Chapter 8 Identifying Evidences of Grace in others

This chapter addresses our need to identify the evidences of grace in others (text from 1^st Corinthian 4-9), especially since we are so prone to be critical of others. Here, CJ explains several key reasons why we need to apply this spiritual discipline:

1. Because it reminds us how we were once “called” (effectual calling) by God and therefore saved by His grace alone in Christ alone;
2. Because we are saved by His grace and not by our works (i.e. Ephesians 2:8-10), we should be succumbed to nothing except to boast in our Lord Jesus Christ (i.e. Galatians 6:14);
3. Because it reminds us that God is at work despite our limited views; and
4. Because it helps us place our trust not in men or ourselves or our abilities to change people but in the faithfulness of God.

This doesn’t mean that we just passively sit back and tolerate sin. Quite the contrary! We should be humbled that God chose and saved us! And we know that it is not by our own merits but simply by His grace and mercy. Again, this is where I think exploring and learning total depravity of sin could enrich my limited understanding of God’s total and unchanging election. And this is indeed humbling for me.

But it doesn’t stop there. When we encounter every believer in Christ, we should remind ourselves, “This individual has been preciously acted upon by God.” In other words, that same grace that saved me also saved him/her! Therefore our affection for others would be radically different. Admittedly, this chapter strikes a chord in my heart because too often I’m grumbling about how things are not changing fast enough whether it be my family or Church or etc. This really implies that I can do better than what God has already been doing in these areas. What a fool am I!

There’s another great sermon by CJ on this topic from Resurgence Conference website. I recommend that you listen to it if you get a chance.

It would be good for us if we could finished this chapter before we meet on the 23^rd. But meanwhile, I would love to hear your thoughts!

Chapter 7 Humility

This chapter continues to discuss practical ways to explore the riches of God. More specifically studying in these following areas:

1. Attributes of God
2. Doctrines of Grace
3. Doctrine of Sin

I personally appreciate how CJ gives us some recommendations for available resources through specific titles of books. One thing that I’ve been richly blessed was studying attributes of God through P. Sam’s Bible doctrine class. For example, studying God’s immutability and sovereignty in light of God’s election and suffering has really challenged my narrow perspectives of God. Also keep in mind that studying systematic theology is NOT JUST for full-time ministers or those involved in teaching. I would say that EVERYONE who desires to pursue God (i.e. Christians) should be open to learning attributes of God since it would only help us understand our Lord with more clarity. It can’t answer every question that you may have about God, but He is indeed mysterious and beyond our understanding (Deut 29:29) but it shapes our faith through understanding some critical attributes mentioned above. The problem for me is that I’m often too lazy and excuse myself with busyness of this world.

Lastly, studying the doctrine of sin has also been humbling to me. And this is a daily battle since my sinful nature is so prone to be entitled to God’s grace. But I encourage you to listen to John Piper’s sermon on TULIP or the Mortification of Sin by J. Owens to discover how sin is really THAT bad and how much we NEED God’s grace.

There are tons of articles on these topic so if you don’t want to purchase books, then you can check out Monergism website and find bunch of free stuff.

I’m think we should meet late August to discuss, pray and reflect together on what we have learned thus far through this book. We can either meet at my house or (somewhere quiet) for few hours. How about tentatively August 23 after 1 or 2PM at my crib?

Let me know your thoughts and if you happened to cross good articles/resources/books.

Thanks!