Sufficient Grace

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." -- 2 Corinthians 9:8 [ESV]

Ever wonder about the supply of God's grace?  God's grace is inexhaustible.  It knows no limits in ability or purpose.

"You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.  For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.  By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.  Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!"

-- 2 Corinthians 9:11-15 [ESV]

God is glorified in the giving, application and results of His "inexpressible gift" of grace.



1.  God gives grace that is always sufficient
Paul writes in verse 8 that we might have ALL sufficiency in ALL things at ALL times.  This is a significant statement as it covers every facet of life.  Paul knew firsthand of this sufficiency as a recipient of God's gift of grace as he writes in Ephesians 3:7 "Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of His power."  Notice here that Paul does not think of God's grace as for his benefit solely, he refers to it as the power that "makes him a minister".  Paul got it, we truly are vessels - God's workmanship.  Did you get that?  The grace of God is sufficient as it acts to convert us into ministers of the gospel.


2.  God is glorified when grace is actively applied in our lives
Paul explains in verse 12 that "the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God."  Not only do those ministered to offer thanksgiving to God, but Paul implies that the act of ministry itself offers many thanksgivings to God. Did you get that?  The grace of God is sufficient as it's working brings about many thanksgivings to God.


3.  A life of grace (ministry and service) defines relationships
As Paul reflects on the ministry to the saints he identifies the "surpassing grace of God" as the cause for the saints' longing for and prayer for the ministry and the servant.  God's grace is the cause for saint's longings and prayers for the servant.  We desire deeper meaningful relationships in our lives because of His grace.  Not just does grace mend relationships, it is the very definition of relationships. Did you get that?  The grace of God is sufficient as it's existence defines relationships.


There is certainly purpose and value to God's grace.  I agree with Paul's reaction -- Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift -- a gift that is all sufficient in all things at all times.


because of all sufficient grace,
jdj

look for the previous entry in this series:  "Purposeful Grace"

or the next entry in this series:  "Valuable Grace"