Growing in Faith: A Lifelong Pursuit
As Christians, we are called to reflect God’s image and character. This is a lifelong pursuit that requires dedication, obedience, and trust in God’s plan. Our goal is not perfection, but faithfulness to God.
Formed by God
God forms Christians into Christ’s character and image through various means. One of the primary ways is through prayer. Prayer is talking with God, sharing our joys, sorrows, and anxieties with Him. It is the primary way we relate to the Lord and is essential for building a strong relationship with Him.
Transformed by Scripture
God speaks to His people through Scripture, which is one of the primary ways He forms His people to be like Him. As we welcome Scripture’s influence on our lives, God uses it to shape us. We incorporate Scripture into our lives through reading, Bible study, discussion with fellow believers, memorization, meditation, and listening to preaching and teaching from God’s Word.
United in Christ
God calls believers into unity in Christ’s body. As we are united with Christ, we are also united with fellow Christians. Christian fellowship helps believers endure the difficult life of faith and is a source of great joy for God’s people.
Worship and Service
Gathered worship has long been an important activity that God uses to form His people. In worship, we read and recite God’s Word, share in prayers, sing praises to God, hear God’s Word preached, confess our sins, and receive forgiveness. Service is a practical expression of God’s love, and we serve God through faithful obedience to His Word.
Suffering and Perseverance
A final means God uses to form people into His image is suffering. God graciously allows suffering and trials to test and perfect a person’s faith. The greatest blessing of suffering is God’s presence, and He promises to see us through difficult times.
Confidence in God’s Plan
Although the work of growing in faith is challenging, God clearly tells us what He expects from us. He promises to work in the hearts of those who dedicate themselves to the means He provides. He will form His character in us, and our goal is faithfulness to God, not perfection. This is a plan that cannot fail, and Christians can be confident that God is at work to grow us to maturity for His service.
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