The Daily Word: Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020
Ecclesiastes 1:1-3:22
2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Psalm 46:1-11
Proverbs 22:15
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. – 2 Cor. 6:1
What does it mean to receive the grace of God in vain?
Grace is the Greek charis (Strong’s G5485). Charis is the “merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues” (Strong’s KJV New Testament Greek Lexicon).
Isn’t that definition beautiful? Notice how little you have to do with the process. It is God who turned your soul to Jesus. It is God – not you – who keeps you close to Him and strengthens you. It is God who increases your faith, knowledge and affection: both for Him and for others. It is God who has prepared “good works” for you beforehand so that you can enjoy your life walking them out (Eph. 2:10)!
And if God has already done the work, all that’s left for you to do is rest. Rest in the finished work of the Cross. Receive His love as a gift, and abandon trying to earn something that God gives freely! To receive the grace of God in vain is to keep working for something God has already given you for free. Take off you shoes, and put up your feet. You don’t have to work for God’s affection anymore! You have received His love, by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ.
Prayer:
Father, help me to rest! Thank You for never making me work for Your love. You are so good to me, and I am so grateful, in Jesus’ name!
Archives
See commentary from this day in 2014.
See commentary from this day in 2015.
See commentary from this day in 2016.
See commentary from this day in 2017.
See commentary from this day in 2018.
See commentary from this day in 2019.
© Michael D. White, 2020. All rights reserved.