Scripture: “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” – James 4:6
Explanation of Song: Haldor Lillenas began to write gospel songs in the early 20th century. He established the Lillenas Publishing Company in Indiana and published many of his own hymns and songbooks. His publishing company was eventually purchased by the Nazarene Publishing House in Missouri where Lillenas became its manager. Prior to starting his company, Lillenas wanted, but could not afford, a piano. He ended up buying an old organ for $5. On this instrument, he composed many hymns, including his most well-known, “Wonderful Grace of Jesus”. Prior to the song becoming famous, he sold it for $5… just enough to cover the cost of the organ!
Application: Many Christians understand that they are saved by grace, but it seems to end there because their “after salvation” perception of God appears to be of One ready to dispense harsh judgment upon any believer who falls short of His righteousness. In fact, in the mind of many Christians, God’s grace seems to transform into an unconscious legalism for the saved by many believers.
With this type of thinking, guilt and shame accompany any sin in which a Christian becomes involved, and subsequently, help is not sought of anyone in the church for fear of additional judgment. What the saved often seem to forget is that God’s character does not change toward us when we become saved; He doesn’t exchange His grace for punishment. God is always gracious, and we can always go to Him without fear. Hebrews 4:16 states, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
When we begin to rely on what we do or say to win God’s favor and to hold back His hand of punishment, we have replaced His saving and sanctifying grace for our own works. Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly responds to that line of thinking, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Remember, Christians are not perfect once saved, they are in a constant state of restoration and renewal as it states in Titus 3:5, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” God’s Word affirms this in Philippians 1:6 in that we are His work in progress, which will NOT be completed until we are with Him in heaven, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Lamentations 3:22 reminds us, “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” If we all had to be perfect to be with God, not one of us would ever enter heaven, but God graciously works to make us more aligned to His beloved Son. When we stubbornly insist on our own way, His mercy is there instead of the thunderbolt of judgment many seem to feel God holds. What He does give us is His unlimited compassion and love.
Lastly, we should also be willing to extend that same grace to others in the family of God. As Jesus said to the religious leaders in reference to an adulterous woman in John 8:7, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” God’s grace is continually available to each one of us in our daily walk. When we sin, God is always ready to forgive; He does not stand ready to throw that scalding thunderbolt our way! No matter how many times we fail Him, He waits for our repentant hearts to come to Him for forgiveness and restoration. We must do the same to others as He does to us – forgive, love, restore. We are called to be the reflection of the Saviour to our brothers and sisters in Christ. After all, if Jesus could do that for us, shouldn’t we do the same for others?
Memory Verse: “I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;” – 1 Corinthians 1:4
Stretching your thoughts:
1. What does it mean that God’s grace is sufficient for us?
2. Why is His grace so difficult to accept?
Wonderful Grace of Jesus, greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it,
Where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden, setting my spirit free;
O the Wonderful Grace of Jesus reaches me!
Wonderful the matchless Grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain,
All sufficient Grace for even me.
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame
O magnify the precious name of Jesus, praise His name!
(from “Wonderful Grace of Jesus”by Haldor Lillenas)