1st Timothy 1:14. “And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.”
EXCEEDING GRACE. What is happening there in heaven? How can this thing be? That He who is the Highest of the high – and has been eternally Is setting aside His royal garments – and stepping off His throne – Bowing angels watch through their fingers, Christ leaving heaven alone.
In immeasurable grace He who was rich in every way, was now for us made poor. Here on this little sinful planet – He came to open heaven’s door So we could be brought to share with Him, a life that is life indeed. But also that fellowship would be mutually shared, His grace had to reveal our need.
His love was obvious, for God is love, and that love extends to everyone. And faith comes to us as we read God’s Word and learn what He has done. But grace was essential so no one would think God’s blessings they themselves could buy. Exceeding grace revealed the cost of sin that brought Him from His home on high.
The Lord Jesus knew we would be forever lost; our sin had full control; And unless a sinless One for men would die, everyone would lose his soul. So, with exceeding grace, He bore the load of sin God laid upon Him. Now by virtue of His sinless substitution, we a new life can begin.
Many people don’t like grace because of a proud, independent spirit. And when the Gospel of God’s grace is preached, they really don’t want to hear it. Because it means I can’t demand a place in heaven by what I do – And the consequences of being born again, means all things will become new.
Those who appreciate the grace of our Lord love Him with all of their heart. To them, grace took care of a sinful past and gave them a brand-new start. It is their joy to sing “Amazing Grace” and “Marvelous Grace of our Loving Lord.” And they want to tell others of God’s grace that He has freely upon them poured.
“O God of all grace, I thank Thee again this morning for saving me by Thy grace. I also want to thank Thee for the grace given for daily living and for the grace being available at those times of special need. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
The boldness of others can be intimidating to us if we focus on things instead of on the One who saved us and loves us. God knows us individually, and the grace of our Lord is full and sufficient to deal with all of the issues of our past that we can do nothing about. The exceeding abundant grace of God toward us with faith and its essential qualities, coupled with love, produces a real appreciation and value for the souls of those to whom we preach. Verse 15 gives a clear summation of the Gospel message. Paul was not creating an image of himself, but was being an example to others who are ashamed of their past, so they can have hope. Christ came, provided for, and paid in full the price of redemption, which we could not pay but so greatly needed. We all demonstrate in one way or another the blessings of the Gospel. Our testimony is an effective way to minister the Gospel to others. Paul was an object of God's longsuffering, so others who came after him would understand that the new life that God gives changes a person by God's power.