What really is the nature of spiritual discipline? Is it entirely our hard work? Or is it dependent on God?
I've been reading quite a few books as well as Scripture on this matter and want to conclude (for the time being) that it is 100% grace from God. It's initiated by God and only through the Lord Jesus could we experience the fullest benefit of it for our spiritual growth and victorious living (Rom 7:25).
At the same time, it is 100% hard work by us. That is why it's called a discipline where we put into constant practice to develop holy/godly habits to respond to the loving invitation and calling from God to be more Christlike. The spiritual discipline needs to be in place so that it helps us battle the destructive habits (or sin, as Dallas Willard argued) formed over the years that we would naturally do without thinking.
Further reading:
Dallas Willard - Renovation of the Heart, and The Divine Conspiracy
Richard Foster - Celebration of the Discipline
I've been reading quite a few books as well as Scripture on this matter and want to conclude (for the time being) that it is 100% grace from God. It's initiated by God and only through the Lord Jesus could we experience the fullest benefit of it for our spiritual growth and victorious living (Rom 7:25).
At the same time, it is 100% hard work by us. That is why it's called a discipline where we put into constant practice to develop holy/godly habits to respond to the loving invitation and calling from God to be more Christlike. The spiritual discipline needs to be in place so that it helps us battle the destructive habits (or sin, as Dallas Willard argued) formed over the years that we would naturally do without thinking.
Further reading:
Dallas Willard - Renovation of the Heart, and The Divine Conspiracy
Richard Foster - Celebration of the Discipline
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