The biblical picture of the life of a Christian is that it is an actual life. In other words, it’s something you grow up in. You mature with time, you make progress and as you make progress the Lord is able to use you as an individual to be a means of blessing to his church and to his world.
In 2 Peter we see that God has given us a faith of equal standing with all other believers, he has given us his divine power to live a life of godliness as well as his promises of the new creation we participate in. We have all these things, therefore it only makes sense that we should respond. You can’t just sit there as though you don’t have these glorious realities. God has saved you that he may use you here on earth. He will use you as you mature, as you grow in your Christian life. But we need to train hard. We must make every effort to grow up. In this way you present your bodies as living sacrifices as you strive for your sanctification.
The way a Christian grows is by supplementing God’s work in you with your active co-operation. Sanctification is a joint effort. It is God working in you and with you as you work together with him to add Christian graces to your life. Adding generous portions of virtue, knowledge, steadfastness, self-control, brotherly affection and love. That’s the way the Christian life is supposed to be. That’s what Christian maturity is. It entails exerting effort and going that extra, extra, extra mile! Christian, train hard!
Preacher: Conrad Mbewe
Title: Christian, You Must Train Hard to Grow!
Text: 2 Peter 1:1-5
Date preached: 28 July 2019
Location: Kabwata Baptist Church, Lusaka, Zambia
