Colossians
Lesson 3
1)
The Apostolic greeting and
commendation {#
(
Introduction:
In our last lesson we discussed the saints and faithful brethren their Fidelity or obligation to God.
In this lesson let us discuss the invoking of the divine Grace of God and the peace of God.
The Grace of God is clearly seen throughout the scripture, in fact the scripture is based on the Grace of God.
Ø It is because of Gods Grace that we exist
Ø God’s grace is without merit
In Pauls greeting to the church he wasn’t just making a statement of pleasantries he was addressing fundamental issues of everyday life.
·
Webster’s
definition of Grace:
grace (grâs) noun
1. Seemingly effortless beauty or charm
of movement, form, or proportion. See synonyms at elegance.
2. A characteristic or quality pleasing
for its charm or refinement.
3. A sense of fitness or propriety.
4. a. A disposition to be generous or
helpful; goodwill. b. Mercy;
clemency.
5. A favor rendered by one who need not
do so; indulgence.
6. A temporary immunity or exemption; a
reprieve.
7. Graces.
Greek & Roman
Mythology. Three sister goddesses, known in Greek
mythology as Aglaia, Euphrosyne,
and Thalia, who dispense charm and beauty.
8. Theology. a. Divine love and protection bestowed freely on people. b. The state of being protected or sanctified by the favor of God. c. An excellence or a power granted by God.
·
Greek
Definition:
5485. charis, khar'-ece; from G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstr. or concr.; lit., fig. or spiritual; espec. the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):--acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).
Ø In
It is by Gods divine Grace that we are delivered from the penalty and Power of sin.
Isa 43:25 I,
even I, am he that blotteth out thy
transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
Isa 44:22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.
(Rom 8:1) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
q
The Divine Grace
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Freely Given {#Ps 84:11 Ac 11:23 13:43}
Ps 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that
walk uprightly.
Ac 11:23
Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted
them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
§
(Acts 11:21) And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a
great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
·
Empowers men for service {#1Co 3:10 15:10}
1Co 3:10 According to the grace of God which is
given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid
the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let
every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
1Co 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I
am: and his grace which was bestowed
upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more
abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
·
Enables men to lead the Simple
Life {#2Co 1:12}
2Co 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the
testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with
fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the
world, and more abundantly to you–ward.
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May be rendered ineffectual
(insufficient) {#2Co 6:1 Ga 2:21 Eph 3:7 Heb 2:9 Jas 4:6}
2Co 6:1 We then, as workers together with him,
beseech you also that ye receive not
the grace of God in vain.
Ga 2:21 I
do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Eph 3:7 Whereof I was made a minister,
according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual
working of his power.
Heb 2:9
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the
suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour;
that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
Jas 4:6 But he giveth
more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth
grace unto the humble.
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Not given for selfish use {#1Pe 4:10}
1Pe 4:10
As every man hath received the gift, even
so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace
of God.
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Promised to the humble {#1Pe 5:5}
1Pe 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit
yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of
you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth
grace to the humble.