1 Corinthians 2:12, "Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who comes from God, so that we may understand what has been freely given to us by God."

This is the whole essence and understanding of the gospel: Everything is free. If we fast, it's free. If we're drunk, it's free. If we forsake all, it's free. If we watch pornography, it's free. I know this shocks the system, but ask yourself. What does God give to a sinner to make him holy? It's grace. What does he give to the holiest saint? It's still grace! Nothing is earned. It's given to us by the Father because of Jesus Christ. We make no contribution. The Father works through the Son by the Spirit.

Don't despise his goodness. Don't murmur at grace. Don't DESERVE ANYTHING, and do not help God [2 Sam 6:6-7]. Receive with thanksgiving, and he'll be glorified.Psalms 50:14-15, "Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." Rely on him, and he's happy.

Man has a hard time with grace. It's contrary to our proud flesh and self effort. Yet, resting in Christ, we bear good fruit!

First, "Now we have not received the spirit of the world." The spirit of this world can't teach this.1 Corinthians 2:14, "The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned." We must be born from above to receive God's grace. John 3:3, "Jesus answered him, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born from above he cannot see the kingdom of God." This gift opens our EYES, and gives us understanding. It causes us to see our helplessness and God's big provision. It makes us trust him, experience his power, and feel it.

Then, we STAY IN this way of grace, learning repeatedly that we're nothing, and he's everything. Colossians 2:6, "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him." We learn that God does all the works. Therefore, we trust his Spirit through the gospel.

This is the best life; it is rest and peace, power over sin, and fruits of righteousness. Philippians 1:11," filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." It is God working in us, love being formed, and tangible evidence of communion. The soul feels lighter, and laughter is a cool breeze and a fountain inside you! This is God's gentleness leading and assisting. We are blessed by his Spirit upon our spirit!

Secondly, we "so that we may understand." This spiritual instruction enlightens us to our insufficiency and his provision. No longer do we look through the garbage. We confess no righteousness and no strength. We consciously lean upon the Invisible, and refuse to go without him! We have no words but his!

This weak but believing soul is blessed, so we have confidence. We are not in despair. It is blessed to walk with God as a nobody, yet possessing all things… someone with no ability, but full of confidence in God. This is the boldness and assurance that we seek. God has blessed us with himself! We have the highest power and imputed righteousness. We are fully accepted and helped! Ephesians 3:12, "in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him."

Thank God for the goodness of grace! Thank him for choosing you! Walk humbly! Stay away from pride!

Thirdly, everything is "freely given." We can never be too dirty, nor can we deserve it. The best saint isn't worthy, and the vilest sinner isn't rejected. It's free, so we can't work for it. It's given, so we can't control it.

Free grace is our master, so go to the throne, believingly. Look to him always with nothing to add. Only receive, according to your faith. Matthew 9:29, "Then he touched their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it done to you."

Bless God, bless God, bless God! He's given us eternal life and fellowship! He's blessed us immensely. Words cannot utter the whole. The mind cannot conceive it. This way of grace is SUPERNATURAL and abundant. It rejoices the soul. We want everyone to experience the power, so our joy can be full. 1 John 1:4, "And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete."