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The Discipline of Grace summary
Brief summary
The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges is a powerful book that explores the essential role of God's grace in our spiritual growth. It challenges the misconception that grace is only for salvation and emphasizes its transformative power in our daily lives.
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The Discipline of Grace
Summary of key ideas
The Journey of Grace and Discipline
In The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges, we embark on a journey that explores the relationship between God's grace and our personal discipline. Bridges begins by highlighting the common misconception that grace is only for the unsaved, and once we are saved, we must rely on our own efforts to grow spiritually. He argues that this mindset is flawed and that grace is not just the means of our salvation but also the means of our sanctification.
Bridges then introduces the concept of 'dependent responsibility', emphasizing that while we are responsible for our spiritual growth, we are utterly dependent on God's grace to enable us to fulfill this responsibility. He compares this to a farmer's role in cultivating his field, where he is responsible for plowing, planting, and watering, but ultimately, it is God who causes the seed to grow.
Understanding God's Grace
Next, Bridges delves deeper into the understanding of God's grace. He explains that grace is not just God's unmerited favor but also His power working in us. This power enables us to do what we cannot do on our own, such as overcoming sin and living a life that pleases God. He emphasizes that we need to rely on this grace daily, not just for our salvation but for every aspect of our Christian walk.
Furthermore, Bridges discusses the role of God's Word and prayer in accessing God's grace. He explains that the Word of God is the primary means through which God dispenses His grace to us, and prayer is the means through which we appropriate this grace in our lives. He encourages us to be diligent in reading and meditating on the Scriptures and to be consistent in our prayer life.
The Practice of Spiritual Disciplines
Transitioning from the understanding of grace, Bridges then addresses the practice of spiritual disciplines. He acknowledges that while we are saved by grace through faith, our faith is never alone; it always brings forth fruit in the form of good works. He emphasizes the importance of spiritual disciplines such as Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and service in our Christian walk.
However, Bridges is careful to point out that these disciplines are not a means to earn God's favor or to prove our spirituality. Instead, they are a means to position ourselves to receive more of God's grace, which in turn empowers us to live a life that is pleasing to Him. He encourages us to engage in these disciplines not out of duty or legalism but out of a desire to grow in our relationship with God.
Embracing the Tension
In conclusion, The Discipline of Grace presents a balanced perspective on the tension between God's grace and our personal discipline. Bridges reminds us that our spiritual growth is a cooperative effort between God's grace and our disciplined pursuit of Him. He encourages us to embrace this tension, understanding that while we are responsible for our spiritual growth, it is ultimately God's grace that enables and sustains us in this journey.
In essence, Bridges' book serves as a timely reminder that our Christian walk is not about striving in our own strength but about resting in God's grace while actively participating in the means He has provided for our growth. It is a call to live a life of dependent responsibility, where we rely on God's grace to fulfill our responsibilities in the Christian life.
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What is The Discipline of Grace about?
The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges explores the concept of God's grace and how it intersects with our daily lives. Through biblical insights and personal anecdotes, Bridges challenges the idea that grace is simply a one-time event and instead emphasizes the ongoing role it plays in our spiritual growth and transformation. This book offers a fresh perspective on grace and its transformative power.
The Discipline of Grace Review
The Discipline of Grace (2014) explores the relationship between God's grace and the role of discipline in the life of a Christian. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With biblical wisdom and practical advice, the author helps readers understand how grace and discipline work together to shape their spiritual growth.
- The book emphasizes God's love and forgiveness as the foundation for discipline, making it relatable and encouraging for believers seeking to live a godly life.
- By addressing common misconceptions about discipline and grace, it challenges readers to reevaluate their understanding and embrace a transformative perspective.
Who should read The Discipline of Grace?
- Christians who want to deepen their understanding of God's grace
- Individuals who are looking to grow in their spiritual disciplines
- Readers who appreciate practical and relatable insights into the Christian faith
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The Discipline of Grace FAQs
What is the main message of The Discipline of Grace?
The main message of The Discipline of Grace is that grace is not just a one-time event, but a daily discipline.
How long does it take to read The Discipline of Grace?
The reading time for The Discipline of Grace varies, but you can read the Blinkist summary in just 15 minutes.
Is The Discipline of Grace a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Discipline of Grace is worth reading for its practical insights on living by grace and its impact on our daily lives.
Who is the author of The Discipline of Grace?
The author of The Discipline of Grace is Jerry Bridges.
What to read after The Discipline of Grace?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Discipline of Grace, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susann Jeffers
- Making It All Work by David Allen
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
- The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
- Mindset by Carol Dweck
- Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
- Switch by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
- The Da Vinci Curse by Leonardo Lospennato
- The Defining Decade by Meg Jay
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau