‘You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.’

II Timothy 2:1

As believers, our battle is a spiritual one not physical, in Ephesians chapter six the apostle Paul admonishes Christians to stand firm and put on the whole armor of God. But the source of all strength for believers comes from God’s grace that is in Christ Jesus.

The Lord makes it clear that it is His grace that is sufficient for Christians today as it was for the apostle Paul 2000 years ago who pleaded with the Lord to remove a thorn in his flesh. As we read the account in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.

‘And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. ‘

II Corinthians 12:7-8

The Lord’s response to Paul’s pleading is in verse nine.

II 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. ‘

It’s important for all of us to understand what the Lord is saying in this passage because it is truly mind-boggling when you really, really understand what the Lord is telling us. The Lord of glory tells Paul no I won’t remove it but don’t you worry My grace is sufficient and My strength is made perfect in your (ours too) weakness.

What a promise. God said it, we believe it.

I hope you’re getting it, THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO, IT’S ALL GOD AND HIS AMAZING GRACE. Now verse ten is where Paul is admonishing all believers that it is in our weakness that God’s grace abounds even more.

‘Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.’

II Corinthians 12:10

God’s divine grace is something we already have the moment we believed the gospel and the grace of God shines through believers more and more as we grow in the knowledge of His Word. And the only way for Christians to grow in the knowledge of God’s Word is to study God’s Word.

‘Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ‘

2 Timothy 2:15

Thank you for reading.

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Thank you,

Jamie Pantastico

Mesa Bible Study