Category Archives: Grace

Abundance, Bible, Colors, Grace, Inexpressible, Scripture, Wisdom

MANY, MANY, MANY

EPHESIANS 3:10

“so that the multifaceted wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.”

Do you remember as a child getting that brand new jumbo box of Crayola Crayons? If you were lucky, you would get the box with the built-in sharpener. Man, I sure remember opening that box and seeing all those unspoiled, brand new crayons. It seemed every color of the rainbow was in that box. And the smell! That was one great smell.

Paul isn’t talking about crayons in today’s verse. But the word he uses for “multifaceted” could be described that way. It is the Greek word polupoikilos, and it is only used right here. It could literally be translated as “many many many.” Poly is the first part of the word and means much in number. Poikilos is the second part and means many diverse manifestations. Paul is saying the wisdom of God is so diverse, you could never explain it fully.

APPLICATION

My late brother-in-law, Dr. Wayne Barber, used to explain poikilos by comparing how it was used in two other passages, 1 Peter 4:10 and James 1:2. In the Greek Old Testament, the Septuagint, poikilos is used to describe Joseph’s coat of many colors. With that thought in mind, Wayne would talk about the many colors of trials we see in James 1:2, which reads, “Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials.” The word “various” is poikilos.

Then over in 1 Peter 4:10 we see, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God.” “Multifaceted” is poikilos. So, we have multi-colored trials, wisdom and grace. Wayne explained that God had just the right color wisdom and grace to match the color trial you were going through.

God’s wisdom and grace are unexplainable. They are too multifaceted for words. You can study these concepts the rest of your life and never exhaust the definitions. Do you trust this inexpressible God with your finite life? You should. He has all the answers you will ever need.

Father, I thank You that no one will ever be able to fully explain the richness of your grace and wisdom.

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Bible, Blessing, Conceit, Grace, Humility, Scripture

THE LEAST OF ALL

EPHESIANS 3:8

“To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ,”

None of us like to see ourselves as less than someone else. It’s in our old sin nature to puff ourselves up and make ourselves look better than we really are. So, when someone belittles you or cuts you down, you naturally respond. I am not saying that’s right. I just saying it’s the normal response. Should it be?

In today’s verse, Paul humbles himself in one of the most selfless ways. He uses a Greek word, elachistoteros, for “very least” which Strong’s Concordance defines as “less than the least.” That’s not a lot, people. Elachistoteros is only used here in the whole New Testament. Most scholars I read agree that Paul never forgot what God saved him out of. He was persecuting believers, even agreeing to the stoning of Stephen. He could never see himself on par with other saints who had suffered for Christ. In short, Paul never got over grace.

APPLICATION

Reading this verse causes us to think about the issue of humility. Now, that’s a different Greek word, but the idea is the same. Humility means putting others first, lowering yourself to serve others. The perfect passage for this is found in Philippians 2:5-8. “5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross.” 

A similar passage is found in 1 Peter 4:1. “Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,” If Christ, the Son of God, was willing to humble Himself to suffer for you, we need to have that same attitude. We should be willing to suffer for others.

Just how much do you think of yourself? Do you think the sun rises and falls because of you? Not hardly. The world does not revolve around any single person. We are called to humble ourselves and pray. We are commanded to humble ourselves and submit to our elders. How are you doing with that?

Father, keep me humble before You. I want to honor You in my service to others.

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Abiding, Bible, Grace, Power, Scripture, Strength

GOD’S POWER

EPHESIANS 3:7

“of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power.”

I used to be pretty strong. In high school I even won a weightlifting trophy my junior year. I loved pumping iron. I loved seeing the results in my body. I could bench press twice my body weight and dead lift close to 700 pounds. I was what they called a “stud” when it came to lifting those weights. Well, that was a long time ago and that power has diminished. Without continuing those sessions in the gym, my muscles started getting weaker. Now, here in my 60’s I do good to lift my eyelids, lol.

Oh, but Paul tells us today about another kind of power. It’s the kind that will never fade. The last phrase of this verse says, “according to the working of His power.” Whose power? God’s power. He created the world with just His words. He didn’t touch creation with His hands until when? Until He made man. We are a special creation, touched by the very hands of God. That’s something to shout about!

APPLICATION

When Jesus was on trial before the high priest, He said this in Matthew 26:64. “Jesus said to him, ‘You have said it yourself. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.’” Jesus holds the power of God. He is the source of power behind the saving grace of God.

One of my favorite memory passages in 2 Peter 1:3-4. “3 for His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 Through these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world on account of lust.” What excuse do we have for not living in that grace every day?

Tap into that power source. Not doing so is like living in a house that is connected to the electrical current and never using it. It’s there for us. Ask God to empower you today. He will show you how to live. He will give you the strength you need to face the challenges of this dark world. He is the power source.

Thank You, Lord, for giving me Your power that was exhibited through Your grace

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Bible, God's Will, Grace, Peace, Prison, Rest, Scripture

GIVEN FOR A REASON

EPHESIANS 3:2

“if indeed you have heard of the administration of God’s grace which was given to me for you;”

I have received some gifts that made me wonder. For instance, the other day, my wife and I received a package in the mail. It was addressed to us, and when we opened it, we found a card inside. That card had someone else’s name on it. It was a nice wooden chopping block from a reality company. Of course, I called to let them know we had received someone’s gift. And to our delight we found out that we were indeed supposed to receive that gift from our realtor. Someone who was helping package them had accidentally put the wrong card in our package. Glad we got that straightened out.

Paul was in prison, and in today’s verse he tells them why. The Ephesians had received God’s grace through Paul. Paul says, “God’s grace which was given to me for you.” He was simply the conduit, the pipeline, God chose to use. He could have used anything to bring His grace to them, but He chose Paul. Paul gladly suffered as a prisoner so that they could be set free through God’s grace.

APPLICATION

What are your reasons for sharing God’s grace? Do you share it? We are supposed to share it to whomever God allows us to cross paths with. God will use us, just like He did with Paul, if we will let Him. Maybe you can share some grace with your neighbor who doesn’t mow his grass as often as you wish. Do you really think Jesus would be concerned about that? I don’t think so.

I am reading a book written by a friend of mine entitled, ‘Here We Go Again.” (Author is Mark D. West). He makes a statement in it that I really like. Instead of asking the old cliché question – What Would Jesus Do (WWJD), ask WDJD – What Did Jesus Do. He said in Matthew 11:28, “28 ‘Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 30 For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.’”

Give grace to others. Point them to the Grace Giver. Only He can deliver perfect peace. Only He can give perfect rest. One of our jobs as believers is to pull as many as we can to the Father so they too can receive that grace that the Ephesians received through Paul. His grace is still sufficient.

Grace, grace, God’s grace. Grace that will pardon and cleanse within.

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Access, Atonement, Belief, Eternity, Faith, Forgiveness, Gifts, Grace, Scripture

SAVED BY GRACE

EPHESIANS 2:8

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;” 

One of my memory passages is Ephesians 2:8-9. It is basic to our beliefs. In fact, it is fundamental. You are saved in no other way (we will see more on this tomorrow). It is through the grace of God that any of us can claim salvation and a hope for eternal life. In today’s verse, we see part one of this truth. God’s grace is sufficient for our salvation.

What exactly does Paul mean by this statement, “by grace you have been saved through faith”? HELPS Word-studies defines it this way. “Xáris is preeminently used of the Lord’s favor – freely extended to give Himself away to people (because He is “always leaning toward them”).” Paul knew, better than most, the magnitude of God’s grace. It had been given to him, a murderer of Christians, to give him access to the Father.

APPLICATION

But we can’t stop with just this one statement about being saved by grace through faith. Look at the last part of this verse – “it is the gift of God;…” Theologians have wrestled with this verse for centuries. Is grace the gift or is faith the gift? I believe if we look at the construction of the Greek, the answer is there.

Paul says “by grace you have been saved.” We saw this same phrase back in verse 5 of this chapter, but I wanted to wait for today’s verse to explain it. The Greek for this phrase reads, “by grace you are being saved through faith.” The verb is in the Present Indicative Active. It is an ongoing event. It is through your faith that God continues to save you because He is always leaning towards us.

I believe, as many others, that the real gift here is not grace, but faith. We are told in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen.” Isn’t that just like a gift? We hope for it, but we know it’s coming. God’s gifts to us are sure. Faith is one of them. He gives it freely to all who believe. Do you believe? Have you accepted this gift of faith which yields God’s grace to us?

O Lord, thank You for the gift of faith which allows me to tap into Your grace and my salvation.

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Abundance, Bible, Blessing, Glory, Grace, Love, Power, Riches, Scripture

BOUNDLESS RICHES

EPHESIANS 2:7

“so that in the ages to come He might show the boundless riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” 

I am sure you have heard stories about rich people and their luxurious lifestyles. It’s on television all the time. Names like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos are usually among the top 10 richest. But who was the richest person ever? Mansa Musa (1280-1337)! They say his wealth was incomprehensible. Ever heard of him? I hadn’t either which goes to show you money isn’t the answer to everything.

Aren’t you glad Paul wasn’t talking about monetary riches in today’s verse? God promises us “boundless riches of His grace.” The Greek word used for “boundless” is huperballó. It’s only used five times in the New Testament, three times in Ephesians (1:9; here, and 3:19) and two times in 2 Corinthians (3:10 and 9:14). I want us to look at what Paul uses this word to describe.

APPLICATION

In 2 Corinthians 3:10, Paul uses huperballó to describe God’s glory. “…because of the glory that surpasses it.” Later in the same letter, Paul uses the word to describe God’s grace. 9:14 says, “while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.” So, we have God’s glory that is surpassing and God’s grace which is surpassing.

Then in Ephesians, we saw back in 1:19 “and what is the boundless greatness of His power toward us who believe.” Then the last time Paul uses huperballó is in this letter to the Ephesians in chapter 3 and verse 19. “and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to all the fullness of God.” That means in Ephesians, Paul uses that word to describe God’s great power, His great love through Christ and the riches of His grace.

Paul really liked that word, didn’t he? Through the Holy Spirit, he penned those words so long ago which still ring true in our ears. God’s surpassing glory, surpassing grace, surpassing riches of His grace, surpassing greatness of His power and His surpassing love. Wow! God’s riches are truly surpassing. Are you an heir to all of this? If you are a believer in Jesus, you are the richest person in the world!

Thank You, Lord, for the surpassing riches of Your grace towards me.

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Abundance, Bible, Blessing, Filled, Grace, Redemption, Salvation, Scripture

ACCORDING TO

EPHESIANS 1:7

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace”

Let me just say to begin with that time and space do not allow me to dissect and teach the depth of this verse. We could literally spend weeks discussing each phrase of this verse and not finish. So, I want to zero in on two words, “according to.” They may seem superfluous or unimportant but oh the depth of their meaning.

Paul knew the riches of Christ came to him according to the wealth of God’s love towards him. Can you imagine how Paul felt after all the hurt he had imposed on the early church? All that was forgiven “according to” God’s salvation, “according to the riches of His grace.” I read recently “Grace is Paul entering heaven to the cheers of those whom he martyred.” I can’t even begin to imagine how grateful Paul was.

APPLICATION

But wait just a second – shouldn’t we be just as grateful? Our sins are just as heinous as Paul’s. We may not have killed someone, but our sins stink in the nostrils of God. “According to” is a simple little Greek word, kata. It can mean according to, by way of or against. Let me explain this word another way.

Suppose you had a very wealthy friend who had promised you a monetary gift. Now, if they give to you “out of” their wealth, it could be a small or large gift. It is simple out of it. But if they give to you “according to” their wealth, then that gift is measured up against the entirety. It would be given in proportion to their wealth.

God has given us grace “according to” the deep wealth of His grace. In other words, He has flooded us with grace. His grace is everlasting. His grace is above and beyond anything we could imagine. You can never deserve it. You just have to accept. It is free grace but not cheap grace. It cost God His only begotten Son. As Paul says in the verse, our redemption is through His blood. Amen? Amen!

Lord, I praise You for the riches of Your grace and that You have given to me according to and not out of.

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Bible, Grace, Greetings, Peace, Scripture, Testimony, Witnessing

A PROPER GREETING

EPHESIANS 1:2

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

My mom used to tell me when I was five or six years old, I would walk down main street with her in our small, South Georgia town of Pelham and walk right up to people, stick out my hand and say, “Hey, how you doing?” She said she knew then I was going to be a preacher or a politician. I wouldn’t call my mom a prophet, but here I am six decades later in full time ministry.

Paul uses this expression in Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Philippians 1:2;  1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4; and Philemon 1:3. Why does he start his epistles that way? I believe it is because the recipients of these letters needed to hear it. They needed to hear more about the grace of God in their lives. They needed to hear more about peace, something which often escaped them. This greeting wooed them to read more.

APPLICATION

Unfortunately, many of us greet each other without grace and peace. We greet gruffly or inconsiderately. We harbor grudges and spurn the other person. We are not following Paul’s example of grace and peace when we do that. I know it’s now seen as a cliché but “What Would Jesus Do”? You know what He would do. He would greet each person with love and respect, in grace and peace.

Do you know what you are doing when you extend grace and peace to someone? To say “grace to you” means you wish them favor with God. Who in your life could use that? Everyone? Probably! But God’s favor isn’t just about giving them something. It’s about eternal favor through His Son, Jesus. Don’t you want that for everyone?

And to say “peace from God our Father” is to wish peace of mind. It was a common Jewish farewell. It was wishing for the best health (welfare) of an individual. Shouldn’t we be wishing that for everyone as well? We may not like someone too much but wishing them well is the right thing to do – always.

How will you greet the next person you meet? Hopefully with grace and peace.

Lord, let me greet as Jesus would have.

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Bible, Eternal Life, Eternity, Farewells, Goodbyes, Grace, Love, Messages, Scripture

FAREWELLS

GALATIANS 6:18

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen”

Saying goodbye can be hard. When you know you probably won’t see someone for a long time, it can be even harder. My daughter had a baby shower recently, and a lot of her friends came. Some were her friends from high school. I had the privilege to see a couple of them before they left our home. When they left, we hugged, knowing it may be years before we see each other again. I love those girls (they will always be girls to me) and look forward to our next visit.

Paul signs off this letter to the Galatians with a simple but heartfelt goodbye. He wishes them grace but not just any grace. He wishes them “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Notice he said “our” and not “your.” He joins himself with them. They are brothers in faith. You may notice in your translation that “and sisters” is italicized. These words are not in the original Greek but are implied. Paul would not mean to imply that he was leaving the women out. He just addresses the men. Then he wishes this grace upon their spirit. A comforting last thought.

APPLICATION

Matthew Henry says this about verse 18. “We need desire no more to make us happy than the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle does not pray that the law of Moses, or the righteousness of works, but that the grace of Christ, might be with them; that it might be in their hearts and with their spirits, quickening, comforting, and strengthening them: to all which he sets his Amen; signifying his desire that so it might be, and his faith that so it would be.” What a great way to explain these last words.

If you had to write a letter to someone today, knowing you may never see them again, what would you say? How would you close the letter? Jesus’ last words to us are in Matthew 28:18-20. “18 ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.;” That’s quite a sendoff.

How about the very last words of the Bible in Revelation 22:20-21? “20 He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” Isn’t it interesting that John closes the Bible with the same words – the grace of the Lord Jesus? When you have experienced His grace, goodbyes to fellow believers are not forever. We will see each other again. Amen?

Thank You, Lord, for securing my future so that my goodbyes are just temporary.

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Bible, Freedom, Gifts, Grace, Holy Spirit, Scripture, Service

SERVE ONE ANOTHER

GALATIANS 5:13

“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.”

Ministry is all about service. Sometimes that can be a problem, especially when someone takes advantage of it. Having served on several church staffs over my 45 years of ministry, I have encountered a few people who felt like the church staff were their personal errand boys and girls. It would be easy to get into the flesh and get angry and frustrated. It takes humility to serve someone like that.

Paul, once again, emphasizes the Galatians’ freedom in Christ in today’s verse. They were not enslaved any longer to sin, nor were they enslaved to the Mosaic law full of rituals and traditions. However, they were not free to do as they pleased. He says instead to “serve one another through love.” Why do you think he said that? Why would the Holy Spirit inspire Paul to tell them to use their freedom to serve?

APPLICATION

Peter says a similar thing in 1 Peter 4:10, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God.” Ahhh! Now, Paul’s words make more sense. Now, hang on as I lay this out.

When we come to Christ, we are free from all those things I mentioned earlier, but we are also given the gifts of the Spirit. As we use these gifts in the body of Christ (as they are intended), as we serve one another, we think less of ourselves and more of others. When we do that, we are much less likely to use this freedom to indulge our flesh. Our minds are not on pleasing ourselves. It is on pleasing the Father by serving His body.

Paul gives another warning about this freedom the Galatians now had in Christ. In 1 Corinthians 8:9 he writes, “But take care that this freedom of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” If we are serving one another, the last thing we want to do is be a stumbling block. We want to build them up in Christ. Go be a servant today!

Lord, help me take my eyes off of me and look for ways to serve my brothers and sisters in Christ.

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