July 21, 2013 Grace to You

Read Philippians 1 Grace to You Philippians 1:1-2 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. THERE are many words we use in the church, in Christianity that have their root in the character of God. For example, love is often spoken because of the God, who is love. We speak of blessing to describe gifts, and we certainly talk of salvation, reminding us of Jesus’ eternal gift. Now let’s pause for a moment on “grace”. When Paul says, “Grace to you”, you probably, as I did, skipped right over the word. Perhaps you thought, “That’s nice.” That’s often our reaction to what God has given us, isn’t it? Certainly grace is what God has given to you as you call Jesus, “Savior”. Yes, focus in on “Grace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Grace is the means of God giving you eternal life through Jesus who gave you himself on the cross. Grace is the only way you are saved. Grace means you don’t have to earn your perfection. You are given a sin-free life before the Father as Christ has given himself for you. “Grace to you” is Paul’s reminder to the Philippians of God’s nature to give. Do you pause as you sit down to breakfast, think as you are driving, consider as you sit down to a meal, or remember as you enter church, “God’s grace has come to me through Jesus. Wow! A Moment’s Thought: Yes, grace is a wonder of wonder.