Part 2 the all-sufficient enabling grace of God
The all-sufficiency of God’s grace
This passage of scripture (below) tells of Paul’s experience with his so called ‘thorn in the flesh’.
2 Corinthians 12:7 And 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.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 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.
10 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.
Many have speculated on the nature of Paul’s thorn in the flesh with various approaches including it being an eye condition etc. However, I am persuaded that since Paul uses the Greek word ‘angelos’ in v7. translated as ‘messenger’ this refers to a hindering spirit that followed Paul and stirred up trouble and persecution of him everywhere he went.
Sometimes as we try to discern the nature of the thorn, we can miss the big story. Paul’s thorn in the flesh whatever it was, we should note that God’s grace was enough to cause Paul to succeed in everything God had called him to do. God’s grace was enough to keep Paul going through many trials and difficulties. Paul realised that he could welcome the many difficulties in his life because where his own strength was insufficient then God’s all-sufficient grace kicked into action to enable him to succeed and keep on going in his mission. Whatever buffeted Paul, God’s grace was sufficient to keep him going…what about you?
Romans 5:20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,
Whatever sin can do in the life of a person, God's grace can thwart it and overcome it to produce wonderful outcomes. How amazing is God's grace?
God’s enabling grace for us.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
God’s attribute of grace seems to have a double action which firstly deals with sin in our lives bringing us to repentance and salvation which in turn enables us to have the sublime rewards and privileges of being seated in heavenly places as members of God’s royal family. Without God’s grace we would never be enabled to come to repentance, salvation, and the heavenly rewards.
Amen
Personal Prayer
In Part 3 of God's grace we consider how we ought live in light of His grace.
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