ROMANS 5:20–21; 6:1-2 – Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?”

THEME OF THE DAY:  REJOICE IN BUT DON’T PRESUME UPON.  A good exposition of today’s scripture that amplifies the power of God’s grace over all our sin is the hymn Grace Greater than All My Sin.  If we haven’t heard or know of it, here is the first stanza and refrain – Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt, Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured, There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt. Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within, Grace, grace, God’s grace, Grace that is greater than all our sin. This is clearly the message the Apostle Paul gives in today’s scripture.  No sin is too great or powerful for Him to cast into His sea of non-remembrance – He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19).   But the wise theologian and greatest Christian ever to live expounds another lesson in today’s passage. It is a lesson we need to constantly remember and keep before us because we easily forget it.  The teaching?  Don’t presume upon God’s grace, or take it for granted.

As we read today’s scripture, pay attention to how Paul reveals his knowledge of frail human nature, even as believers.  He warns us not to presume upon God’s grace.  At the end of Romans 5, he gives us fuel for a life of worship – where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.  Yes, this is praising ground knowing in our failings, our sinning, God’s grace is not only sufficient to deal with them but overpowers them.  Grace abounds far more than our sins.  But the Apostle moves into Romans 6 and basically says, “Yes, God’s grace is greater than our sins but that doesn’t mean take it for granted by playing with temptation all the while thinking God’s grace will forgive us.”  Such an attitude reveals two things.

First, we don’t really understand God’s holiness pointing to His hatred of sin. To presume upon grace is to attack the character of God and hold a very light and wrong view of sin.  And to take for granted His grace always leads to severe chastisement from the Lord.  He will discipline the child of God who lives such a reckless and disrespectful life.

Another thing about those who presume upon God’s grace is we have forgotten the high cost paid in giving us the grace that conquers sin.  The cost?  The life and death of the only Beloved Son of God.  Now settle down and ponder what I am about to write. It is serious. It should drive us to self-examination.  I will set this up by a simple question; when tempted to commit any sin, immediately stop, and say to the temptation, “How can I entertain and consider giving into you, the very thing my Lord Jesus died for?”  If we don’t go there and reason against temptation by the Gospel, then we will fail and subtly presume upon God’s forgiving grace.  Yes, presume because in toying with temptation, we are making a choice and if we choose sin, deep inside is the irreverent attitude “Oh, God will forgive me.  His grace is greater than my sin.”

So, rejoice in God’s grace being greater than all our sins but don’t ever presume upon such grace. It is disrespectful and shows a shallow love for the God of all grace.

PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for the strength of Your grace that conquers all my sins.”
QUOTE: “Rejoice in the conquering power of God’s grace over sin but don’t presume upon it.”

Because of Him,
Pastor Jim