Amazing Grace

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”

Galatians 3:13-14

Paul is continuing his rebuke and explanation to the believers in the churches across Galatia about how we are no longer under the law but justified by faith alone. When we rely on the law as believers, we must remember it is a curse because it is impossible for one to adhere to all the laws. Faith is the opposite and those that have faith will be considered and justified as righteous. The curse of the law is the fact that we are unable to achieve righteousness by the law alone. Therefore Christ died on the cross and rose again to redeem us from the curse. The same blessing that came to Abraham by faith alone is the same blessing that will come to all Gentiles when they place their faith in Christ as their Lord and Savior. The law’s purpose is to simply point us to Christ, recognizing that we can only achieve righteousness when we place our faith in Him who redeems us from the curse. 

One of the most famous hymns that almost every Christian has heard of is the hymn entitled “Amazing Grace” which was written by English hymn writer John Newton. His life was filled with much trials and turmoil and he was conscripted to be part of the Royal British Navy deployed to the colonies part of the British slave trade in the 18th century. In 1748, his ship encountered a dangerous and violent storm that could have destroyed the vessel and killing everyone on board. Newton, with great fear of his life, called onto God and cried for His mercy upon him and the other sailors. Newton and the others made it through the storm which began to stir within Newton’s heart to reflect upon his own life. He began to feel convicted about his involvement in the slave-trade and gave up that life in order to seek the life of ministry. As a result of following in the call to ministry, Newton joined and was ordained within the Church of England. A few years later as he reflected upon the sermon he was preparing and upon his own life, he began to write the following words:

“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I was once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see.” 

This was originally a poem written for Newton’s sermon but over time it gained recognition and became one of the most beloved hymns throughout the entire world. Newton played an important role alongside William Wilberforce in the abolition of slavery in the British isles and colonies. 

When we reflect upon the hymn and the context of how the hymn was penned, One cannot help but remain thankful that we are redeemed by the grace of God even when we were under the curse of sin. The reality of our sin results in our helplessness under the law because we are unable to meet its perfect standard. We were once considered “wretched” in need of grace. Yet the sweetness of God’s grace came upon our life when we called upon Him and Christ took the curse of sin in our place, thus giving us freedom and hope in the faith that we have in Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection. We were lost but now we are found. We were blind but now we see.

We must be thankful for His amazing grace that He bestowed upon our lives when we were under the curse of sin. We must recognize that we don’t achieve favor nor are we justified righteous because of what we do. We achieved hope and security in both because of our faith in Christ alone. 

Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, 21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

Proverbs 23:20-21

The author warns the reader about greed in food and in riches. Do not grave to fill more than you are satisfied which includes gluttony and greed. One area we do not preach or mention is the area of gluttony. Gluttony is simply defined as excessive consumption or over-indulgence in food. The Scripture warns us against gluttony for it is part of a lack of self-control. We as believers ought to pursue after self-control not only in the area of food but other distractions as well. Food and finances are never a sin alone. Scripture reminds us the importance of correct stewardship with great discernment and wisdom. The Bible emphasizes the importance of self-control and discipline and an area we as believers must be mindful of each and every day is the area of our finances and the area of food. 

Instead of envying sinners, we must be zealous and jealous for wisdom. We must seek wisdom and pursue after it above all else. We must apply our hearts to the wise instructions that are given to us by Scripture and our elders. When we fear the Lord with great respect and reverence, we find wisdom which will bring us a bright and hopeful future. Part of being wise means to set our hearts on the right path and to avoid joining those influences that drink or eat too much. 

Set your eyes and heart unto the Lord and discipline yourself in these areas. When we are tempted and find ourselves with the adulterous woman that is tempting to the flesh, we will fall into the deep pit.