Grace and Graciousness

Paul J. Bucknell

(Grace and Graciousness is part of the Godly Man book and series included in the BFF Discipleship 3 Digital Library.)

The roots of a godly man must be cemented in the warehouse of God's grace. We might think of a godly man as fully occupied keeping from the touches of the world through self-control, but this is not godliness. A negative portrait of godliness is like believing there are only negative numbers in the world. Godliness is better described as letting the person of God transform him by the glorious truths God has revealed in this world.

Jesus was full of grace and truth. He lived life to the fullest. Each step in Christ's life was overflowing with the goodness of God pouring out so that others would also come to experience God's goodness.

Grace astounds us with its powerful story of God's love. Grace shines through all the pages of scripture, amazing us with an awesome but puzzling picture of God. Grace is a truth like a sea where we cannot reach the bottom. The more we understand grace, the more we stand humbled in its shadows, convinced we will never fully understand it.

Graciousness is a character quality born from a true understanding of grace. Although the Reformers had rediscovered grace, we hear of many cases where God's grace was not extended in the form of graciousness. Many today proclaim grace from their pulpits, but the willingness of many to tolerate bitterness and politics in the church embarrassingly reveals how little we know of God's grace.

The parable of the mean steward speaks louder than many of us would want to admit. May God use this web series to expand our insight into His grace, making us all the more gracious in our dealings with man.

FUNCTIONAL DEFINITION OF GRACE

Grace is bringing God's goodness into the life of the undeserving.

To Thee I lift up my eyes, O Thou who art enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress; So our eyes look to the LORD our God, Until He shall be gracious to us (Psalms 123:1-2).

Purpose of this study on grace:

• That we may bring the greatest amount of glory to God as possible;
  
• That we may joyfully serve our fellow man with all diligence.
  
• That we may keep from stumbling because of arrogance.
  
• That we may have the greatest joy in serving God.

Here is a short index. Click here for next page. They follow in order.