November 17, 2023
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NRSV)
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” Titus 2:11-12 (ESV)
When you hear the word ‘grace’ what comes to mind? When I think of the word ‘grace’ what often comes to mind is the song “Amazing Grace.” It is the song when we were growing up in church that was sung many times before my dad preached his message. More often now what comes to mind when I hear the word ‘grace’ I think of two Scriptures penned by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9 which says “But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” Also, Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God not the result of works, so that no one may boast. (NRSV)
The song “Amazing Grace” that has been sung for centuries was written by John Newton in 1772. Reading his history and the details of his personal journey from a life of sin and immorality to faith in Chris; the lyrics represent his powerful transformational journey to a life in Christ. His hymn remains a timeless expression of God’s grace and mercy. His life and the writing of “Amazing Grace” serve as a powerful testament of the transformative power of faith and the possibility of redemption, even for those who have been involved in great wrongdoing.
Over 250 years ago, on the first of January, a congregation in the market town of Olney in England first sang the hymn “Amazing Grace.” The hymn’s famous opening lines, “Amazing Grace,” how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!” captures the essence of his story and his gratitude for God’s grace and forgiveness. The song Amazing Grace is so popular precisely because God’s Grace is indeed amazing.
What is God’s AMAZING GRACE
Grace is defined as God’s undeserved favor. It is God giving the greatest treasure to the least deserving, which is every one of us. It is mercy when we don’t expect it or deserve it. The word translated “grace” in the New Testament comes from the Greek word charis, which means “favor, blessing, or kindness.” Grace is a constant theme in the Bible, and it culminates in the New Testament with the coming of Jesus in John 1:17, “The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (NRSV)
The Word of God reminds us how God has extended grace to us by offering us salvation, and eternal life with Him at no cost! IT IS FREE ! We can’t earn salvation, nor do we deserve it. In fact, we can’t purchase it. No religious, intellectual, or moral effort can gain it. We simply accept it by believing that Jesus, God’s Son, the ONE who died for our sins so we wouldn’t have to. God’s ultimate act of grace is an example of how we are to extend grace to others. No religious, intellectual, or moral effort can gain it, To receive it, we must acknowledge that we cannot save ourselves, that only God can save us, and that is our only way to receive this loving favor.
Because of God’s grace, we are to be quick to forgive, hasty in extending kindness, generous in love, even when others don’t deserve it. We can all extend grace to others; but when the word grace is used in connection with God, it takes on a more powerful meaning. Grace is God choosing to bless us rather than curse us as our sin deserves. It is His benevolence to the undeserving. The power His grace, is our only source of salvation, forgiveness, empowerment, and transformation. It is a profound expression of God’s love and mercy toward humanity, making reconciliation with God the Father possible and offering hope and strength to those who trust in Him.
No matter who you are, no matter where you are from, no matter what you have done or haven’t done, we all share the same essential testimony: “I once was lost but now I’m found, ’twas blind, but now I see.” All of us, know in our hearts that we did not deserve God’s gift of salvation. We all know that it is God’s grace, His unmerited favor on us that has brought us to where we are today. Grace not only saves us but also empowers us to live transformed lives. It teaches us to live in accordance with God’s will, helping us to overcome sinful desires and live in a manner that honors Him.
OUR RESPONSIBILITY:
- We are expected to grow in grace and not merely accept it as a dormant gift!
- Philippians 1:6. I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus returns.
- Grace involves self-sacrifice, giving something up in order to give it away.
- 2 Corinthians 8:9. You know how full of love and kindness our Lord Jesus Christ was. Though he was very rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.
- Recognizing and requesting God’s grace takes humility, for we realize that we do not deserve it-which is exactly why we need it.
• Daniel 9:18. We do not ask because we deserve help, but because you are so merciful.
HEART CHALLENGE: The GRACE of God should lead others to serve others with LOVE! We become Christians through God’s unmerited grace, not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service on our part. However, it is out of gratitude for this free gift, we will seek to help and serve others with kindness, charity, and goodness, and not merely to please ourselves. While no action or work we do can help us obtain salvation, God’s intention is that our salvation will result in works of service. Ephesians 4:12 says that we are saved, not merely for our own benefit, but to serve him and build up the church. Romans 2:4 also says “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? (NLT)
A REDEEMED 
HEART: 2 Corinthians 12:9 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. (NRSV)
In your weakness, He is strong! Beware of your strength for it can lead to self-reliance. Glory in your weakness for it can lead to humility and dependence upon God. He can show himself strong through your weaknesses and demonstrate to the world what He can do through a willing vessel. God gives strength and weaknesses; let Him work through both!
The song “Amazing Grace” is so popular precisely because God’s Grace is indeed amazing! We are to be reminded that His grace – His unmerited favor and kindness are more than sufficient to sustain us in every situation. It encourages us to trust in His provision, rely on His strength in our weakness, and find contentment and peace in His abundant grace.
FATHER GOD, Thank You for Your Word that gives us clear instructions on Your amazing grace that comes only from Your mercy and love. Without Your grace, we cannot be saved, it is only through Your voluntary and loving favor given to us by faith in Christ, in the Precious, Powerful and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen!
