2 Corinthians 4:15
Paul states that he does all things for the sake of the Corinthian reader (thus, for you and I as well), so that the “abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 4:15). This return to the idea of “abundant grace” is typical for the ministry of the Apostle Paul, as he is the original minister of God’s covenant of goodness and grace and he is a constant encourager of believers to accept this abundance of God’s grace (Romans 5:17).
The usage of the word “redound” is a new addition to the King James translation, as it never appears in this form anywhere else. The word actually means “abound or left over or overflow” when rendered from the original Greek. In its Greek form it does show up elsewhere in the New Testament, most commonly as the word “abound”. So while the word may be new to the reader in this passage, the concept is not new. In fact, when coupled with the phrase found previously in this same verse, we have another tremendous example of Paul’s concept of grace. Look at it in its entirety:
“For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 4:15).
“Abundant grace” in this passage is the same Greek word used in Romans 5:20 when Paul tells us that where iniquity does abound, “grace doth much more abound”. The word is ‘pleonazo’ which means literally, “super abound”. He is telling us that super abundant grace will be given in a measure that is greater than our capacity to use “through the thanksgiving of many”. When we live our lives with thanksgiving, we are allowing abundant grace to work in us in a measure that super-exceeds our need. Hallelujah!
Our thanksgiving brings increased grace which also serves an even greater purpose which is “to the glory of God” (verse 15). All things pertaining to God’s grace will ultimately bring glory to the Father. This is the litmus test of true grace preaching and teaching. If man is the one who gets the glory and the honor then it is not truly the preaching of God’s abundant grace that you are hearing. It could be a well-crafted motivational speech, or a timely illustration about morality. God’s grace will always bring glory to the Father, and there is nothing that brings glory like Christ’s death at the cross and His resurrection.
Truthfully, the more that true grace is presented, the more glory comes to the Father. When His free gift of salvation is brought to the forefront and His loveliness is presented, He gets honor and glory for being such a great God. Live your life with thanksgiving for His free gift and you will be a walking and talking advertisement for the goodness of God towards mankind. Swim in His left over grace for you today believer, and bring glory to His name.
Paul states that he does all things for the sake of the Corinthian reader (thus, for you and I as well), so that the “abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 4:15). This return to the idea of “abundant grace” is typical for the ministry of the Apostle Paul, as he is the original minister of God’s covenant of goodness and grace and he is a constant encourager of believers to accept this abundance of God’s grace (Romans 5:17).
The usage of the word “redound” is a new addition to the King James translation, as it never appears in this form anywhere else. The word actually means “abound or left over or overflow” when rendered from the original Greek. In its Greek form it does show up elsewhere in the New Testament, most commonly as the word “abound”. So while the word may be new to the reader in this passage, the concept is not new. In fact, when coupled with the phrase found previously in this same verse, we have another tremendous example of Paul’s concept of grace. Look at it in its entirety:
“For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 4:15).
“Abundant grace” in this passage is the same Greek word used in Romans 5:20 when Paul tells us that where iniquity does abound, “grace doth much more abound”. The word is ‘pleonazo’ which means literally, “super abound”. He is telling us that super abundant grace will be given in a measure that is greater than our capacity to use “through the thanksgiving of many”. When we live our lives with thanksgiving, we are allowing abundant grace to work in us in a measure that super-exceeds our need. Hallelujah!
Our thanksgiving brings increased grace which also serves an even greater purpose which is “to the glory of God” (verse 15). All things pertaining to God’s grace will ultimately bring glory to the Father. This is the litmus test of true grace preaching and teaching. If man is the one who gets the glory and the honor then it is not truly the preaching of God’s abundant grace that you are hearing. It could be a well-crafted motivational speech, or a timely illustration about morality. God’s grace will always bring glory to the Father, and there is nothing that brings glory like Christ’s death at the cross and His resurrection.
Truthfully, the more that true grace is presented, the more glory comes to the Father. When His free gift of salvation is brought to the forefront and His loveliness is presented, He gets honor and glory for being such a great God. Live your life with thanksgiving for His free gift and you will be a walking and talking advertisement for the goodness of God towards mankind. Swim in His left over grace for you today believer, and bring glory to His name.
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