Spiritual Growth
Grace and Sanctification
Just because the gifts of God are free does not mean following Christ isn’t going to cost you. Our works and efforts can never earn us the salvation and regeneration that Jesus acquired for us through his death and resurrection, but this does not mean you are not going to have to work. God gives us everything that we need for life and godliness, but this doesn’t mean we will not have to put forth effort in the sanctification process.
Can Other People Cause Me to Sin?
There are many roads temptation travels on to get into our lives. The world, the sinful flesh, and the devil work together in tempting people to sin. However, whenever we sin, no matter what avenue or form the temptation came to us in, as James 1:13-15 explains, sin is always the result of a person’s individual choice to turn from God and rebel.
Other people are usually involved in tempting us. 1 Corinthians 15:33 states, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” Proverbs 13:20 also explains, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” People in rebellion towards God not only tempt others on their own, they can also be used by Satan to do his tempting. If a person is unsaved, they are still under immense influence from Satan, “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one” (1 John 5:19).
With these verses in mind, it is wise to protect oneself from negative influences when possible.
What Does It Mean to “Crave Pure Spiritual Milk”? 1 Peter 2:2
Bible Verse: Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation . . . -1 Peter 2:2
If you’ve ever been around a newborn baby, you know that the one thing they need above everything else is there mother’s milk. My daughter came out of the womb hollering, kicking and screaming. She was completely unappreciative of all the work that the hospital staff, myself, and especially her mother had just done to get her out safely. No “thank you,” no smiles, no warm hugs upon the first time she felt her parents’ warm embrace. Just passionate screams. All the girl wanted was milk!
As soon as she latched on to her mother, she went completely silent. This is how Peter tells believers they should act towards the word of God in 1 Peter 2:2. Newborn babies instinctively know how in need they are of their mother’s milk. Besides it providing fuel to live, a mother’s breast milk provides essential vitamins and immune fighting nutrients to strengthen the infant’s weak system. Aside from the physical health factors, psychologically the baby feels warmth and loved by snuggling up to her mother skin to skin.
Tithing Your Time
Bible Verses:
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.-Ephesians 5:15-16 (NKJV)