I am Sure of This – Growth in Christ

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

We live in a polarised world where those with strong opinions shout the loudest. Opinions about religion, politics, or social issues. They are so sure of their opinions that they are not afraid of proclaiming them to others, face-to-face and on every conceivable online platform. They feel their opinions matter, and they have a strong urge to persuade others of their convictions. However, this does not mean that the opinions they express are true and carry the weight they persuade us of.

The Apostle Paul was a man of strong conviction. The words that he expressed carried tremendous weight. His words are based on lived experiences. But most importantly, his convictions were based on his encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul, who had previously persecuted the followers of Jesus Christ, was stopped in his tracks on his way to Damascus by Jesus and was struck blind. He regained his sight when Jesus told Ananias in a vision to go to a particular address in Damascus and lay hands on him (Acts 9:1-19).

The Good Work Will Be Completed

Paul was sure of the miraculous encounters. They were real. They were lived experiences. He was sure of the things he shared with others in his letters to the various churches. In his letter to the church in Philippi, he says, 

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

Paul is sure that God, who had miraculously saved him and the Philippians, is the One who started this good work in them. He is confident that God, in His faithfulness, is the One who will help them grow spiritually so that the good work can be completed in them. Just as Paul was sure that the believers then would grow in Christ, we can be sure that we will also grow in the Lord Jesus. We can be confident that the good work that Christ started in us when we were saved will be nurtured and sustained by His grace at work in us through Holy Spirit. As we follow Holy Spirit’s leading, we will overflow in love, grow in knowledge and understanding so that we live pure and blameless lives (Philippians 2:10). We can therefore be sure that as we encounter our faithful Lord and Saviour in prayer and the reading of His Word, He will not let us go. He is faithful to complete the good work He started in you and me.

The great mistake made by most of the Lord’s people is in hoping to discover in themselves that which is to be found in Christ alone. Arthur W. Pink

Reflection: Will you allow Holy Spirit to complete the good work in you?

Prayer: Thank You, Lord Jesus, that You are a faithful God and will complete the work of salvation that You started in me. Help me to walk in step with Your Holy Spirit so that I may be nurtured and sustained by You. help me overflow in love, grow in knowledge and understanding. Create in me a clean heart, in Jesus’ name, amen.