BIBLE STUDY-7

Peace Methodist Church

BIBLE STUDY-7

 

The Means of Grace(1)

 

◎ Living by grace

All live the life by grace. Prevenient grace precedes our first conscious desire to please God. Converting grace provides both justification and regeneration(new birth). And sanctifying grace enables us to mature in Christ. Grace awakens, guides, sustains and protects us. God’s unmerited favor attends us all our days.

 

◎ The means of grace

We can receive God’s grace by practicing the devotional life. What is the devotional life? The devotional life is that makes good use of the means of grace. The means of grace has two categories: works of piety and works of mercy.

 

◎ The works of piety

 

7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness

8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:7~8, ESV)

 

1) Prayer

Prayer is the means of grace by which we commune with God. It is the grand means of drawing near to God. Private prayer can also be a mean of shaping Christian character.

 

6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:6)

 

2) Bible Study

We call the Bible and Jesus Christ are special revelation of God. The Bible teaches that God gives knowledge of God-self in many ways and in many times and places. The Bible portrays the identity of God and permeates all other means of grace.

 

15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15)

 

ex) Lectio divina(Spiritual reading)

lectio(read) – taking a bite (the passages) 

meditatio(meditate) – chewing on it

oratio(pray) – savoring its essence

contemplatio(contemplate) – digesting it

 

3) Worship

 

24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:24)

 

4) Holy Communion

 

24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:24~25)

 

5) Hymns

 

1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!

2 Serve the Lord with gladness!

Come into his presence with singing! (Psalm 100:1~2)

 

6) Spiritual Journal

 

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

be acceptable in your sight,

O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)