Paul urges us to continue in God’s grace because it’s the way we live in full dependence upon Him (Ephesians 3, 4; Acts 13:43). Every time the Lord meets our needs, guides our steps, forgives our sins, or comforts and strengthens us in our hardships, He’s lavishing us with divine favor. And it doesn’t end in this life. In the eternal ages to come, He will show us “the boundless riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:7).Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, October 2, 2021.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-7
And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. Ephesians 2:1-3
The Lord has given believers an amazing responsibility – He has called them to accomplish His work here on earth. How remarkable that God Almighty, who can do all things, invites us to participate in drawing people to Him, helping His children reach spiritual maturity, and caring for those in need. Being a servant of the Lord means we put ourselves under His authority, listen to His instructions, and carry out His commands. In our own strength, this task is impossible, but when we defer to God and rely on Him, He supplies everything we need.
The Father always equips His children. He begins by developing Christlike character within us. Then, as we cooperate with His Spirit, God transforms a self-centered heart into the heart of a servant who delights in meeting others’ needs. And the Lord also bestows the spiritual gift needed for the specific work He’s appointed each believer to do.
The invitation is issued; the strength and ability are provided. All that is needed are some willing servants to participate in the most exciting adventure on earth. Join with the Lord in His work, use your spiritual gifts, and make an impact for Christ in this world.
Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, November 25, 2020.
Jesus said apart from Him, we can do nothing of any spiritual value (John 15:5). In fact, God’s power is perfected in us when we are weak and rely fully on Him (2 Cor. 12:9).
Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, April 3, 2019.
Thinking impacts behavior. For the believer, renewal of the mind allows us to see ourselves from God’s vantage point. It enables us to discern the gracious character of all life and thus to discern the work of the Holy Spirit in our physical bodies. The indwelling Spirit can provide the supernatural resources needed to serve the King effectively, empowering us to “prove what the will of God is”.
Commentary from, “You are Gifted”, Bible study by Ken Hemphill.
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