Way of Chrsit

THE WAY OF CHRIST DEFINED

Paul stated to the Corinthians, "But by the grace of God I am what I am . . . I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me" (I Cor. 15:10). A simple statement by Paul to indicate that his labor was not of himself, but the labor seen in his life was by the grace of God. Labor does occur, but it is a product of grace.

The same principle is also stated to the Colossians; however, it is stated in a different way which adds insight to the meaning of grace. He wrote, "Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily" (Col. 1:29). As indicated, labor is again being performed, but it is not Paul's labor. The labor Paul was experiencing was "according to [God's] working."

To the Corinthians, the apostle stated his labor was by the grace of God. To the Colossians, Paul stated his labor was by "[the Spirit s] working." In both statements, Paul proclaimed that labor was occurring. However, in one, labor is coupled with grace. While in the other, it is correlated to the Holy Spirit. Obviously, then, the grace of God and the working of the Holy Spirit are "connected."

Finally, Paul helps our understanding of grace to come together by making a similar statement to the Philippians. He wrote, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure" (2:13). It can be safely stated that "his good pleasure" can be understood as the doing of the will of God. Something that would be pleasurable to God would be His will. Thus, the verse could be interpreted to read "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do His will."

In true Christianity, it is God, who is active (literal meaning of "worketh") in the believer, who produces the will of God. In the final analysis, only God Himself can do His will. Both the "to will" and the "to do" of God's will are done by God Himself. The way of Christ is the grace of God in action.

Tapes and Books to Learn More

Tapes: Jesus Christ, the Way

Video: Mysteries of the Kingdom

Book: Journey to Jesus - Quest for Life

Intense Search: Book Study of Romans