Christians tend to motivate others with guilt. We tend to say: You would do this if you were really committed Christians, indicating that we are committed and all that is needed is for others to become as good as we are! This is why so many churches quench the motivation of people for ministry. In our shoes, Paul would say: Remember the grace God has showered on youโwhat does living out and enjoying that grace look like in this situation?
Timothy KellerThe Bibleโs purpose is not so much to show you how to live a good life. The Bibleโs purpose is to show you how Godโs grace breaks into your life against your will and saves you from the sin and brokenness otherwise you would never be able to overcomeโฆ religion is โif you obey, then you will be acceptedโ. But the Gospel is, โif you are absolutely accepted, and sure youโre accepted, only then will you ever begin to obeyโ. Those are two utterly different things. Every page of the Bible shows the difference.
Timothy KellerReligion operates on the principle 'I obey-therefore I am accepted by God.' But the operating principle of the gospel is 'I am accepted by God through what Christ has done-therefore I obey.'
Timothy Keller