MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT

TITLE: MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 * Paul had "a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan" troubling him and he prayed 3 times but God did not remove this thorn from his life. * The response God gave him was that "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." * Biblically grace is described as a gift. Ephesians 2:8-9 * Grace is also free, that is why we define Grace as unmerited, undeserved or unearned favor - it is a free gift of favor from God. Romans 3:24 * God says His grace is sufficient for you when you plead with Him to remove a "thorn in the flesh" because Grace will give you salvation for your body, soul, and spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 * Example of Jacob. His name was changed to Israel (meaning God contends, or one who struggles with God) and he was blessed but he came away with a limp - a defect in his flesh Genesis 32:25-31 * In spite of the limp he came back safely with wealth and Esau who hated him welcomed him. Genesis 33 * Jacob's limp is not mentioned until when he was blessing his children and grandchildren before he died. Hebrews 11:21 * Grace is an essential part of God's character and is closely related to God's benevolence, love, and mercy. 1 Peter 5:10 * God's grace did not start in the age of the Church but was given to us before time began. 2 Timothy 1:9 * When Cain killed his brother Abel God showed him grace by sparing his life. Genesis 4:12-15 * The first mention of grace is the Bible (NKJV) was at the time of Noah.- "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord." Genesis 6:7-8 * Noah was exempt from the wrath of God because of Grace. * The second coming of Christ will be like the coming of the flood in the days of Noah. Matthew 24:37-39 * In the days of Moses God was with Israel, separated them (for special treatment), and knew Moses by name because of grace. Exodus 33:16-17 * Moses told God, "If now I have found grace in Your sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray, go among us, even though we are a stiff-necked[a] people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your inheritance." Exodus 34:8-9 * God responded "Behold, I make a covenant. Before all your people I will do [b]marvels such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation; and all the people among whom you are shall see the work of the Lord. For it is an awesome thing that I will do with you". Exodus 34:10 * If God's did such things before and in the dispensation of the Law will He not do greater works in this dispensation of grace?