Growing in Grace
(NIV) 2 Pet 1: 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
When I read these verses, I am immediately reminded of two things: Paul’s admonition that we work out our own salvation, and the phrase, “growing in grace,” or what is sometimes called “sanctification.”
I love that there is no magic formula for living a godly life. Instead, Peter says God’s power gives us everything necessary to achieve godliness. Paul tells us in Romans 12:3 we were given a measure of faith. We needed faith to accept the free gift of salvation, and from there our faith continues to grow. As our faith grows, our spiritual gifts grow.
Today’s scripture shows a progression of spiritual growth. I’ve known for years that our spiritual life is never really stagnant—we are either growing (moving forward) or backsliding (moving backwards). While some of you may not be familiar with the term backsliding, in general it means a Christian who has fallen back into old habits or old sins. It is not a good thing.
Instead, God provides a way of remaining true to our faith, and that method is by growing in the grace gifts of God. (NRSV) Gal 5:22 … the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.
When I first accepted Christ and came upon this scripture, I thought, “Oh, no…I don’t have any of these gifts.” But then I saw joy, and I said, “Wait, I have joy. I’ll start with that.” When we spend a portion of each day with God, we will begin to grow into His image. The more time we spend with our Lord and Savior, the more we begin to act like Him, talk like Him, and even look like Him.
May we make use of our time, learning of God and then sharing Him with others.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Book announcement
My third book, “Hope for Tomorrow, Peace for Today,” was released 10/2/2024. It is now available both in print and as an eBook on Amazon and other bookstores.
Cast Your Cares Upon Him
(NIV) 1 Pe 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
I have always loved 1 Pe 5:7, but if we pluck that one verse out of this section then we are missing the full impact of these scriptures. It is so reassuring to have the promise that we can and should give our anxieties and cares to Jesus. Why? Because He cares for us. But Peter says we should humble ourselves before God, and He will then lift us up.
Humility. We’ve talked about this before. Why is pride such a major issue? I have always held the belief that pride was the original sin. It was pride that caused Lucifer to oppose God, starting a war in Heaven that still has implications today. It was pride that caused Adam and Eve to disobey God and eat the forbidden fruit, and it is pride that continues in the 21st Century to pull us away from God.
Peter warns that the devil is always on the lookout for those he can devour. He says the devil is like a roaring lion, but it would be a mistake to view Christ followers as victims , cowering in fear. We are not victims, but we are strong in the Lord, empowered by the Holy Spirit! Stand firm and resist. How? Pray, read the Word, and stay connected with other believers because our help truly is in the Lord and He is so faithful.
May we remain humble in spirit, but bold in our faith, giving encouragement to our fellow believers and always, always know and believe that God is our very present help in time of need.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God-given Gifts for God-given Purposes
(NIV) 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Did you realize the gifts you have (hospitality, teaching, faith, etc.) are not only supernatural in origin and they have a purpose—to build up the community of faith and to glorify God. As a preacher, I prayed that God would help me understand the Scriptures in context and that I would deliver a message that would build up the church and glorify God. As a pastor I asked God to use me to minister to others on His behalf.
Regardless of who we are, or the nature of our talents, it is vital that anything we do is covered in prayer. Prov 3:5-7 tells us not to rely on our own strength, or our own understanding. How do we heed this advice? Prayer.
May we look to God to guide us as we seek His will.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Love Each Other
(NIV) 1 Pe 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Short and sweet. Today’s scripture is one of my favorites. Two thousand years ago Peter said the end is near. And today I can say the end is closer than ever before. For me, the anticipated return of Jesus is exciting. But I recognize some people are not enthusiastic about this prospect. In fact, I have said, “Jesus is coming soon,” and have heard the panicked reply, “Oh, I hope not.”
I get it. When I was young, I can recall thinking I am looking for the soon return of Jesus, but please wait until…” I would like to tell you that until meant, “please wait until more people have received salvation.” But I remember thinking, “Please wait until I (get my promotion, get married, have a baby). Do you see where I was at that time? My mind and my heart were not yet heavenly minded because I was tethered to this world.
Peter goes on to caution the readers of this letter to be alert and sober minded? Why? So they can pray. Could it be that our prayers are not effective because we fail to meet these two criteria?
And then Peter says to love deeply. Why? Because love covers a multitude of sins. Oh, how I love this. When we can incorporate this truth into our very being, then we will love more, give more, speak more kindness, and isn’t this the will of God?
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Seeking Holiness 