Grace that Builds Up

What would you do if one day your school decided that instead of Math, Science, English, and the other subjects you study, all you would do every day is watch movies and read comic books? While you might be overjoyed, a school like that wouldn’t give you a good foundation for the things you want to accomplish later.

In the same way that your parents entrust you to your school and teachers to teach you the right things, the apostle Paul entrusted the believers to God and to the message of His grace. This statement has two lessons for its hearers:

1. God’s grace builds strength in us. God’s grace will build you up, as Paul said in the Scripture. It helps us become strong and sturdy. The way our schools build us up to be ready for the next academic levels, God’s grace prepares us for the spiritual challenges that we will be facing. No matter what shakings come our way, God’s grace is sure to strengthen and build us up!
2. God’s grace gives us access to our inheritance in Christ. The Scripture above says, “Then you will share in what God plans to give all his people.” When God gives us His grace, we instantly have a part in the inheritance that God has promised to give His people. This is great news—and we don’t even have to work for it!

What does this tell us? If we feel weak and powerless, God promises to give us power and increase our strength (Isaiah 40:29). If we feel like we don’t have everything we might want, by His grace we are rich because we have inherited eternal life and the kingdom of God.

God’s grace builds strength in us and gives us access to our inheritance in Christ!

Reflect

1. In the same way that our lessons in school help us with many things, God also uses His word to teach and help us. What are some of God’s commands, words, and promises that you turn to when you need strength? How do they help you?
   Example: God knows my needs (Matthew 6:24). I do not worry when I need something because I know that God provides for me.
   
2. In school, to make sure that you know your lessons, you do activities and review lessons. How about with God’s word? How can you continue being built up so that you will stand strong and sturdy, no matter what will happen?

Prayer

Father, I know that apart from the grace You have freely given to me, I will not be able to stand strong and have faith. Thank You for the gift of Your grace that builds me up, making me sturdy in my faith. I am confident knowing that whatever comes my way, Your grace holds me and makes me strong. I will not shrink back from any challenge I may face because I know that You are there with me. Thank You that by Your grace, I have access to my inheritance in Christ. In the mighty name of Jesus, amen.