MAY 13, 2024
Topic: SOLA GRATIA – II
Text: 1 Cor. 15:1-10; Galatians 3:10-14
Memory Verse: “For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God. But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain…yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” – (1 Cor 15:9-10– NKJV).
Yesterday, we considered the Reformers’ views of atonement through substitutionary payment for our sins by Christ’s death. In today’s texts above, the context of grace extends to God’s presence and power as undeserved, unmerited and loving action towards humans through the help of the Holy Spirit to reconcile and transform their hearts to faith. It is simply undeserved favour or free grace.
There is saving grace as the two texts above show. This also teaches us to say “No” to all ungodliness, helping us to live righteously (Titus 2:11-12). This grace redeems us from the curse of the law, and makes the curse of no effect
(Rom. 6:11; Rom 8:1-2)
Grace is made available in our weakness: in moments where praying becomes onerous or appears to be simply not working (Rom 8:26-27; 2 Cor 12:8-10). The Holy Spirit, the intercessor intervenes, speaks to our hearts to restore peace and confidence through answered prayers.
Dear believer, there is also justifying and forgiving grace (Isa. 43:25; 6:7; 1:18 and Matt 9:2), as there is grace for benevolence in the use of gifts as stewards (1 Peter 4:9-10; 2 Cor. 8:1-3 & 7)
Remember like David, that God has taken you from the lowest depth and rung of the ladder; through the crucibles of life and has brought you thus far. Like David, your response to His Amazing Grace should be deep introspection, gratitude and thanksgiving (1 Chronicles 17: 16-20). Your present circumstance(s) should never prevent you from going boldly to the throne of grace for help at this time of need (Heb. 4:15-16)
His grace is sufficient for you, because He is immutable (Heb. 13:8)
PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to always experience Your presence in my life and to remember the very many graces available to me. I hold on to your promise in Hebrews 13:5(b) as I boldly approach Your throne of grace today in my time of need as I ask for help and mercy.