by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 26, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
2 Corinthians 3:5
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God.
In this verse, the apostle Paul humbly acknowledges that our strength and abilities are inadequate to accomplish anything of eternal value. We can do nothing apart from Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When we rely on our own efforts, we fall short, but when we trust in God’s sufficiency, His grace empowers us to fulfill His purposes.
We must put all of our trust and full confidence in Christ alone. Only in Christ, by and through His grace, do we find peace, purpose, and the ability to bring glory and honor to God in all we do.
Here are six Bible verses that clearly state God’s grace is sufficient: These verses remind us that God’s grace is more than enough for every aspect of our lives – in our weaknesses, in our good works, in our salvation, and in times of need. We can find strength, mercy, and help in His abundant and unmerited favor.
‘Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, ‘
Romans 5:20
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV) – “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV) – “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”
Hebrew 4:16 (NKJV) – “Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) – “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
1 Peter 5:10 (NKJV) – “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”
by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 22, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
Romans 5:17
“For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.”
In Christ alone, we find an overflowing abundance of grace. By faith alone, we are justified through His finished work on the cross. This grace is not meager; it is immeasurable, extravagant, and freely poured out upon us. It far surpasses our sins, failures, troubles, pain, and shortcomings. God’s grace reigns in our lives (whether we feel it or not), breaking the chains of sin and death. As believers, we are His and, destined to reign with Christ. Glory to God!
We can revel and rest in this abundant grace by embracing it with unwavering faith. When doubts arise, we can turn to His Word and trust His promises. Let us never forget that our righteousness comes not from our works but from the precious gift of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
Today and every day let’s revel in the superabundance of grace God has freely poured out on us. It covers us completely, fills us with hope, and empowers us to walk in victory. As we face challenges, we can rely on His grace to sustain and guide us. Take a look at what the Lord tells the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9.
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
II Corinthians 12:9
Takeaway
The very moment you start to get discouraged, and the pressure is upon you, go immediately to the throne of grace, boldly! Look at what Hebrews 4:16 admonishes us to do;
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16
by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 21, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
Ephesians 1:8
‘Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ‘
Ephesians 3:20
The abundant life, oh how can we truly put it into words? It’s beyond explanation, yet its essence is found in the complete package of God’s grace. In Ephesians 1:8, we glimpse the riches of His grace poured out upon us, leading to assurance of salvation, eternal security, and His constant presence.
Ephesians 1:3 reminds us that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ, and Ephesians 1:18 opens our eyes to the hope of His calling and the glorious inheritance awaiting us. The abundant life doesn’t always promise constant happiness, but the joy of the Lord remains steadfast.
In Ephesians 3:18, we are encouraged to grasp the vastness of Christ’s love that surpasses all understanding, enabling us to experience the fullness of God. Our circumstances may not always be ideal, but the abundant life is living in the joy of our salvation and constant communion with our Heavenly Father.
Even in the midst of trials, as Paul demonstrated in Philippians (remember, Paul was in prison when he wrote Philippians and Ephesians), we can rejoice because “the abundant” life doesn’t depend on material possessions. It is the assurance of our redemption, eternal life, and unhindered access to God’s presence. The wisdom and prudence He grants freely through His word allow us to navigate life’s challenges victoriously.
So, if you feel overwhelmed or burdened, remember that the abundant life is not about worldly possessions, or how we feel but it’s the immeasurable richness of God’s grace, the depth of His love, and the unshakable hope in Christ. Embrace His complete grace, and you will find strength, joy, and assurance in every step of your journey. Because His grace is sufficient.
Trust in Him, for the abundant life is a gift He longs for you to enjoy fully.
by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 17, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
It’s crucial to avoid the “Headline Hysteria” coming in like a tsunami across Christendom and focus on studying the word of God. Believers will not be accountable to the Lord Jesus at the “Bema Seat” for knowing the latest headline news story but for our knowledge of His word (His revealed will) and what we did as ambassadors for Christ.
The apostle Paul makes it clear that we are to Study the Bible.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
It is impossible for Christians to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord by allowing ourselves to be caught up and dwelling in the daily “headline hysteria”. The ONLY way to grow in grace and knowledge and be pleasing to the Lord is by studying His word and letting it “dwell in us richly…”
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Takeaway
Of course, we are to be aware and ever discerning the times but we can not be ambassadors for Christ without studying His word. Our salvation is more than just a fire escape! We are to study the Bible daily and share the gospel daily period.
‘Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. ‘
II Corinthians 5:20
Here are five Bible verses from the apostle Paul that parallel Colossians 3:16, along with a short comment on each verse:
- Ephesians 5:19: “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”
- Comment: Paul encourages believers to engage in joyful worship through music and songs. Singing praises to the Lord not only uplifts our spirits but also fosters unity and edification among believers.
- Romans 15:14: “Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.”
- Comment: Paul emphasizes the importance of believers being filled with knowledge and goodness. As we grow in our understanding of God’s Word, we are equipped to encourage and admonish one another in love, fostering spiritual growth and maturity.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”
- Comment: Paul encourages believers to provide comfort and edification to one another. By offering encouragement, support, and building one another up in faith, we contribute to a positive and nurturing community of believers.
- Colossians 4:6: “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
- Comment: Paul emphasizes the importance of our words and how we communicate with others. Our speech should be filled with grace and wisdom, seasoned with the salt of kindness and truth. This enables us to respond to others in a way that reflects Christ’s love and brings glory to God.
- 1 Corinthians 14:26: “How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.”
- Comment: Paul encourages believers to actively participate and contribute to the edification of the church when they come together. Each member has something to offer, whether it’s a psalm, teaching, spiritual gift, or revelation. When we come together, our focus should be on building up one another in faith.
Recommended Reading
Sensationalism vs. Scripture: Don’t Get Caught Up in End Time Speculation
by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 14, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
‘Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. ‘
II Corinthians 5:9-10
Verse 9: “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.”
In this verse, Paul expresses the purpose and goal that drives him and should drive all believers. Regardless of our physical presence with Christ or being separated from Him while on earth, our ultimate aim is to be pleasing to the Lord. This speaks to the desire for believers to honor God with their actions and conduct.
Verse 10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”
Here, Paul highlights the reality that all believers will face a future judgment, known as the judgment seat of Christ. This judgment is distinct from the judgment of condemnation for sin, as believers have already been justified through faith in Christ. Instead, this judgment focuses on evaluating believers’ actions and deeds during their earthly lives.
These passages remind us that our choices and actions on earth have eternal consequences. While salvation is a free gift received by faith alone, the judgment seat of Christ underscores the importance of living for Christ and striving to be well-pleasing to Him. Let us seize every opportunity to fulfill our calling as ambassadors for Christ, sharing the message of reconciliation and building up the body of Christ, knowing that our faithfulness will be rewarded at the appointed time of the judgment seat of Christ.
We are Saved Unto (to do) Good Works
‘For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.’
Ephesians 2:8-10
It is important to note that this judgment is not for the purpose of determining salvation. Rather, it is a reckoning of our works as believers. Did we fulfill our calling as ambassadors for Christ, sharing the gospel and living out the implications of our reconciliation with God (2 Corinthians 5:20)? This passage underscores the significance of our role and actions as representatives of Christ. The emphasis is on the heart-led quality of their service and their faithfulness in proclaiming the message of reconciliation to others.
While all believers will stand before the Bema seat judgment, the rewards received will vary. Some may receive significant rewards for their faithful service, while others may receive few or none. However, the absence of rewards does not imply the loss of eternal salvation or fellowship with God. Paul illustrates this in 2 Timothy 2:20, where he refers to vessels of different materials in a great house. Some vessels are honorable, while others are less honorable. In the same way, even within God’s household, there will be variations in the rewards received at the Bema seat.
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.
II Timothy 2:20
As believers, we are encouraged to live purposefully, investing our time, talents, and resources in fulfilling God’s will and sharing the gospel. While the Bema seat judgment may reveal areas where we fell short, our eternal salvation remains secure through faith in the finished work of the cross. Our focus should be on faithfully serving and glorifying God, rather than solely seeking worldly gain and personal rewards.
Let us, therefore, be motivated by love and gratitude for our Savior, knowing that our faithfulness in fulfilling our God-given responsibilities will be evaluated at the Bema seat. May we strive to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21), and eagerly anticipate the rewards that await us in eternity.
STRONGS NT 968: βῆμα “BEMA”
βῆμα, βήματος, τό (from ΒΑΩ, βαίνω) (fr. Homer (h. Merc.), Pindar down);
1. a step, pace: βῆμα ποδός the space which the foot covers, a foot-breadth, Acts 7:5 (for כַּף־רֶגֶל, Deuteronomy 2:5, cf. Xenophon, an. 4, 7, 10; Cyril 7, 5, 6).
2. a raised place mounted by steps; a platform, tribune: used of the official seat of a judge, Matthew 27:19; John 19:13; Acts 18:12, 16; Acts 25:6, 10,(17); of the judgment-seat of Christ, Romans 14:10 (L T Tr WH τοῦ Θεοῦ); 2 Corinthians 5:10; of the structure, resembling a throne, which Herod built in the theater at Caesarea, and from which he used to view the games and make speeches to the people, Acts 12:21; (of an orator’s pulpit, 2 Macc. 13:26; Nehemiah 8:4. Xenophon, mem. 3, 6, 1; Herodian, 2, 10, 2 (1, Bekker edition)).
