August 09, 2022 – Tuesday
Ephesians 4:7 NIV
7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
Ephesians 4:7 ESV
7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
Ephesians 4:7 KJV
7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Comments
Today we are going to look at the grace each of us has been given as Christ apportioned it. Two other versions are provided to clarify apportioned is equivalent to measure. Also, I like how the ESV and the KJV refer to His grace as a gift. I often refer to it as a free gift which seems redundant, but we all know not all gifts are free as many come with strings attached. There are no strings with Christ’s gift, only belief with repentance is required before grace is granted.
Because the verse begins with a But, it must relate to the preceding verses so let’s look at a few of those for context; 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. And then But, why? Because it is through Christ and Christ alone that grace is given. It is the unmerited favor we receive when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. While the Father and Son and the Holy Spirit are One, the Father permits grace only through His Son. Jesus confirms this when He said in John 14:6, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Well then what about the measure of grace or the apportionment of grace? Many think this has to do with spiritual gifts that often come with grace and they are measured out differently to different people. However, what we all know is that grace, the forgiveness of all of our sins, is complete and total. Here I agree with Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, Grace is bestowed upon all true Christians, and all have enough to enable them to live a life of holiness but it is not necessarily enough to avoid struggle. Instead it is enough to win the struggles. Barnes’ goes on to say, it is a “gift.” It is “bestowed” on us. It is not what is originated by ourselves. And then, The same grace is not given to all, but to all is given enough to enable them to live as they ought to live. For this to make sense to us all we have to do is recall the millions and millions of different circumstances whereby people come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. How grace comes to them and changes them is unique for each and every one of them.
I believe the grace we are given grows over time as it changes and impacts how we live our lives and especially how we think and relate to the world around us. The Holy Spirit living within us as a result of grace, keeps nudging us (sometimes a lot more than nudging) to move, live, act, love, and forgive as believers. I know individuals who were changed completely upon being born again. I know other individuals who seemingly had to climb mountains to completely change after being born again. At the core they were changed, but it took months and years for those changes to completely manifest themselves. Bottom Line: Grace changes everything at the core. Outwardly grace will change everything over time.
Prayer: Almighty God, Thank You for the wonderful gift of grace. Please let it continue to change me and mold me in the image of Christ. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek