Grateful for grace in Christ

Here is a summarizing survey of Paul's prayer of thanksgiving. This prayer, closely linked with the intercession that follows, rests upon three pillars and is established on one foundation.

The three pillars which particularly uphold the thankful prayer of this generally thankful man are free gospel grace, fruitful gospel progress, and faithful gospel ministry.

The foundation upon which these pillars stand, and the beating heart of Paul's prayer, is the grace of God in the Lord Jesus Christ. Every blessing received and enjoyed by the church is through and in him, and Paul is determined that these saints shall not separate the gifts from the Giver, the blessings from the Benefactor.

We should have at least three responses: prayer for blessing, that we might know that which honours our God; pursuit of Christ, that we might glorify him; praise to God, characterised in all our dealings at the throne of grace by a recognition of the grace that comes to us from him, through his Son, the Lord Christ.