2nd Corinthians 12:1-10, especially verse 9
by Derek Gentle
Sustaining Grace is God's timely infusion of spiritual strength
to protect His people from despair and bitterness and
which empowers them to mature through suffering.
1. Sustaining Grace supplies spiritual power when we
are weak
"And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for
you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness' Therefore,
most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities that the
power of Christ may rest upon me." - 2nd
Corinthians 12:9
2. Sustaining Grace enables us to avoid despair
". . . Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our god and
Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation
and good hope by grace" - 2nd Thessalonians
2:16
NIV: "Eternal encouragement"
It is realistic: "Well-founded hope" (Amplified)
3. Sustaining Grace helps us at just the right time
"Let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we
may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of
need." Hebrews 4:16
4. Sustaining Grace keeps us from bitterness
"Looking diligently lest anyone fall short of the
grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up causes
trouble, and by this many become defiled" - Hebrews
12:15
5. Sustaining Grace matures us through suffering
"But may the God of all grace, who called us to His
eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a
while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you" - 1st
Peter 5:10
3 basic results:
(1) Fixing what's broken - "That no defect may
remain" (John Wesley)
(2) Making us strong - "That you may conquer all
adverse power"
(3) Stabilizing us on a firm foundation - "As a house
upon a rock"
