Maybe you’re just starting out as a Jesus-follower. Maybe you’re still exploring. A study of grace will introduce you to the amazing, fascinating core concept of the Christian faith.
But what if you’ve been a Christian for years? Is this too basic? No, the Bible says, “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18a). The doctrine of grace isn’t just for new believers. It’s something we’re expected to grow in as Christians. But why? Let me put it this way. In college I had a roommate who was one of the most uncouth people I had ever known. If there were the slightest excuse to make a disgusting bodily noise, he’d make it. He wore clothes right out of his dirty laundry pile. Showered once a week (whether he needed it or not!). Told me he was saving money and “avoiding the narrow definition of acceptable odors foisted upon society by pharmaceutical companies” by never wearing deodorant. I argued, pleaded, even mocked him… to no effect. Then almost overnight he changed. Washed and ironed all his clothes. Smelled great. Spoke with eloquence. The reason? He fell in love. Suddenly he was delighted to change because of the influence of his new relationship. Something like that happens when you grow in grace. Once you understand the depths of God’s grace, everything changes, from your manners to your activities — and not because someone nagged you either. Because of your new relationship, you’ll be changed by love. In his excellent book The Grace Awakening, Charles Swindoll has a great list, that I abridged and added to here, of the ways a study of the doctrine of grace changes you. In the next 50 days…
So if you’ve been looking for more joy in your daily life, more consistent victory over temptation, a sense of greater closeness to God, and healthier relationships with others, a study of grace is the place to start! In fact, it’s the only really effective place to start. Most systems of self-improvement, religious or not, amount to my efforts as a roommate to cajole my friend into changing. They just don’t work, at least not for long. What will change you… is love. How do you hope to change during this grace study? Which items on the list do you most long for? Ask God to help you grow in your understanding of the depths of His grace to you during this study. Go through the list and ask God to develop each of these results in your life during this study. Pray with real expectation!
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