The Rock Weekly – October 15, 2025
- Daddy/Daughter Princess Ball – Nov 7th. Sign up here
- Baptisms – Sunday, Nov 9th. Email Family@therock.org
Go to www.therock.org/events for information on upcoming events
Grace & Effort
“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10 CSB
This letter to the Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul, and when he says, “I worked harder than any of them,” the them he’s talking about are all the other apostles. That’s a pretty bold statement in a public letter. And yet, the part that’s even more noteworthy is what follows, “yet not I, but the grace of God”.
Paul understood deeply the cohesion between grace and effort. He was traveling further, bearing more, and overall working harder than anyone else, and yet he wrote more about grace than any other New Testament author.
Now, I understand I’m preaching to the choir on this topic, but I want to point out that God’s grace towards us empowers us to endure (2 Cor 12:9), to overcome sin (Rom 6:14), to live generously (2 Cor 9:8), to be encouraged and strengthened (2 Thes 2:16-17), to hope for the future (1 Peter 1:13), to serve others (1 Peter 4:10), to speak out boldly (Rom 12:3), to have spiritual giftings (Romans 12:6), to conduct ourselves with godly sincerity and purity (2 Cor 1:12), to help others (2 Cor 8:1-8), to proclaim the gospel (Eph 3:7-8), to glorify Jesus (1 Tim 1:2), and much more. Clearly “grace” involves more than the gift of salvation through Jesus’ atoning work, though that is a big part of it.
So why was Paul working the hardest? I believe it was for two reasons:
- So that “His grace toward me was not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:10)
- “…according to the measure of Christ’s gift [Christ’s grace].” (Ephesians 4:7)
Paul was given a greater measure of grace (similarly in Romans 12:6)
This Sunday I want to continue exploring these ideas of Grace and Effort, using Paul and the epistles as our guide. I want us to better understand the measure we’ve received, how to receive a greater measure of grace, and also how to receive it in a way that is “not in vain”.
Until then, let’s prepare our hearts in prayer.
Father God, will you open the eyes of our hearts with Your Spirit of understanding, so that we may fully comprehend the richness of the meaning of Your grace. We thank You for the free gift of salvation, and also the empowering to do so much good for Your glory. We ask You to soften our hearts in the ways we need it so we can bend in obedience to Your word, and respond appropriately to Your leading. Help us this week by giving us a greater measure of grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Grace to you,
Pastor Andrew and your Rock Staff.
IMPORTANT SERVICE & WEEKLY INFORMATION:
WEDNESDAY NIGHT WORSHIP & PRAYER SERVICE 7:00pm * In-Person & On-Line *
Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/rockchurchco
The Rock Online Livestream: https://www.therock.org/live/
FOUNDATIONS CLASS – 6:00pm Wednesdays
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/99757846764?pwd=Tm8zQ0JQWk1xeHFBcEU5anNFN1l4dz09
YOUTH ~ ABIDE YOUTH (6th – 12th Grade) – WEDNESDAY NIGHT – 7:00pm
Invite a friend and come have a great time. If you have any questions, email jaden@therock.org
FOOD BANK DISTRIBUTION – 1st & 3rd Saturday of each Month
https://www.therock.org/foodbank/
Email Lindy@therock.org if you would like to volunteer or have questions.
SUNDAY MORNING PRE-SERVICE PRAYER 8:15-9:15am – *In-Person & On-line*
ZOOM Direct Video Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85340164797?pwd=V0lmWFRRL0R6Tm56QTdRUHNoMWI3QT09
ZOOM Meeting ID: 853 4016 4797
ZOOM Phone Option +12532158782,,85340164797#
SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE 9:45am *In-Person & On-line*
Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/rockchurchco
The Rock Online Livestream: https://www.therock.org/live/
OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE Here are some ways you can partner with The Rock as you practice generosity – our regular tithe/giving, compassion help, missions, and our food bank. Click on the following link or graphic. www.therock.org/give
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