Bible Verse of The Day – 8-31-23

Philippians 2:12 (NKJV) 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

Yesterday we discussed our initial salvation and the fact that we cannot earn that. It is a gift of God given freely to those who accept it by putting their faith in Jesus Christ.

We also discussed our transformation as we submit ourselves under the hand of God and obey His Spirit as He leads us down His path.

Today, let us look at the long-term ramifications of our faith in Christ and our walk with God as a whole.

As we mentioned yesterday, part of growing in Christ is changing as God leads us.

This is something that we should not ignore or take lightly.

As a new Christian, growth is implied. It is meant to be part of our walk and our relationship with God. Growing in Christ should never be considered optional, even though we are not forced to do so.

God’s design for us is a lifetime of growing closer and closer to Him, solely because we want to, not because He forces us to do so.

We need to recognize, though, that God not forcing us is not an indication of Him not wanting us to grow.

It is His gift of allowing us to exercise our free will.

On our end, we need to recognize the need for us to grow and mature. Not doing so will leave us as spiritual infants struggling to keep our faith alive, living a life of spiritual mediocrity, and constantly wrestling with temptation and sin in our lives.

And this sin will drive a wedge between us and God, creating a gap that will only grow wider if we fail to overcome it. This is where our lack of growth becomes dangerous.

And it is why Paul said that we must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.

Relationships that are one-sided or lopsided rarely succeed. Our relationship with God is no different.

We know that He is faithful to always hold up His end. The question is whether we will hold up ours.

So, let us be diligent to work out our salvation diligently, with sincerity of heart, making every effort to keep growing and moving closer to God, pushing aside mediocrity, and letting our faith be seen outwardly through the things we do and the words we speak.

Salvation is freely given, but we should never take it lightly.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

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