Indebted But No Debt – The Presidential Prayer Team

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Corinthians 1:4

The apostle Paul was quick to say that of all the people to be given the gift of grace, he was the least of all. As a persecutor of the church, he had brought fear into the lives of the early believers. But then, Christ met him on the road to Damascus and the purpose of his life changed. He experienced the grace of God in his life – the undeserved and unrepayable kindness that is given to sinners who believe.

For the Corinthians, Paul was giving thanks first for their salvation. It was through grace that God would provide all they needed to complete the journey through this world. God’s gift of grace included spiritual gifts… all so that they could be an encouragement to others in the church and give God the glory as they made known His goodness to all people.

It is good to be reminded that grace is a gift, free and without obligation. It is not on loan. As preacher and teacher, John MacArthur wrote, “The cost [of sin] is so great we cannot repay it. In other words, we are completely indebted, but we have no debt.” It is undeserved and permanent forgiveness. In addition, grace is not given based on merit… there is no such thing as deserving God’s mercy and grace. It is freely given to all who believe in Christ as Savior.

Beloved, as you have received this wonderful gift, pour out your thanksgiving for God’s blessing to you. Intercede for those in this nation who have yet to accept Christ Jesus as Savior. Serve others and give God the glory for what He has done for you.

Today’s Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:4

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus,

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: John 16:16-24

¹⁶“A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” ¹⁷So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” ¹⁸So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” ¹⁹Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? ²⁰Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. ²¹When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. ²²So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. ²³In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. ²⁴Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.