A Trophy of Grace

Posted by on Dec 14, 2008 in Rev. Serven

Paul, the unlikely convert. Jesus won us as His trophies of grace. What is Grace? The blessing of God Almighty on His people. The unmerited favor of God. God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. The grace of our Lord overflows upon us in abundance. What is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? Someone who rejects God throughout the whole course of their life. Knows the truth, yet rejects it. A burden for the lost: pray for God’s mercy, and that God would give us a word in season. God reaches into the darkness of Paul’s unbelief and brings the light of mercy. Grace is measured by the presence of faith and love. Christ Jesus displays his perfect patience toward His people.

Text: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

I have a few trophies in my old storage chest–mainly from track and field competitions during my High School years. These trophies were won my my hard work, personal sacrifice, and careful observation of the rules. As Paul rightly says, “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” (cf. 2 Timothy 2:5) Jesus Christ also won trophies through his hard work, personal sacrifice, and careful observation of the rules. He kept the law perfectly; he sacrificed himself for his disciples, and he carefully fulfilled God’s justice. In this way, he won each of his disciples as a “trophy of grace”, since their redemption was accomplished by his gracious sacrifice on the cross. Therefore, it is imperative in the matter of salvation that Jesus Christ gets all the credit. Your family background did not save you, nor did your efforts at reformation, or did personal decision (cf. John 1:12-13). Jesus Christ gets all the credit in the matter of salvation and your subsequent sanctification (cf. WCF, Shorter Catechism questions #33-35).

[podcast]http://www.download.covenantfamilychurch.net/2008/mp3/2008_12_14_a_trophy_of_grace.mp3[/podcast]

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