Growing in Christian Maturity
This week in our bible studies, we have been looking again into how we grow in our Christian life. Sanctification, which means we are separated/set apart for God's purpose, is something that continues all our Christian life.
Our role in sanctification is both passive and active at the same time. Passive: because we depend on God to sanctify us (1 Thessalonians 5:23 "may the God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly); and active; (Romans 12:1 "present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God".
It is the Holy Spirit who works in us to change us and continue the process of sanctification as we yield to Him, responding to His promptings and leading. He is the Spirit of holiness and produces holiness in us. The Holy Spirit is also the one who produces the 'fruit of the Spirit' (Galatians 5:22-23), those character traits that are part of the greater and greater sanctification of our lives.
I love Philippians 2 verse 13 in the Amplified Bible. "(not in your own strength), for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you (energizing and creating in you the power and desire), both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight".
Wow! How amazing is our Lord and Friend! He is all the while at work in us, helping and creating the desire in us to walk in His ways – which are perfect! So then we will be able to know His "good and acceptable and perfect will" and "walk in the good works He has prepared for us".
Oh what a Saviour. Isn't He wonderful.
We are called to live in community. The body of Christ functioning in unity, wholeness and with each part contributing, which causes "the body to grow and be built up in love".
"Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as we see the Day drawing near". Hebrews 20:24-25.
Shalom. Kath
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