REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor David Kwon who heads Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, was first posted on June 4, 2014. He is a graduate of Drexel University (BS) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“Grace Unlimited”
1 Timothy 1:12-17
I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, [13] though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, [14] and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. [15] The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. [16] But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. [17] To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
I remember a friend of mine telling me a story of how he got pulled over by the cops for excessive speeding. As he waited for the cop to come talk to him, he felt a sense of fear and shame because of what he had done. After some time of begging and pleading with the police officer, he let him go and did not give him a ticket. What an act of grace!
Grace is what the Christian faith is all about: It is grace that saves us and transforms us. In these powerful verses, Paul is reminded of who he was before Christ, and how Jesus has saved him by his overflowing “hyper-plentiful” grace. The word “overflow” in the Greek is hyperpleonazō, which means that God’s grace is not merely sufficient or even plentiful — it is emphasizing the superabundance (or hyper-abundance) of God’s grace. In verses 14-15, Paul testifies of what this superabundant grace can do – save unworthy and undeserving sinners which Paul calls himself the worst of all. It means that nobody is beyond grace. If the Lord could redeem Saul, a onetime persecutor of Christ, then He can save anyone. This is why Paul saw his transformation as an example for all who would believe after his conversion (v. 16).
How often do we take the time to meditate upon the hyper-abundant grace of our Lord? His grace redeems and saves imperfect people like us. Spend some time this morning thanking God for his grace. Ask the Lord that the reality of his grace would transform us.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you that your grace has saved and redeemed me. Help me not to take your abundant grace for granted, and may it lead to continual thanksgiving and transformation in my own life. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Acts 13
Lunch Break Study
Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10] For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Questions to Consider
- How does Paul view grace with respect to his weakness and hardship?
- Paul says that he boasts in his weakness so that Christ’s power may rest upon him. How should this verse encourage us in our weakness?
- Do you see God’s abundant grace in hardship and weakness? Ask the Lord that his grace would be sufficient for you today.
Notes
- Paul gives us a correct view of grace, which is that God’s grace in our lives enables us to go through difficulty and hardship. We can experience his love, mercy, and power in our weakness.
- These verses should encourage us because it is Christ who gives us strength when we are at our weakest. We don’t need to come up with our own ways or strength when we face opposition; but rather, we can look to the power of Jesus.
- Personal response
Evening Reflection
Spend time reflecting on his grace. How has grace changed you and strengthened you recently? Pray that his superabundant grace would give you hope and contentment.