The divinely inspired Line (the Text for today’s Lesson) is found in Galatians 2:21. Where Paul the Apostle wonderfully testified “I do not frustrate the grace of God.” Thereby teaching us another great Principle for navigating the Christian life!

That verb (“frustrate”) is powerful, “atheteo.” Blending the Greek alpha privative “a” with the root verb “tithemi.” Literally meaning “to place aside.” To render ineffective, irrelevant,” almost “non-existent!”

In the (King James) New Testament “atheteo” is translated as “despise” 8 times, “reject” 4 times, “bring to nothing” 1 time, “disannul” 1 time and “cast off” 1 more time.

A related verb, “apotithemi” (with “apo” being a preposition meaning “off, away from”) is used by Paul in Romans 12:13 … “Let us therefore CAST OFF the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.”

Interesting!

Now, how in the world can a Christian “frustrate” God’s Grace?

Based on the above date, on how the Holy Ghost utilizes the word in Scripture, one can frustrate God’s Grace by …

In this Galatian context especially … adding “works” to Grace as a means of salvation!

Adding “proud human effort” to anything God is trying to do in our lives! (This is different than obeying the Promptings of the Holy Spirit as He guides us!) Paul once asked the Galatians … “Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” Galatians 2:21

I’d say any kind of pride “attacks” God’s Grace in some way! James 4:6, for example: “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” A Fact with which Peter agrees: “Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”

I am not going to try building an exhaustive list this morning … of ways to frustrate the Grace of God!

The “Spirit of Grace” (the indwelling Holy Ghost) can guide you to areas where such “despite” is done or can be done!

Folks, I just found two precise places where the Holy Spirit is so designated, “Spirit of Grace!” Zechariah 12:10 and Hebrews 10:29, check both these to go further into this morning’s thought.

Then I am surmising, likely “grieving” or “quenching” the Spirit are two more ways to “frustrate” God’s Grace! God’s Spirit of Grace!

This is amazing!

I have today “hit” upon a thought that will occupy me for days!

Maybe its best to turn this verse into a prayer. “Lord, teach me how to NOT frustrate Thy indescribable Grace!”

Amen!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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