The three-time Grammy Award winning artist said he made the decision in order to set a good example to his newborn nephew.

In an Instagram post liked by more than 1.3 million people, the "I'm the One" hit maker said: "I'm on a plane headed out the country on my first sabbatical. I'm going away to learn the Word of God which I am admittedly very unfamiliar with.

"I've been brought up by my family to know Christ but I haven't taken it upon myself to really just take a couple days and read my bible. We all quote scripture and tell each other what God likes and doesn't like but how much time do we spend as followers of Jesus to really just read and KNOW his Word?"

The 25 year-old Chicago-born rapper has been very open about his faith in interviews and even on stage during performances.

However he rejects the idea that he makes gospel music.

ChancePerform from West Ham Stats on Vimeo.

He told CBS This Morning: "I would never say I'm making gospel music, but I love God. I love Jesus and I'm super cool with saying that.

"I don't make Christian rap, but I am a Christian rapper."

Chance the Rapper - whose real name is Chancellor Jonathan Bennett, also shared in his Instagram post that he plans to give up smoking during his time away.

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