved.

THE LITTLE LEAVEN THAT LEAVENS THE WHOLE LUMP

"Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes… Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? " (1 Corinthians 5:6; Song of Solomon 2:15).

Let this truth resonate within the depths of your soul - a mere speck of leaven has the power to transform the entire lump. Oh, how crucial it is to grasp the gravity of this revelation! For even a solitary sin, whether it be embraced or permitted to linger in our lives, within the sacred walls of our homes, or amidst the congregation of believers, possesses the insidious ability to infiltrate and contaminate the very essence of the church. Do you comprehend the magnitude of this? What may initially appear inconsequential, a minuscule amount of leaven, ultimately manifests itself as an all-encompassing force, permeating and influencing everything in its path. The bible references above in both the Old & New Testaments perfectly illustrates the impact of even the slightest exposure to false doctrine concerning essential matters of salvation. This influence quickly permeates one's entire conduct, leading to a complete distortion of beliefs and actions. With the subtle distortion of doctrine, with the insidious allure of worldliness, with the festering seed of malice, and with the wickedness that festers within the individual. These seemingly insignificant fragments, once allowed to take root within the individual, inevitably seep into the sacred sanctuary of the home, and from there, they poison the very fabric of the church. Can you not see the urgency? We must eradicate these pernicious elements, for they threaten to unravel the very foundation of our faith. Let us not underestimate the power of a little leaven, for it possesses the potential to shape the destiny of all that surrounds it. There are the leavens of beware and leaven of the kingdom to explain.

A. THE LEAVENS OF BEWARE

The leaven of Pharisees: "In the meantime, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy " (Luke 12:1; Matt.16:6). Oh, my dear brethren, let us heed the solemn warning of our beloved Savior! The leaven of the Pharisees, oh how it poisons the very essence of truth and righteousness. It is a metaphor, a powerful symbol of the insidious influence of false teachings and hypocrisy.

Listen closely to the words of our Lord, as He implores His disciples to be vigilant, to be on guard against this corrupting leaven. For it is hypocrisy, my friends, that lies at the heart of this treacherous leaven. The Pharisees, oh how they deceive! They wear a mask of righteousness, yet their hearts are filled with wickedness and deceit.

But it does not end there, my brethren. The leaven of the Pharisees extends beyond their hypocritical ways. It encompasses the man-made doctrines and traditions that they have shamelessly added to the sacred scriptures. These distortions, these perversions of God's holy word, oh how they lead astray the faithful!Let us not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Let us not be swayed by the false teachings and twisted interpretations of the Pharisees. Let us cling steadfastly to the pure and unadulterated truth of God's word. For it is in His word that we find salvation, that we find the path to righteousness and eternal life.

Oh, let us be discerning, my dear brethren. Let us be vigilant in our pursuit of truth. Let us reject the leaven of the Pharisees and embrace the pure, untainted teachings of our Lord. For in doing so, we shall find true enlightenment, true freedom from the chains of hypocrisy and false doctrines.

The leaven of Sadducees: "The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother "(Matt.22:23-24). The leaven of the Sadducees, oh how it infuriates me! It is a despicable lack of faith, a vile doubting of the supernatural and miraculous works of our Lord. Can you believe it? They dare to call it their "doctrine" alongside the Pharisees. These Sadducees, they arrogantly attempt to explain everything naturally or scientifically, foolishly excluding the very existence of God's mighty power. But fear not, for our Savior, Jesus, has exposed their wickedness! He boldly proclaims that the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees is nothing but hypocrisy, a detestable spiritual pride, and a nauseating self-righteousness. And let me tell you, those Sadducees, they were even worse! They shamelessly twisted the scriptures to fit their liberal interpretations, shamelessly denying the glorious resurrection of the dead.

The leaven of Herod: And he charged them, saying, take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod” (Mark 8:15). The leaven of Herod, oh how it symbolizes the insidious and ruinous nature of his actions! It is a piercing reminder of the disbelief that consumed the hearts of the Pharisees and Herod, driven by their trepidation of Roman retaliation should Jesus be hailed as the Messiah. In the depths of Mark 8:15, Jesus himself issues a grave warning about this leaven of Herod, a warning that resonates with the very essence of our souls. For it signifies the elevation of earthly laws above the divine moral code set forth by God Himself. Some scholars even propose that this leaven of Herod alludes to his relentless pursuit of political power, his willingness to forsake his Jewish heritage in order to maintain his grip on authority under the oppressive Roman regime. Regardless of its precise meaning, the phrase "leaven of Herod" serves as a clarion call, a clarion call to be vigilant against the perils of political ambition and corruption. It serves as a resounding reminder, a resounding reminder to hold steadfast to our principles and beliefs, to never waver in the face of adversity. Oh, let us heed this warning, let us embrace the righteousness that lies within us, and let us never succumb to the allure of power at the expense of our integrity.

The leaven of Achan: Oh, let me passionately illuminate the profound gravity of the leaven of Achan! In his eyes, it may have seemed like a trivial matter, but in the eyes of our Almighty God, it was a grievous sin of disobedience, covetousness, stealing, deceit, and even murder (Joshua 7:1-26). Can you fathom the audacity of Achan, daring to take that which was dedicated to the Lord and hiding it in his tent? The consequences of his transgression were dire, my dear brethren. Trouble and defeat befell the Israelites in their sacred quest to conquer Canaan. The once mighty army of Israel trembled in fear, and countless lives were lost. Joshua himself questioned God, and the Lord, in His righteous anger, threatened to withdraw His divine presence from His chosen people.

It was not until Achan's sin was exposed through the casting of lots that he finally confessed his wrongdoing. But alas, it was too late. The punishment for his disloyalty, for daring to defy the Lord's claim on those sacred spoils, was severe. Achan and his entire family were stoned and burned as a solemn retribution. Therefore, "Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes” (Song of Solomon 2:15). Let this cautionary tale resonate within our hearts, my fellow believers, as we navigate the intricate tapestry of our personal and communal lives. Let us be ever mindful of our actions, for they carry weighty consequences not only for ourselves but also for those who surround us. May we never forget the wrath that can be incurred by our disobedience and disloyalty to the Lord. May we strive to walk in righteousness, honoring the sacred things claimed by our God, and avoiding the path that leads to destruction.

B. LEAVEN OF EXPANSION OF GOD'S KINGDOM

In one of Jesus' awe-inspiring parables of the kingdom of heaven, He unveils a profound truth using the metaphor of leaven. Listen closely as He speaks: "The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened." (Matthew 13:33). Oh, how this parable ignites a fire within my soul! In this divine revelation, leaven is not to be misconstrued as a symbol of wickedness or corruption. No, my friends, it is a symbol of the kingdom itself! Can you fathom the magnitude of this revelation? The kingdom, like that minuscule amount of leaven, will gradually and clandestinely infiltrate every nook and cranny of society. Just as a woman delicately incorporates the tiniest speck of leaven into the dough, so does the gospel commence with humble beginnings.

But do not underestimate the power of this seemingly insignificant leaven! Just as it silently and diligently permeates the entire batch, so too will the gospel have an indelible impact on every facet of society. It will transform hearts, minds, and souls, my dear brethren. It will revolutionize the very fabric of our existence!

Oh, let us not overlook the profound message embedded within this parable. It is a call to action, a call to embrace the gospel and allow it to work its miraculous wonders in our lives. Let us be the vessels through which the kingdom of heaven spreads like wildfire, illuminating the darkness and bringing hope to the hopeless.

May this parable serve as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that even the smallest acts of faith and love can have monumental consequences. Let us be the leaven in this world, my beloved brethren, spreading the transformative power of the gospel far and wide. For in doing so, we shall witness the glorious manifestation of the kingdom of heaven on earth!

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© 2025 Green Olives Christian Books. All rights reserved.

TARES AMONG THE WHEATS

“But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.” - Matthew 13:29,30; (Please read Matthew 13:23-43) - KJV.

The parable of the wheat and tares, as presented in this message, is a powerful teaching from Jesus Christ about the coexistence of good and evil in the world and the eventual separation of the righteous from the unrighteous. his parable is one of several parables that Jesus used to teach important spiritual lessons about the kingdom of heaven. In this parable:

• The sower represents Jesus, who sows good seed in His field, which represents the world.

• The good seed represents the children of the kingdom, or the righteous.

• The tares represent the children of the wicked one, or the unrighteous.

• The enemy who sowed the tares represents the devil.

Here are some key lessons and concepts from this parable:

1. Coexistence of Good and Evil: The parable illustrates that in the world and even within religious congregations, there is a mixture of genuine believers (wheat) and those who may appear righteous but are not truly committed to God (tares).

2. Spiritual Warfare: It emphasizes that Christians are engaged in a spiritual battle and need to be vigilant against the schemes of the enemy. The enemy often tries to sow confusion and discord among believers when they are vulnerable.

3. Caution against Hasty Judgment: When the servants of the sower (representing believers) notice the presence of tares, they inquire about uprooting them. However, the sower advises against doing so, as removing the tares might inadvertently harm the wheat. This teaches a lesson of patience and divine judgment.

4. Patience and Divine Judgment: Jesus teaches patience by advising not to hastily uproot the tares. Instead, He emphasizes that a time of divine judgment will come when the separation of the righteous and the wicked will occur. This highlights God's ultimate authority and wisdom in sorting out the genuine from the false.

5. Final Separation: The parable foreshadows a day of judgment when Jesus, as the Son of Man, will send His angels to separate the righteous from the wicked. The righteous will be welcomed into the kingdom of God, while the wicked will face judgment and punishment in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15).

6. Repentance and Conversion: Your message also offers hope by encouraging sinners and those who may be categorized as "tares" to repent, turn away from sin, and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It highlights that there is an opportunity for transformation and becoming genuine followers of Christ.

7. Holiness and Separation: The call to "come out from among them" and "be ye separate" emphasizes the importance of holy living and separating from sinful practices. It reflects the biblical principle of sanctification (Hebrews 12:14).

Therefore, the parable of the wheat and tares is a profound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ that reminds us of the coexistence of good and evil, the need for spiritual discernment, the patience of God in allowing both to grow together, and the promise of a future separation and judgment. It calls individuals to examine their spiritual state, repent, and turn to Christ for salvation before the day of separation and judgment arrives. Are you among the tares in the Church? You can change your position today by turning away from sinful habits through genuine repentance and be converted. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal saviour today!

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