Connect 2 Corinthians 13:13 with another verse about God's grace. Opening Scripture 2 Corinthians 13:13: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.” Seeing the Trinitarian Blessing • Paul wraps up his letter with a three-fold blessing, spotlighting Father, Son, and Spirit working together. • Notice that grace appears first. God chooses to pour favor on undeserving people before they can respond with love or experience fellowship. • Grace is not an abstract concept; it flows personally from “the Lord Jesus Christ,” who accomplished it at the cross and guarantees it by His resurrection. Connecting Grace: Ephesians 2:8-9 Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” • Both passages declare grace to be God’s initiative. • 2 Corinthians 13:13 shows grace accompanying believers daily, while Ephesians 2 explains how that grace first rescued us. • Together they paint a complete picture: saving grace (Ephesians 2) continues as sustaining grace (2 Corinthians 13). Grace in Action • Romans 5:1-2 — we “stand” in grace; it is the present realm of Christian living. • Titus 2:11-12 — grace teaches us to deny ungodliness, proving it is both pardon and power. • 2 Timothy 2:1 — we are commanded to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus,” underlining its ongoing supply. Why This Matters Today • Assurance: The same grace that saved us keeps us. • Unity: Paul’s benediction was for “all of you,” reminding us that grace levels every distinction in the body of Christ. • Mission: Experiencing grace compels us to extend it to others, reflecting the heart of the Triune God revealed in 2 Corinthians 13:13. |
    |