DCLM Higher Everyday 23 January 2024 — God’s Grace Is Enough
Topic: God’s Grace Is Enough
Text: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
1It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
3And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
4How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
5Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
6For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9And he 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.
10Therefore 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.
Key Verse: “And he 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” (2Corinthians 12:9)
Message
Grace has been aptly described as “God’s riches at Christ’s expense.” Grace is the unmerited favour of God on the undeserving. God’s grace supplies support, strength and power to His faithful children to accomplish various tasks, overcome sin, oppositions and to make heaven at last.
The text today reveals the source of Paul’s strength for victory. It shows the source of his array of successes in the ministry despite persecutions, trials, temptations and weakness in the body that stood ferociously against his determination to realize the heavenly vision of winning souls and making heaven. The primacy of God’s grace for success and breakthrough is a key lesson for all believers in Christ as shown in our Bible text above. God’s grace empowers us to overcome life’s challenges. To enjoy this grace, we must live a righteous, faithful, dutiful and prayerful life like Apostle Paul. God’s grace is like fuel; it fires the engine in our soul, spirit and body to run to triumph. Your strength isn’t sufficient to carry you through. Never stop to seek the grace of God.
Quote: Seek the grace of God
Challenge: Grace helps to accomplish great tasks.
Prayer for today: Lord, give me the grace to follow through.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
