I Corinthians 1:4 “I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;”
The “grace of God”, in this passage, refers to “the grace” that “Jesus Christ” gives us to live by. Specifically, Paul declares that, as preachers, their “utterance” and “knowledge” was given to them by “the grace of God”. That is, by “the grace of God” they were empowered to Preach and Teach the Gospel of “Jesus Christ”. It is certain that Preachers must “Study to shew” themselves “approved unto God,” workmen “that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15). But, the ability to understand and declare the Gospel is given by “the grace of God”, by “Jesus Christ”. And, the Children of God who hear the Preachers, by “the grace of God”, are given the ability to hear and understand and rejoice in the Gospel, and to transform their lives to live by it (Romans 12:2). Furthermore, our lives are much more peaceful and productive when we rely upon “the grace of God” to conduct all the affairs of our daily lives. Paul and Barnabas “persuaded” the Church “to continue in the grace of God” (Acts 13:43). Paul further explained that “in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world” (II Corinthians 1:12); that is, “by the grace of God” they were able to live and carry out all their duties in life. Essentially, they were living and working far beyond their natural abilities, for the Lord was graciously giving them the understanding and power to carry out their duties. It is the same with us, we are more faithful and contented and productive in this present life when we strive “to continue in the grace of God”!