Paul prayed three times that God remove a thorn from his flesh.
God responded, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” For this reason, Paul boasted of his weaknesses to demonstrate the power of Jesus Christ. Where is God’s grace when I am weak? Where is God's grace if I continue to sin? This series seeks God’s grace in difficult times and to save believers from sin.
Lesson 1: God's Grace in Weakness
Where is God’s grace? This message presents the broadness of God’s grace often known as God’s providence. God blesses people through hard times. Paul prayed three times for God to remove a thorn in the flesh, and God responded that His grace is sufficient. God’s power is complete through human weakness. At Corinth, the apostle Paul faced slanderers. His reaction was to boast of his weaknesses so that the power of Christ rested upon him. Paul’s concern was not so much about the slander than the false apostles who would lead the congregation astray. Paul’s approach remained the same. He boasted in his weaknesses. Paul’s weaknesses included insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. Let this message encourage you to better address life’s struggles and further trust in God.
Lesson 2: God's Gift of Salvation by Grace
What is so amazing about God's grace? Humanity does not deserve grace. No one can earn salvation from the guilt and eternal consequences of sins. However, while dead in sins, God demonstrated His love and mercy to all in grace giving salvation through Christ. This message presents a concise definition of God’s forgiving grace. God’s grace works through the Gospel — the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The Scriptures are clear about the devastating state of humanity. All by nature were children of wrath. “For by grace you have been saved through faith.” God’s grace compels the believer to live godly and upright. By grace, God has purified for Himself a people of His own possession. Grace changes believers.
Lesson 3: The Extent of God's Grace
The world wants everyone to accept them as they identify themselves, but they refuse to accept how God made them in His image. They refuse to accept the identity of Christ. They want others to accept their way of life while they reject the Christian’s way of life. People are confused. If we look, one thing that all people can see is that no one can keep their own moral code perfectly. Most people rationalize immoral behaviors. Immorality increases to more immorality. People corrupt their own morality. That morality they have invented comes selfishly for themselves. Humanity is guilty and needs a Savior. However, God loved humanity while yet sinners and sent Jesus Christ. God’s grace has come through Christ. However, God’s grace does not permit that we continue to do wrong but that we are saved from evil, sin, and lawlessness to turn from such evil. This message presents that God forgives us of all sins as long as we walk in the light. How do we walk in the light?