One act of grace in political history that surprised the nation was that of Abraham Lincoln.
He called for “malice toward none” and “charity for all,” to heal the nation rather than punish the South.
In our political climate today, politicians always seem to want to divide rather than unite.
As we rest in the grace of God, God invites and even empowers us to live like Jesus, full of grace.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 says:
Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it would leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
For the next 5 weeks, we’re going to be looking at the 5 principles of the Reformation. Christian history reminds us how crucial the Reformation was for our churches today.
The Reformation was all about seeking to return to the simple truths of the gospel. The five principles were Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Sola Christus, Sola Scriptura, and Soli Deo Gloria.
Today we will look at the first of these: Sola Gratia.
I feel like I talk a lot about how we’re saved by grace alone. God’s grace both saves and also changes us.
Grace is simply God’s unmerited favor towards us.
Grace empowers us to radically live our lives for Jesus.
The backdrop for talking about this is what Paul calls his thorn in the flesh (v. 7-8). Paul never tells us what his thorn in the flesh was.
There are a lot of guesses out there. It could have been a sin, or a physical defect, etc. But if it mattered, Scripture would have told us what it was. But Paul does compare this thorn with a messenger of Satan to harass him! So it doesn’t appear to be a good thing!
But when Paul prayed for God to remove this thorn in the flesh, check out God’s response (v. 9a). Life is not about getting everything we want. Life is about resting in God’s grace. God’s grace is sufficient for us. When we rely on God’s grace, we show that He is sufficient. Life is not about us and what we can do.
A few years ago, I preached on Joshua 24:19, which sounds kind of depressing. Joshua 24:19 says:
But Joshua told the people, “You will not be able to worship the Lord, because he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions and sins.”
In that sermon, I showed this video of Steve from the show Blue’s Clues.
In that same monologue, Steve also talked about going to see kids through Make-a-Wish. Can they do anything that they want to do?
Life is not about what we can do. Life is about God and what He has done.
When we have this attitude about God, relying on His grace, it completely changes how we live (v. 9b-10). The principle of Sola Gratia is in contrast to the idea that works can save us. And yet, God calls us to engage in good works. And we begin to do these good works as we live and rest in God’s grace. Titus 2:11-12 says:
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age.
When I am weak, when I know that only grace can save me, then I am strong. Sola Gratia leaves no room for boasting or pride. We can’t boast before others, because we’re saved by grace alone. And we certainly can’t boast before God, because He’s the only one who can save us.
Because salvation is by grace alone, it is absolutely secure in God’s hands. John 10:28-29 says:
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.