Grace Through Faith vs. Self-Effort Spiritual Formation

Is spiritual growth produced by our effort, or does it come through faith in the gospel? In this episode, Bob DeWaay examines John Mark Comer's claim that self-effort is central to spiritual formation through surrender and compares it with the Apostle Paul's teaching in Colossians 1:3–6. Paul teaches that the gospel is continually bearing fruit and increasing among believers, not because of human striving, but through God's grace received by faith. Bob explains how genuine Christian growth flows from the finished work of Christ and the power of the gospel rather than techniques of self-transformation. Join us as we explore the biblical doctrine of sanctification, the meaning of bearing fruit, and why confidence in Christ's completed work is essential for spiritual growth. Scripture: Colossians 1:3–6 A Critique of “Practicing the Way” Part 50 This is a critique of "Practicing the Way" by John Mark Comer, WaterBrook, 2024. Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. #JohnMarkComer #SpiritualFormation #Colossians #BobDeWaay #ChristianGrowth #Sanctification #GraceAlone #FaithAlone #Gospel #FinishedWorkOfChrist #BibleTeaching #ChristianDoctrine #Discernment #ChristianPodcast