THE WAY OF CHRIST
(Extended)
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Every man is
divinely enabled to be a human being. Not all men, however, live in
the free flow of the grace of God for their lives. Although life is
given to all men, unfortunately, in most men that life is frustrated.
The rich, full, contented life of Christ is bestowed upon them in vain.
In reality, life for every man is simply the manifestation of grace or the
frustration of grace in each man's life.
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No
Frustration
of Grace |
Little
Frustration
of Grace |
Some
Frustration
of Grace |
Much
Frustration
of Grace |
All
Frustration
of Grace |
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No
"Effort"
by Man |
Little
"Effort"
by Man |
Some
"Effort"
by Man |
Much
"Effort"
by Man |
All
"Effort"
by Man |
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THE WAY OF CHRIST DEFINED
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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.
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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 |
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Schedule