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Grace and Peace We Need

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It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.  (John 6:63)

Grace and Peace We Need

Dec. 10, 2005

Col_1:2

To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colossae: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

This chapter is power packed with spiritual truths that we need to be always mindful of in order to resist the enemy when he lies to our minds and tries to oppress us.

He starts off, and is talking to the Saints, and the faithful brethren in Christ. So right off we know that this is not to the unfaithful who only name the name of Christ. Not to those who are playing games and aren't serious about the things of God. "In Christ" is something I want to dig in to here. What does it mean to be "in Christ"? In means a fixed position, rest in, or on, give self wholly to, inwardly, within, under.

So, our position doesn't seem to match our condition at times, does it? If our position in Christ is fixed, by declaration of the Word of God, and it's accepted through faith, then we are on solid ground. But, according to the definition of the term itself, we must rest completely in Christ, his ability to perform in us what his word has said he would, resist constantly the lies of the enemy, with the Word of God, believing the Word rather than the liar, give ourself and stake our future and our families' future completely and totally upon the promises of God. Christ in us is our only hope of glory. Now on to the next part of verse 2 of Col. 1: Grace be unto you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

What is grace? And why is it offered? Because we need it very much, obviously. Grace: (Strong's Greek Definitions) graciousness, divine influence upon the heart, favour, gift, benefit, pleasure, thanks, or thank worthy. Joy liberality. Lots of joy? Is that what that says? Liberal means plenty. (as used here). But Webster's 1828 has an even more conclusive definition: 1. favor, good will, kindness, disposition to oblige another, free, ready, quick, willing,

2. the free unmerited (or undeserved) love and favor of God,

3. favorable influence of God, divine influence or the influence of the spirit, in renewing the heart and restraining from sin,

4. Christ's righteousness applied to the sinner.

5. State of Reconciliation to God.

6. Virtuous or religious affection or disposition, such as faith, meekness, humility, patience, etc., proceeding from divine influence upon the person's spirit.

7. Spiritual instruction, improvement, edification.

8. Favor, mercy, pardon conferred upon someone inferior by someone Superior. Privilege. Elegant with appropriate dignity.

9. Natural or acquired excellence. Beauty. To dignify or raise by act of favor, to honor. To supply with heavenly grace.

10. Day in Grace as a time of probation when an offer is made to sinners; (in theology), days in grace, in commerce, the days immediately following the due date of a bill, when the debtor is allowed to make payment without penalty.

Wow. That is rich. I never thought so much about what grace really is. But as much as it's mentioned in the New Testament, I think I should know. 131 times. In the new testament, in 122 different verses.

Now let's look at peace: (Strong's Greek) one, peace, quietness, rest, set at one (unity) again, coming from a verb meaning to join, by implication, prosperity. Webster's says peace is a state of quiet, or tranquility, freedom from disturbance or agitation, applicable to the society, individuals, or to the temper of the mind. Freedom from internal commotion, agitation, or disturbance by the passions, as from fear, terror, anger, anxiety, or the like, quietness of the mind, calmness, quiet of the conscience. Example Webster gives: Great peace have they that love thy law. (from Ps. 119). Heavenly rest, state of reconciliation. Can also be used in commanding silence or quiet, as peace to a troubled soul. To be at peace, live in harmony.

All of that from one verse? That is truly daily bread much needed in this day and age. You can find this same exhortation in the Bible many other places: Rom_1:4. , Rom_16:20, 1Co_1:3, 2Co_1:1,Gal_1:3, Eph_1:2, Phi_1:2, 1Th_1:2, 2Th_1:2, 1Ti_1:2,

2Ti_1:2, Tit_1:4, Phm_1:3, 1Pe_1:2, 2Pe_1:1, 2Jo_1:3, Rev_1:4.

17 different verses, 17 different times to the Body of Christ, Grace and peace be unto you, be multiplied unto you. It's offered. Too many of us, including this typist, are living way beneath our privilege. That makes God look bad. I don't want to be a reproach. To be a reason the world thinks serving God is no fun because I allow my battles and trials cause me to wear a long face instead of a sunny smile. Lord, forgive me. With such help available, I am without excuse if I allow myself to be oppressed by the enemy's lies, or battles or trials or by situations I can't change for when I cast them upon the Lord (1 Pet 5:7) and remember I wasn't made to carry such a load, but He can, then I can truly serve him with joy and confidence (Luk 1:74; Ps. 100:2) that I can't fix it but He can. And when I get down, the Word says he is the lifter up of my head.( Ps. 3:3). Sure things will be hard, sometimes. Circumstances will hurt and cause deep wounds. But he's sent the Comforter to help. He's sent angels to minister unto the heirs of salvation. (Heb 1;14) And with the heavenly resources just in this one verse available-how much more is there that we haven't dug into? How many times have I read this verse and not stopped to think about what exactly it means? This makes me hungry to do more digging. And doesn't the Word of God always yield up such rich treasure to the sincere of heart who goes digging into it, with the intent purpose of fortifying the soul so it doesn't sin against her maker, (or his,) and to know Him better, so to be more like Him? Thank you Jesus. And here's a verse that doesn't mention the grace and peace, together, but consider this one in the same light:

2Cor 13:14: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

 

 

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