Growing in God’s Grace! Part Two
“Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.” Hebrews 13:9
Praise God for His amazing grace that helps us grow every day! Continual growth in grace is reasonable and necessary because our duty is so large and comprehensive. “The commandments of God are exceeding broad.” Christianity especially is a vast work. And As grace is the seed of glory, that seed must rise by gradual advances to its full maturity. So continual growth in grace is important because Christianity is a gargantuan undertaking.
No one ever attains the full stature of Christ in this life. “We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being changed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Our progress in sanctification is gradual because there is so much before us to be done. We must not rest content with any degree of holiness which we have attained. “Press on toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). “Be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).
1 Corinthians 9:24 says, “Do you not know that all the runners run in a race, but only one receives the prize? So, therefore, run in such a way as to take the prize.”
There is a continual growth in grace to be sought after because we are always liable to fall. “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he falls” (1 Corinthians 10:12). Satan is always ready to attack us. The old nature is always ready to revive its evil desires. Therefore, we need to be constantly on the watch against temptation and continually strive to press onward on the path of holiness.
As we grow in grace, we must also remember to grow in our understanding of God’s Word. Nor must we forget that the growth in grace is not our work but the work of the Holy Spirit. “The Spirit quickened; the flesh profited nothing: the words that I speak unto you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). The growth in grace is to be gradual because it is the work of the Holy Spirit. It is not our work but the Spirit’s. If we do our part, the Holy Spirit will do His. 2 Peter 1:2 says, “May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.”
Prayer:
1. Holy Spirit, help me to be more like Christ and daily grow in grace to live a life that pleases God
2. Help Oh Lord, to walk in a manner worthy of your glory and may please you in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10). Amen.
