How can we apply Paul's reliance on "the grace of the Lord"? Paul’s example shows that grace is not just the way we enter the Christian life but the atmosphere in which we keep breathing. Below are several practical steps drawn from Paul’s letters for living in the same reliance on “the grace of the Lord.” Paul’s Reliance on Grace in Scripture - 1 Corinthians 15:10: “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” - Acts 15:11: “We believe it is through the grace of the Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” What Paul’s Reliance Looked Like - Identity rooted in grace rather than achievements or failure (1 Corinthians 15:10). - Daily strength supplied by grace for weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9–10). - Ministry powered by grace, not personality or skill (Ephesians 3:7–8). - Confidence in future faithfulness of God’s grace (Philippians 1:6). Applying That Reliance Today Recognize Grace as the Ground Floor • Begin each day reminding yourself that “by grace you have been saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8–9). • Reject self-reliance by confessing any lurking attitude that you can “earn” today’s standing with God. Draw on Grace for Daily Strength • When your weakness surfaces—fatigue, temptation, discouragement—quote 2 Corinthians 12:9 aloud: “Your grace is sufficient.” • Frame setbacks as invitations to experience His power, not occasions for shame. Serve Out of Grace, Not Guilt • Before volunteering, teaching, or giving, pause: “Lord, let Your grace work through me” (1 Corinthians 15:10). • Evaluate fruitfulness by faithfulness, trusting God for results (1 Corinthians 3:6–7). Let Grace Shape Relationships • Extend patience and forgiveness because you have received it first (Ephesians 4:32). • Resist the urge to keep score; grace cancels the ledger (Romans 12:17–21). Fuel Obedience with Gratitude, Not Fear • Replace “I must perform to be accepted” with “I am accepted, so I gladly obey” (Titus 2:11–12). • Use gratitude journals or verbal thanksgiving to keep grace in view. Stand Firm When Condemned or Praised • Condemnation: silence it by rehearsing Romans 8:1—no condemnation in Christ. • Praise: deflect it by echoing Paul—“yet not I, but the grace of God” (1 Corinthians 15:10). Pray Grace-Saturated Prayers • Start prayers with thankfulness for past grace, move to requests for present grace, end with hope in future grace (Hebrews 4:16). • Intercede for others that they would “continue in the grace of God” (Acts 13:43). Expect Grace to Finish What It Starts • In seasons of doubt, rest on Philippians 1:6: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” • Anticipate that every trial is another stage for grace to display God’s power. Living this way keeps us, like Paul, leaning wholly on “the grace of the Lord” from start to finish. |
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