Keep Growing
Pastor Jeremy reflects on how all Christians are disciples who are to be growing in the faith, and are to help others do so too. We may face obstacles but we can be assured that we have God’s help.
Sometimes in life, we try to game the system. We try to do the least amount of work needed to get what we want.
We might study hard to get into a good school or work really hard to land a job in a prestigious firm. But once we are in, we relax because we assume our future is secure.
But we must be careful not to import that philosophy into our faith. We are not to equate being saved like a passing grade. “Because I’m saved, I’m in. Because I’m in, I can now do whatever I want.”
Salvation is crucial. If you are not saved, you remain in sin and under God’s judgment. If you are saved, you are forgiven and are promised eternal life. Hence our primary concern for nonbelievers is their salvation.
A disciple of Jesus desires growth
Nevertheless, salvation is not the only thing that is important. God desires more than people simply putting their faith in Jesus. God desires children who are growing in the faith, children who are becoming more and more like Jesus each day.
We are all to be growing in the faith. There is no Christian who has already obtained perfection.
This is why the Bible uses the term disciple to describe the people God redeems. A disciple is a follower of Jesus, a person who is committed to learning from Jesus and following Him in every area of life. Practically, this means that we are all to be growing in the faith. There is no Christian who has already obtained perfection.
Let’s take a look at Philippians 3:12-21. Paul had earlier stated in Philippians 3:8-11 that he had come to value the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus and desires to know Him and the power of His resurrection, share his sufferings, and attain the resurrection from the dead.
Yet Paul makes clear that he is still a work in progress. He says in Philippians 3:12-17, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.”
Most of us would regard the Apostle Paul as one of the best Christians. Yet isn’t it humbling to know that even Paul recognized that he had room to grow? Even an apostle who had seen Jesus desired to press on in the faith. Why? Because Jesus had made him his own. Paul recognized how incredible it is for Jesus, the Son of God, to accept him.
Paul was conscious of how sinful he had been in the past. He had despised the word of God and attacked Jesus and his church. Thus, he was filled with gratitude for how Jesus had saved him. Because Paul is touched by Jesus’ grace and mercy to save him and add him to his fold, Paul wants to press on in the faith. Because of what he has received from Jesus, he desires to know Jesus more. To share his sufferings. To attain the resurrection from the dead that he might live with Jesus for eternity.
Friends, how would you describe your desire to grow spiritually? Are you comfortable where you are at or do you have a desire to keep growing? How thankful are you for Jesus’ work in your life?
Consider what your life was like before meeting Jesus and how it has changed since you put your faith in Him. Consider the judgment that you were going to face as a sinner and the assurance Jesus gives to you as a believer. Paul encourages those of us who are committed to growing in the faith. Desiring growth is not a sign of immaturity, but a sign of maturity. Mature believers see the importance of growing in Christ-likeness.
It is just like in the workforce. Going for a course to up skill should not be seen negatively. Rather a person’s desire to keep improving is taken positively.
If you are still not convinced that being a disciple of Jesus requires a commitment to grow, do not worry. Paul says in Philippians 3:15 that God will reveal it to you. The Lord will help every genuine Christian know that He desires us to grow continuously in the faith.
A disciple helps others follow Jesus
Further, Paul tells us in Philippians 3:17 that he is a good example to follow. Despite being an apostle, Paul humbly desires to keep growing in the faith. Paul says to you, "join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
Which other Christians can we imitate? Consider the ones who shared the gospel with you or have made an impact on your faith. Consider your leaders.
Are you a good example for others to imitate?
One of the secondary reasons to keep growing is so that we can spur one another on. It is just like running. If you run alone, it is easy to give up. But if you are running with a group, you will be inspired and encouraged to keep running rather than fall out.
A disciple will face obstacles to growth
Now if the idea of growing in the faith is clear in Scripture and supposed to be universally accepted, then why do we at times lack the drive to grow in the faith? Why do we at times assure ourselves that further growth is optional? Why do we tell ourselves that it is ok not to grow for a season? Why would we say things like God will understand that it is my final year or that I am up for promotion and it is ok to put my spiritual growth on hold for a while?
Paul says in Philippians 3:18-19, “For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.”
There are three reasons why people do not want to grow or give up on being a Christian.
“Their god is their belly.”
They care only about fulfilling their desires.They are focused on satisfying their cravings even if it means putting the pursuit of God on pause. They rather spend their time and money on worldly pleasures than with the Lord. Having the latest gadgets is more satisfying than giving to the Lord. Traveling the world is more important than being regular at church.
They feel that following Jesus keeps them from pursuing their happiness. They are not willing to earn less or give up certain desires so that they can spend more time with God and His people.
“They glory in their shame”
They are proud of their sins. They are not satisfied with being a lone sinner. They want many to sin with them. They advocate behaviors that displease God.
“Minds set on earthly things”
They do not have the mind of Christ. They do not value what God values. Their goal is not to please God but themselves. They have no spiritual sight and hence do not treasure God’s promises. They say it is better to be married than to be a Christian who is single. They say it is better to be rich than a Christian who is poor and cannot afford to enjoy life. They say it is better to be happy than to be a Christian who has to suffer for the gospel.
A disciple has divine help
But let us not despair and see what hope there is in Philippians 3:20-21: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”
Paul says that true Christians will not give up on the faith. This is because God has done a marvellous work in our lives.
When we believed in Jesus for salvation. God changed our identity card. Instead of being a citizen of this world, God made us citizens of heaven. Our citizenship is secure. Jesus has prepared a room for us in His father’s house. Jesus has promised to come again. Jesus has promised to transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body.
Christ has the power to enable us to keep growing.
Further, Christ has the power to enable us to keep growing. No matter how well we know our Bible, God promises to speak to us and encourage us in the faith whenever we study it. No matter how mature we may be as a Christian, the Spirit will help us increase in bearing good fruit. When we struggle with putting to death a sin, we are assured that God will help us. He will enable us to view our sins with more distaste and give us more strength to resist temptation. He will help us grow in holiness and sanctify us completely when Christ returns.
He is faithful, He will surely do it.
Therefore, if we have experienced God’s gracious gift of salvation, let us desire to keep growing in the faith. What are some areas you would like to grow in? What are the obstacles you foresee? How can others in the community help you?
Let us run and not be weary, trusting God to enable us to grow for His glory.