2 Corinthians 12:6-10 – “But even if I would desire to boast, I shall not be a fool; for I will tell the truth: but now I refrain, lest anyone should think more of me than what he sees me to be and what he hears from me.⁷ And lest I should be exalted through the abundance of the revelations, there was delivered to me a thorn in my flesh, the angel of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted.⁸ Three times I besought my LORD concerning this thing, that it might depart from me.⁹ And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore I would rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.¹⁰ Therefore I am content with infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, and imprisonments for Christ’s sake: for when I am physically weak, then I am mentally strong.”

We are discussing God’s Sufficient Grace and left off last time after we had given a preliminary consideration.  Today, I would like for us to take another step in considering the extent of this incredible Grace that is Sufficient.

THIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR SALVATION…

According to the Bible, which is the final authority on the matter, it is the ONLY provision whereby man can enter into the condition of being Born Again and Live Eternally.  It is the only road to Heaven.  There are not many roads to God, nor many roads to heaven. There is the straight gate and narrow way that leads to life and the wide gate and broad way that leads to destruction.  The choice we make concerning Jesus is of eternal significance.

Paul, the apostle, suffered persecution and much tribulation for his faith.  He suffered more than most could or would endure.  He, at times, seemed to be made of steel and had nerves of iron.  However, there is a secret to his ability to endure and succeed in his Christian walk, work, and warfare.  He found that there was something he could rely on in every situation.  He discovered God’s incredible Grace and realized that the Grace that brought him to God would keep him in his walk with God.

THIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR TRIBULATION…

Persecution is not something that only a few must endure, but Jesus said it would accompany godly lives.  He said, “the godly will suffer persecution.”  He did not say might but will as a definitive.  He warned that we would be hated by the world (those outside Christ) and that the devil would seek to kill, steal, and destroy.  Yet, he found that God’s Grace was Sufficient in all things and at all times.

What our world needs is not a new morality but old-time spirituality.  We need a personal relationship with Jesus and fully surrender to Him.  The apostle Paul suffered for the cause of Christ.  The world is constantly crying out for compromise, but Paul would not compromise his faith, and neither should we.  He chose to suffer rather than compromise His faith and convictions in Christ. 

Today we are being presented with a new version of modern morality that is not morality at all but embraces licentiousness and a measure of idolatry and perversion.  We are told that we have to be more like the world to attract the world.  But Jesus said, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me.”  The world’s true craving is not for compromise but a demonstration of the Power of God’s Grace in our lives.

The only army that ever strikes its colors is when it is defeated or in retreat, and the Body of Christ, the Army of God, is neither.  We are told in 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you but that which is common to man: but God is faithful; he will not suffer you to be tempted beyond that you are able; but will make your temptation to have a way of escape, so that you may be able to bear it.”

No matter what comes – Sickness, Grief, Poverty, Defeat on some level, or Soul Sickness we can depend on the Grace of God – It is Sufficient!  In all of his sufferings, the apostle Paul never lost sight of the vision of God’s Grace and never lost the Power it Provides.  He said that if his only hope were what this world offered, he would be the most miserable man of all time.  He knew that God’s Grace was Sufficient for Salvation and Sufficient in Tribulation.

I want to address this again, but I will pause here.  God bless you as you enjoy this day, walking in God’s Sufficient Grace!