Applying the Word 3

Here is another query I received on applying the Word: “Jim, I appreciate this. How are you doing in these areas?”

That is a good question. It would be better for you to see me than to ask me. If I was not obeying any of the texts, I would be an accomplished hypocrite.

At one time, I tried to obey by willpower and effort. I was not successful. In recent years, I have learned to obey by grace. (I have also written a book on obedience by grace. It is available here.) When I do not obey, I acknowledge it as sin and get forgiven by grace.

However, I put more time into being an example than into teaching. It is a more effective way of teaching and puts visible truth to the teaching. Paul said it this way: “For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church” (1 Cor. 4:17).

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Roots by the River

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