Tag Archives: Growth

A Two-way Street

We need to be reminded here that interaction with the Spirit of God is the cornerstone of spiritual growth. We also must remember that prayer and meditation in Scripture is most effective when it’s a two-way street—listening as well as speaking. God still speaks to His people today, and learning to walk in intimacy with Him as a daily discipline nurtures the likelihood of hearing His voice.

Our life is never the same once we’ve heard God speak, especially when He does so in a way that addresses our personal circumstances. It changes us like nothing else can. And the beauty is that God wants to speak to us, not just once, but time and again as a natural part of a life built on closeness with Him.(John 16:13-14) Have you sensed God speaking to you? If not, set yourself squarely in His path. You’ll hear Him.

The Soil of the Heart

Jesus said that abundant growth is not only possible, but to be expected from ground that has been cultivated for God’s purposes. Our job is to prepare the soil of our heart to receive that growth. Paul knew how vital it is to press on toward this goal: “to present your bodies a holy and living sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”(Romans 12:1) No, presenting ourselves in this manner won’t be the immediate fix we all long for, but rather a pushing forward; it’s what it means to live our life in a manner pleasing to Him.(Colossians 1:10)

Given the proper conditions, metamorphosis will just naturally continue on its course. Let’s think about the butterfly. What chance do you suppose it has of reverting once again to its original form—the caterpillar? Zero, right? Having undergone such transformation, it can never return to what it once was.

Making godly choices sets us on that same road. Early in the process there are lots of opportunities to slip back under the spell of the old self. But over time, as we experience degrees of transformation, the likelihood of that happening keeps diminishing. Consequently, the further we’re transformed, the more likely it will be to come to full fruition.

God Expects Holiness

Let’s look at another side of holiness. In a very real sense holy is also something we are exhorted to become(the goal and outcome of spiritual growth). Though a foundation of holiness has been laid in us by virtue of the fact that we are God’s possession, Paul makes it clear that something is still missing: “My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you.”(Galatians 4:19)

Time and again in his writings, Paul admonishes believers to live a holy life, always adamant that the sins of the flesh be forsaken. This can only mean that an effort is required on our part.(Romans 3:14, Ephesians 4:22-24, Galatians 5:16, 1 Timothy 6:11) So there’s no question that living a holy (sanctified) life is expected. And if expected, it must be thoroughly attainable (not the impossibility of being sin-free, but definitely that of being self-controlled).

We must be aware, though, that the term sanctification has taken on its own peculiar meaning by many in the church. It has come to be known as the process by which we become more holy as we are gradually able to rid our life of sin, thereby making ourselves more acceptable to God.

While on the surface this view certainly seems to have merit, it is nevertheless out of balance. Why? Because God has already accepted us! Still, doesn’t Scripture time and again instruct us to attempt to please God by walking out our faith in a manner worthy of Him? Yes it does; it’s the whole point of living a godly life.(Ephesians 4:1) But pleasing God with our life is something far different than trying to become acceptable to Him.

Excerpted from: Free from the Power of Sin: The Keys to Growing in God in Spite of Yourself

 

Separated from God?

I’m sure we all realize that the true definition of the term Christian is “one who has been born again into living relationship with God.” Because this union is the result of God’s Spirit taking up residence within us, a rock-solid bond has been established with God—a relationship that cannot easily be broken.

But here a question arises: “As a Christian, does sin separate me from God?” It’s not unusual to hear this answered “yes.” We are often taught that sin causes a separation between us and God, creating a rift which can only be restored when we confess our sin to Him.(1 John 1:9) Therefore, moving forward with our life in God is possible only when our tie with Him can be reestablished through forgiveness.

Though this view certainly seems to have merit, it’s not actually the case. Frankly, sin does not separate a believer from God in any manner. Unquestionably, any sin displeases God and therefore can’t help but affect our relationship with Him, but it does not separate us from Him. If it did, it would mean that God would have to vacate our spirit each time we sin, and then come back once again when we repent.

This hardly seems practical, since it means that God would have to sever the very tie so utterly necessary to overcoming sin in the first place. It would mean cutting off the very resource essential to spiritual growth.

Excerpted from: Free from the Power of Sin: The Keys to Growing in God in Spite of Yourself

Obstacles & Trials

My child, I will give you the ability to accomplish what I have called you to do. Trust Me and know that I go before you to clear your path. The obstacles I do leave are only for your growth. Do not fear them or be embittered against them. Learn to grow from every trial. Rejoice and know that after you have come through you will receive the crown of life which I promise to all who love Me.

James: 1:12

Spring is here

My child, I will accomplish what concerns you. I will revive your heart and comfort your soul. I will lead you and satisfy the desire of your heart. This is not a wasted season. Even though it’s been a rough winter, spring is here and you will see growth sprouting up in places that will surprise you. Stay focused and keep believing.

Psalm 138:8

Pursuing Growth in God

If we are ever to arrive at the fullness of all God has provided through Christ Jesus, we must be about “…attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:2-3) Still, knowledge is only of value when acted upon. And that’s why understanding our freedom from the power of sin is so vital. It provides us the basis for a more meaningful pursuit of God, in turn building the framework for unassailable spiritual growth.

(Excerpted from “Free from the Power of Sin: The Keys to Growing in God in Spite of Yourself”)