Book Study – Page 17 – REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES

THE LAW OF WILLINGNESS

REQUIREMENT: willingness

RESULT: growth

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. ~ Colossians 3:23

“Willingness opens the door to new paths that lead to growth. Resistance or stubbornness are signs of foolish ness and self-delusion.” ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery

There’s a childish side of us all that wants everything our way. Those of us in life recovery have probably experienced a time when friends or family members tried to get us to stop our addictive habits or behaviors. But we were foolish and stubbornly refused to listen or comply with their requests. We were unwilling to change. We wanted to live life on our terms.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. ~ James 3:17

Take a moment of inventory…

Are you living a life of wisdom? The proof you are not wise is a lack of purity, love, gentleness and a willingness to yield to others. When we willing submit to God we open our selves to His wisdom. We will begin to grow personally and our lives will produce godly results that others will see.

Take a few moments to watch / listen to this beautiful Casting Crowns song.

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR TOPICS FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR. EACH TOPIC IS A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING VARIOUS INSPIRATIONAL CHRISTIAN MEDIA.

On the second Friday of each month in 2022 we’re studying Andrew Wommack’s life-changing book: GRACE: The Power of the Gospel. In this study we dig into the New Testament book of Romans — Apostle Paul’s masterpiece on the subject of grace. I hope you will get a copy of Andrew’s book and join me for this study. Today we highlight Chapter Four.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. ~ Romans 5:1-2

Many Christians believe that God gave the Law for us to keep. And when we kept the Law then we deserved a relationship with Him. But that isn’t the purpose of the Law. Then why did God give us all the laws and commandments if our salvation comes only by grace?

In Romans Chapter 4, Paul explains this to us using the example of Abraham. In Genesis 12, God promised Abraham that he would be the father of so many that he couldn’t count them. Abraham took God at His Word and by faith believed that God was going to keep His promise. At the point of Abraham’s belief, God saw Abraham as a righteous man. God saw Abraham as a person of right standing who could be in His presence. It wasn’t because of anything Abraham actually did. It was what he believed. It was his faith that put Abraham in right standing with God.

written for us

That is why Abraham’s faith was regarded as the basis of his approval by God. But the words “his faith was regarded as the basis of his approval by God” were written not only for him but also for us. Our faith will be regarded as the basis of our approval by God—each of us who believe in the one who brought Jesus, our Lord, back to life. ~ Romans 4:23-24

Abraham was declared right in God’s eyes thirteen years before he made covenant with God through the sign of circumcision. It was after he believed God’s promise that he would be the father of many nations not because of any actions or performance. Paul teaches us that these things are written for us so that we will know we too are found righteous and have access to God by our faith alone.

Have Peace With God

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ~ Romans 5:1

It’s a hard life trying to measure up to God’s approval based on our own efforts. There’s nothing we can do that will clean off the sins we have committed. That kind of living carries a heavy burden and is empty of true peace that is available to us simply by putting our faith and trust in what Christ did for us on the cross.

“The only way we can have peace with God is through our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~ Andrew Wommack

Trust God and Let Go

Through our faith, Christ has brought us into that blessing of God’s grace that we now enjoy. And we are happy because of the hope we have of sharing God’s glory. ~ Romans 5:2

The world doesn’t understand God’s grace is equally available to all. God is an equal opportunity God. He won’t play favorites between people. We all have the same availability to the benefits of His love. Jesus paid the price for all of us. We each have free access to God’s grace everyday.

It’s not difficult. But we do have to make the decision to accept by faith what Jesus did for us. Faith is the only price we have to pay; to simply believe and receive. To do that we must let go of trying to please God in our own goodness and trust in our Savior, Jesus Christ!

If you’ve never taken this step of faith before, pray this simple prayer:

Jesus, I confess you as my Savior and Lord. By faith in God’s Word I accept your grace and receive my salvation today. Thank you Jesus for saving me!