It is In what we Don’t Deserve that we Find our Strength…to Overcome ALL that Satan Throws at Us

Jamie Pantastico writes for Mesa Bible Study

Written by Jamie Pantastico

On January 1, 2020

Daily Encouragement

It is in what we don't deserve that we find our strength
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‘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

 

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Thank you,

Jamie Pantastico

Mesa Bible Study

 

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Thank you for reading.

Please consider sharing this post on social media.

 

Jamie Pantastico

Mesa Bible Study

Faith, Sine Qua Non

“What is Not Properly Understood can “Not” be Properly Applied”

 

 

 

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What Saith the Scripture?

Most problems in interpreting Bible passages arise from neglecting a passage’s context. The guiding principle of sound interpretation is to take a passage literally. Not maintaining this discipline, interpreting Scripture becomes made up, man’s idea, fantasy, and the passage can mean almost anything. The result is erroneous and ridiculous interpretations.

Another important principle to sound Bible interpretation is to read Scripture “in-time”. In other words, we have to read and study the Bible as a progressive revelation. Not getting ahead of God’s revelation.

God’s plan of redemption for mankind wasn’t revealed all at once to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, or any of the other old testament prophets. Not even Peter and the eleven were given the full counsel of God. The Lord revealed to each of the aforementioned what they needed at their particular time in Biblical history. A hermeneutical method that does not approach Scripture as a progressive revelation leads to erroneous interpretations.

To be a good bible student one must maintain a literal, grammatical and historical (in-time) hermeneutic. There has been much too much of man’s theology governing Scripture when it is God’s Word alone that reigns over theology.

 

Z

Who's writing?

Identify the author of the book and passage.

Z

Who is the author writing too?

Who is the audience? Yes, all Scripture is for us but not all of Scripture is directed to us our salvation and doctrine (how to live our daily lives). To say all of Scripture is, is erroneous interpretation.

Z

When was the Book or Passage written?

This is necessary to identify the time and historical context.

Z

What were the circumstances when it was written? (what was going on)

Z

What was going on before and after it was written?

What happen before and after the particular Book or Passage you’re reading?

Z

What is the HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE VERSE?

Where does the Bible verse fit in Biblical history. Use the answers from the list of these questions to identify the “historical context”.

Z

Are there other passages that the Author has written to help expand on the verse your reading?

Z

Utilize the full counsel of God to illuminate the passage

All of Scripture fits perfectly.

 

The Good News

salvation

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. You don’t have to do anything but believe by faith that God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead 3 days later.

THE GOOD NEWS

SALVATION

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE & FAITH IS BELIEVING WHAT GOD SAYS.

  1. God declares all mankind sinners and we all fall short of Glory of God. Romans 3:23
  2. The payment for our sin is death. Romans 6:23
  3. But God…because he loved you so much sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to die in your place, for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead three days later. 1 Cor 15:1-4; 2cor 5:21

All God asks is that you believe by faith alone in 1, 2, & 3. That you’re a sinner, separated from God but God sent his Son to die for your sins, was buried & rose again 3 days later.

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Do You Believe?

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