Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
John Mark Comer argues that “more Bible study” is a losing strategy for spiritual growth. In this episode, Bob DeWaay examines that claim and traces it to the influence of spiritual formation, a movement that teaches that growth is highly individualized, with each person following a unique path of formation.
Bob contrasts this with the biblical doctrine of sanctification. Scripture teaches that all believers share the same need—to be conformed to the image of Christ—and that God accomplishes this through the same means He has provided for all believers: the means of grace. Rather than directing Christians to personalized spiritual techniques, the Bible points us to God's powerful and sufficient Word.
The discussion also addresses Comer's characterization of Scripture as mere “information.” Bob explains that Jesus Christ is the eternal Word, and that the Word of God is living, active, and powerful. Through His Word, God renews our minds, sanctifies His people, strengthens faith, and progressively conforms believers to the image of Christ. The God who begins this work in us is faithful to complete it and bring His people safely to glory.
Scriptures discussed: Colossians 1:13-14, Ephesians 2:1-5, Hebrews 1:1-2, Philippians 1:6
Other resources mentioned:
Free Will or the Bondage of the Will:
Definitions are Critical
by Bob DeWaay
cicministry.org/commentary/issue92.htm
The Word of God as a Means of Grace:
youtu.be/zJsHqUI4F90
Means of Grace
God's Provision for Our Salvation and Sanctification
by Bob DeWaay
cicministry.org/commentary/issue84.htm
Rescued, Transferred, Redeemed and Forgiven
Exposition of Colossians 1:13,14
cicministry.org/commentary/issue131.htm
link podcast series youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPbjAWANmURqmjsN-wsB48ypoQJbcmaIT
A Critique of “Practicing the Way” Part 51
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.
John Mark Comer argues that “more Bible study” is a losing strategy for spiritual growth. In this episode, Bob DeWaay examines that claim and traces it to the influence of spiritual formation, a movement that teaches that growth is highly individualized, with each person following a unique path of formation.
Bob contrasts this with the biblical doctrine of sanctification. Scripture teaches that all believers share the same need—to be conformed to the image of Christ—and that God accomplishes this through the same means He has provided for all believers: the means of grace. Rather than directing Christians to personalized spiritual techniques, the Bible points us to God's powerful and sufficient Word.
The discussion also addresses Comer's characterization of Scripture as mere “information.” Bob explains that Jesus Christ is the eternal Word, and that the Word of God is living, active, and powerful. Through His Word, God renews our minds, sanctifies His people, strengthens faith, and progressively conforms believers to the image of Christ. The God who begins this work in us is faithful to complete it and bring His people safely to glory.
Scriptures discussed: Colossians 1:13-14, Ephesians 2:1-5, Hebrews 1:1-2, Philippians 1:6
Other resources mentioned:
Free Will or the Bondage of the Will:
Definitions are Critical
by Bob DeWaay
cicministry.org/commentary/issue92.htm
The Word of God as a Means of Grace:
youtu.be/zJsHqUI4F90
Means of Grace
God's Provision for Our Salvation and Sanctification
by Bob DeWaay
cicministry.org/commentary/issue84.htm
Rescued, Transferred, Redeemed and Forgiven
Exposition of Colossians 1:13,14
cicministry.org/commentary/issue131.htm
link podcast series youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPbjAWANmURqmjsN-wsB48ypoQJbcmaIT
A Critique of “Practicing the Way” Part 51
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.
