Wednesday September 1, 2010

Read Colossians 1:21-23. Ephesians 1:8-10

The relationship between faith and works is difficult for many to grapple with. It’s confused many and has been the source of much angst and worry.  There is no doubt that we are saved by faith in Christ’s death and resurrection. The Scriptures make that exceedingly clear.

So what role do works play? Works are the fruit of our faith. Works are the outflow of our faith in Jesus. If we have a true and saving faith then works will come out of that faith. True faith leads to works.  If, for example,  I told you that all buses were running late then if you trusted me, you would act appropriately. If you didn't really trust my words, you would continue on as normal. True faith changes our actions.

When we come to faith in Christ Jesus we need to continue in the faith. We need to take steps to grow, to mature and to run the race marked out for us with perseverance. Never has God said that mere mental assent to some concept or truth is saving faith. True faith bears fruit.

So how can I be growing and continuing on in the faith? There are many things we can be doing. The GROWTH acronym helps us immensely.

1. Go to God and to Him, Pray - spend time with God. Include adoration, confession, thanks and supplication.

2. Read His Word every day -  It’s vital to know God’s word if you are going to deepen and mature in your relationship with our Lord. With a shallow knowledge of the Word you are open to deception, temptation and being led astray.

3. Obey the Lord in every way. As you grow in knowledge of the Word you will know how God wants you to act in different circumstances, how to speak and what to do or what not to do. Your walk with the Lord will never deepen if you continue wilfully in disobedience.

4. Witness to Him every day. Take every opportunity to share the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection with anyone who will listen. Create opportunities to share.

5. Trust the Lord in every thing. Each and every day, whether in positive or negative situations, trust God and walk His way rather than your own way. Trust is shown through obedience and willing submission to God’s will and God’s way.

6. Holy Spirit let me sing...Each and every day ask God to lead you through His indwelling Spirit. Pray that you will be able to listen to the Spirit and walk in the Spirit - who always works in accord and agreement to the Word.

Prayer:-

ü As you read the prayers of the New Testament, you see that many of the prayers are for growth in godliness, obedience and Christ-likeness.  Pray this for people in your church phone directory.

ü Pray that God would pour out upon your congregation a Spirit of holiness so that believers are happy, joyous about turning from their sins and willing to choose God’s will and God’s way in every situation.

ü Pray that the two missions coming up in a few weeks will be a tremendous outreach in terms of sharing the gospel with people and bringing in the harvest.

MEAT 4  THE MATURE

Seek to incorporate all the elements of the GROWTH acronym into your life. Think about each aspect and work out where you can slot it in.