July 31, 2009

Work Out Your Salvation

2 Peter 1:3-11

These qualities … will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in … Christ.
2 Peter 1:8

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We know that when Christ returns, we will be transformed in the blink of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:51-52), and “we shall be like him” (1 John 3:2). But until that final day arrives, we are called to “work out” our salvation (Philippians 2:12), continuing to grow toward what we will one day fully be.

Spiritual growth is not automatic. It comes only when we cooperate with the Holy Spirit. God is looking for people who are willing to break up the hard ground in their lives daily so that he can grow his spiritual fruit within them. God is looking for believers who, in the words of today’s reading, are willing to “make every effort” to add to their faith and continue growing in Christ. Continual growth in the Christian life keeps us from being “ineffective and unproductive” in our knowledge of the Lord.

That’s why we are called to “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called [us] heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

Therefore, brothers and sisters, “make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Thanks be to God our Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit!

We want to grow, Lord! By your Spirit, we want to become rich, mature, ripe Christians. Grow your fruit in us so that we will reflect your Son, Jesus, to a needy world. Amen.

About the author — Shawn Brix

Rev. Shawn Brix has served as pastor in several Ontario churches. He and his wife, Jenny, have three children.

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