In what ways can you seek to "grow up in your salvation"? The Sweet Foundation “now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 Peter 2:3) Tasting the Lord’s goodness marks the beginning of life in Christ, yet Scripture calls every believer to “grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 2:2). Growth is not optional; it is the normal, expected outcome of genuine faith. How Growth Happens • Growth flows from the unchanging truth of God’s Word: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Growth is empowered by the Holy Spirit: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). • Growth is nurtured within Christ’s body: “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Practical Pathways to Maturity • Crave the Word daily – “Like newborn infants, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 2:2). – Establish a consistent reading plan; meditate and memorize passages that address current struggles. • Strip away hindrances – “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander” (1 Peter 2:1). – Confess sin immediately; replace old habits with Spirit-led obedience. • Practice obedient living – “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me” (John 14:21). – Act promptly on biblical convictions, however small the step. • Cultivate persistent prayer – “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). – Set apart focused times while also maintaining a continual, conversational attitude toward the Father. • Embrace refining trials – “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2-3). – View hardship as God’s tool for strengthening faith and deepening reliance on Him. • Serve the body and the world – “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). – Look for tangible ways to bless others—hospitality, encouragement, practical help, evangelism. • Walk in joyful worship and gratitude – “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15). – Sing, speak, and think praise throughout the day, keeping your eyes on Christ’s goodness. • Fix hope on Christ’s return – “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure” (1 John 3:3). – Let the certainty of future glory motivate present holiness. Promises That Fuel Persistence • God completes what He starts: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). • Grace is always sufficient: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). • The end is glorious: “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:4). Closing Encouragement Continue tasting the kindness of the Lord through His Word, His Spirit, His people, and His promises. Each faithful step, empowered by divine grace, moves you further along the path of maturity, transforming you into the likeness of the One who is eternally good. |
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