Dallas willard is famous for saying “grace is opposed to earning; it’s not opposed to effort.” This is important because living for Jesus isn’t gonna happen on accident. It takes effort. Grace will empower the effort, but it will still take wise intentional effort on our part.
The apostle Paul puts it this way:
24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I run in such a way as not to run aimlessly; I box in such a way, as to avoid hitting air; 27 but I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. - 1 Cor 9:27
Living a Jesus centered life presupposes wise intentional effort that trains us to resist the devil and not love the world but rather to draw near to God and live for Him.
Episode webpage: https://www.johnwhittaker.net/podcast-1/Episode-194
Want to get more out of your Bible reading? Free Resource: 7 Ways to Immediately Get More Out of the Bible
https://www.johnwhittaker.net/seven-ways
Support this ministry:
Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.
http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/
The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself:
https://www.listenerscommentary.com
Connect with me:
Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram
Email - john@johnwhittaker.net
If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.
There's Meaning to Our Suffering | Colossians 1:24
An Ode to Jesus | Colossians 1:15-20
Moving to a New Realm | Colossians 1:13-14
Learning to Pray with the Apostle Paul | Colossians 1:3-12
What kind of father is God the Father?
Four Final Reflections on Faith and Politics
What's Better than Criticizing Culture?
How to Live in Exile?
Reflections on Healthy Detachment and Civil Disobedience
The Values of God's Kingdom are Good for the World
A Foreigner in Your Own Land
What is the Purpose of Government?
How does our discipleship to Jesus affect our political engagement?
Being Saved Is Not Just a Status to be Enjoyed; It's a Responsibility to be Lived
How to Handle Doubts?
Questions about Living for Jesus
Learning to Receive Feedback
Live Intentionally - You Don’t Drift into Christlikeness
Where Did the Bible in Life Come From - My Story and Its Story
Love Involves Presence | Advent 2023
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Hello Heaven Podcast
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
The Kingdom Power Fellowship Podcast
The Bible Recap
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)