Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 6
The speaker argues that if “Jesus does it through me” in a way that removes human choice, then God judging our lives would be “really unfair”—how does that challenge common evangelical ways of talking about grace, assurance, and “not striving,” and what view of God’s justice is the speaker assuming?
Another way to ask: If “Jesus does it through me” means I have no real choice, why would God’s judgment seem unfair? How does this push back on common talk about grace, assurance, and “not striving,” and what does it assume about God’s justice?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The speaker challenges any talk of grace that removes meaningful human choice, because he believes God judges people “by the way we live,” and judgment without choice would be unjust. He assumes God’s justice includes real human responsibility alongside God’s help.
- He says Jesus taught “we’re going to be judged by the way we live our lives.”
- He argues if “it’s not my choice… if it’s Jesus does it through me… then that would be a really unfair God to judge me.”
- He repeatedly emphasizes choice: “Whether we grow or we regress is our choice.”
- He frames growth as cooperation: “God and us join forces and work together to move forward… it’s a joint effort.”
- He balances dependence and action: “Without me you can do nothing,” yet also, “giving all diligence, add…” and “exercise yourself toward godliness.”