10 - Paul’s Revelation of Grace
Chapter 10 Paul’s Revelation of Grace
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
Paul had opened this chapter to the Corinthians declaring that he would come to more “visions and revelations of the Lord”. Now in the context of these two verses, Paul unveils the Lord’s newest revelation to him. It was a fresh revelation of His grace.
Paul was troubled over the continued problems he had in his attempt to advance the gospel. He knew the cause was demonic and that seen by his use of the metaphor “thorn in the flesh” and declaration “a messenger of Satan”. However, he did not know what to do about it and even more perplexing, why God was not doing anything about it. He knew he was doing Gods work so why wasn’t the Lord intervening on his behalf. Thus, he sought the Lord about it. Contrary to what many teach, Jesus responded. Jesus’ reply however, was not as expected. Instead of taking direct action, the Lord gave a direct revelation, drawing the focus of attention to His grace. At that moment Paul received a deeper revelation of grace. Now he would teach it to the Corinthians. He had learned that “When I am weak” then Gods grace went to work on his behalf and “THEN I AM STRONG".
Some think they are being humble by proclaiming, “that means: when we are weak, then God is strong”. Neither Jesus nor Paul said that. The revelation of the Lord to Paul was that grace made him strong. Yes, it is through the power of Christ, but the manifestation was in him. This is so important for the believer to understand. We are not to expect Jesus to come down from heaven to do something about the devil. Rather, we are to live by faith in Christ, and that faith includes faith in His grace. Only then do we receive strength. Grace can manifest is many ways. Grace might manifest as it did for Samson, with superhuman strength. It might manifest as it did with Moses, in the working of miracles. It might manifest as it did to Solomon, with wisdom, or as it did to the prophets who received the authority to make prophetic decrees. In every way however, the manifestation of grace is IN US. As seen in Paul’s personal story, if we do not get know this, then we will not personally experience its transforming power as Paul described. Sadly, this is why today’s church is so unlike the early church. Its lack of power, signs, wonders and miracles is because it does not understand why or how grace manifests.
All believers, even as in the case of Paul, will only be empowered if they come to understand grace and then willingly exhaust all human capabilities. That is when God intervenes. Paul experienced this grace often, having overcome beatings, stoning and many other crisis’. Maybe at the start he thought it was his own willpower. However, when he sought the Lord it was revealed to him that it was the grace of God. Grace is what we receive and grace is what we must rely on.
Gods Grace Revealed by Scripture
Beside Paul’s testimony the New Testament has a lot to say about Gods grace. One of the first things we learn is that Gods grace is something we receive in various measures.
“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:17)
Grace implies MUCH MORE than unmerited favor. Here it results in reigning in life when it is mixed with the gift of righteousness. The implication here is that some do not receive grace. Others receive grace in a variety of degrees. Reigning in this life is the highest reward for those who receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness. However, each individual believer must receive both grace and righteousness. God does not impose these benefits on us. In other words, these divine benefits do not fall on us from heaven.
It is a fact that not all believers have received the abundance of grace. Many stop at just enough grace for eternal life. Thus they do not receive a full reward. (2 John 1:8)
What does it mean to “receive”? Some think it means God arbitrarily imposes things on us sovereignly. Thus, if they don’t have something from God they conclude that it is not Gods will. However, they ignore many scriptures that teach us that receiving anything from God is by faith. It is our responsibility to believe and receive.
“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,” (2 Peter 1:2)
Grace and peace is multiplied in us by growing in the knowledge of God. Many believers do not grow in the knowledge of God because they have been spoiled by a fatalistic theology that implies “whatever happens is ordained of God”. On the other hand, we are told that if we walk in the Spirit, and receive the knowledge of God, His grace will be multiplied unto us. Then we can say as Paul said, “when I am weak, then I am strong”. At our weakest moments, we need not think we are fragile, except in ourselves. Instead, we should think as God said. When you are weak, when you can’t keep going, then rejoice rather than despair, for Gods grace is available. Receive it and it renews your strong.
Paul came originally the Corinthians in a weak state. ( 1 Corinthians 2:3) In his final epistle to them he found it necessary to defend his strong state by explaining the grace that was bestowed upon him. Paul exercised commanding authority in the weighty letter to them. His enemies who were false teachers and self-proclaimed apostles tried to get the people to not pay attention to Paul’s instructions. Among many things they probably pointed to his many problems as proof that God was not with him. Therefore, Paul had to address that argument.
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;” ( 2 Corinthians 4:8)
“For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without [were] fightings, within [were] fears.” (2 Corinthians 7:5) In conclusion to admitting his many tribulations, Paul demonstrated wisdom by detailing his superior efforts and his overcoming boldness.
I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. Are they Hebrews? so [am] I. Are they Israelites? so [am] I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so [am] I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant,…” (2 Corinthians 11:21-24)
Paul, as we see in the context and explained in another chapter, went on to cite many challenges and obstacles he had overcome. In this manner he showed them the proof of his elevated position of Apostleship. All of which is the reason, as proved by the context, for Paul mentioning the “thorn in the flesh”. God’s consequence of God’s grace was so wonderfully a revealed to him, he now found pleasure in his trials.
“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”