Lessons learned from Grace Abounding

1. Grace abounded for me to finish the book.

It is so easy to get involved and complete what is easy is it not? Reading Grace Abounding was on a small scale like getting involved in someone's life who constantly takes a great deal of our emotional effort. I found myself wanting to at times scream at Bunyan but that's because I lack compassion, gentleness, patience, and the like. Uh oh, sounds a little bit like the fruit of the Spirit doesn't it? Reading Bunyan is prep work for dealing with people. Grace abounds for us to get involved and persevere in a way that glorifies God and builds His kingdom.

2. The unexamined life is not worth living

Socrates said it consumed with himself but Bunyan lived it consumed with God. The deeper Bunyan dug into his desires the greater he discovered his need for grace. The more sin he discovered the more concerned he became over the state of his own eternal soul. The roller coaster ride took him to places I dare say our own 'secure' faith will not take us. How many of us could endure 12 years of prison, the death of a child because of the stress, placing our family in poverty, and the like all so we can preach the gospel? Bunyan struggled greatly and he was used mightily. I wonder if there is any connection with struggling a little and being used a little?

3. Scripture must be used constantly and rightly

We mentioned the inadequacies of Bunyan's interprative methods previously. He botched some things and this caused him difficulties. His proper use of Scripture, however, brought him greater strength, endurance, and joy than his improper use. This does not excuse him or us but it should show us the value of constantly using Scripture in the battle of life (as Bunyan did) and it should encourage us to think of the even greater advantage of using it rightly (as Bunyan at times did not do).

Paul