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GREAT GRACE
Can You Relate?
Do you sometimes struggle fulfilling the Word of God that you know? Sometimes I find that doing what I know to do is very hard, while I know and have known for years what the Scripture says. In other words, being aware of what is right and wrong, doesn't in itself assure that we will do what is right, right? Can you relate? Do you think the apostle Paul could relate?
"For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin." Romans 7:15-25
The only answer is God's grace. Check this out:
"For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace." Romans 6:14
"And he (Jesus) said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong (because of Your grace Lord)." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
I cannot overcome sin without God's grace. Sin is far greater than I am. God's grace is great and triumphs over sin as I am in His grace. Someone may ask; "How do I walk in God's grace?" Great question!
"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded." James 4:6-8
In brokenness and humility His grace fills me. In pride it leaves me. In God's "great grace" I overcome, for it labors in me and is sufficient in all things (1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 12:9-10). In my pride I fall (Prov. 16:18).
Humility is exhibited in my obedience - to the One I am humbled under.
The grace of the Lord is given to us as we humble ourselves before Him in a life of worship. Have you noticed that the times it is easiest to walk in a prideful way is after or when we are experiencing victory? Help us Lord!
If I will do my part, the Lord will always be there to provide everything needed to accomplish the task at hand. Someone once wisely stated that "Where God guides, He provides".
God's grace which provided salvation to us through Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:24-26), provides our victory:
Titus 2:11-12 "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, in this present world;"
When I am busy about the Father's business of building up His people and reaching out to the lost with His good news, "great grace" is upon me. "Great grace" always accompanies obedience to God's will. If I will do my part, the Lord will always be there to provide everything needed to accomplish the task at hand. Someone once wisely stated that "Where God guides, He provides".
Check this out:
"And with GREAT power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and GREAT grace was upon them all." Acts 4:33
So, we see that the early Church was granted "great power" as they walked in "great grace."
"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;" Hebrews 2:3
What a glorious salvation this is that He has given us through Christ! Look
up beloved:
Luke 21:28 "... look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."
Grace grants the victory of the Lord in us. "We are more than conquerors through him that loved us." (Romans 8:37) Let us pray for and do whatever it takes to walk in humility before our coming Lord, who will take vengeance on all who do not know Him and upon all who do not obey His Gospel (2 Thess. 1:7-10).
May God be praised forevermore for His unspeakable Gift - Jesus Christ.
Suggested memory verse:
"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." James 4:6
todd tomasella - "...less than the least of all saints." Ephesians 3:8
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