A STUDY OF 1 CORINTHIANS 15
The past two months, we've
taken a look at verses 1-11. We've
looked at what it means to "hold fast to the word" (March) and practical helps
for sharing your testimony of Jesus (April). This month, we will concentrate on
God's grace.
The Greek word for grace is
"charis". Vines dictionary defines it as
a benefit we receive from the gracious disposition of the benefactor. It
carries with it the connotation of favor, liberality, and pleasure upon the
part of the benefactor. Others have referred to grace as "God's unmerited
favor". It's not anything we deserve,
but something that He takes great pleasure bestowing upon us. It's a difficult concept for our earthly
minds to grasp.
Grace is God saying, "I am
enough for you", regardless of your circumstances. His grace empowers us in our
weaknesses and supplies us with everything we need to carry out His will. Paul
well knew the power and sufficiency of God's grace. His epistles liberally
speak of it. Paul, the most undeserving because of his persecution of the
saints, met with Him face to face on the road to Damascus and this unmerited
favor resulted in much of the New Testament that has encouraged, instructed,
exhorted and blessed countless Christians throughout the centuries.
With that in mind, let's
take a closer look:
Step 1: Pray that God would open your eyes to what he
wants you to know and understand.
Step 2: Read 1
Corinthians 15:1-11. Reread verse 10.
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but
I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.
Step 3: Answer questions based on the text
What made Paul the great
disciple that he was?
Did God's grace prove vain (empty
- no purpose) in Paul's life?
How did Paul take
responsibility for earnestly employing God's grace?
In what manner did he do so?
What accomplished great
things in Paul?
Step 4:
Further insight into Grace
Scripture gives us insight into God's grace and what it
accomplishes:
Is sufficient for us & provides power in our weaknesses
(2 Corinthians 12:9)
Helps us conduct ourselves in the world, but not by worldly
wisdom (2 Corinthians 1:12)
Supplies us with everything we need at all times, in all
circumstances to abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8)
Has been given to us as Christ apportioned it (Ephesians 4:7)
There are also warnings about God's grace:
Warns us not to miss it, by allowing a bitter root to choke
it out (Hebrews 12:15)
Those who cling to worthless idols, forfeit God's grace
(Jonah 2:8)
We are urged to "continue in the grace of God" (Acts 13:43)
Step 5: Putting
into action
What will make you a great
disciple of Christ?
How are you using God's
grace to serve Him?
What is your responsibility
for effectively employing God's grace?
What role does humility play
in relationship to service and grace?
Where has pride crept into
your service?
For an in-depth look at
grace visit HERE:
Back to Top 
intoxicating. I can't wait
to tuck my nose into one of the gorgeous blooms and be surprised
and overwhelmed by the fragrance - lemon, lollipops, lilacs - as varied
as the colors. The fragrance of some is powerful, and others,
almost imperceptible. What of our aroma for Christ? May this
month's newsletter allow you to tuck your nose into some basic but
absolutely crucial understandings regarding grace - I pray the pure
fragrance of God's aroma surprises you and lingers long enough to waft to
those around you.
