Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
For the past week I have been touching on several aspects of our relationship with God. Yesterday I spoke about being tested and the fact that only Jesus got it perfect. I’m not Jesus. I am not Lord. I will never get it perfect in this life. Nevertheless, that does not mean I should stop trying to past the tests.
I did not want to leave you with the impression that failure is inevitable. It is part of growth however. Paul’s point here in Romans about sin and grace is meant to encourage us to want to try harder. The issue of grace received, if it remains upon us, does not complete the intended cycle. We are meant to be God’s extension of grace but this cannot happen if we do not grow up into Him who saved us.
2 Peter 3:17-16 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Ephesians 4:14-16 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Born of the spirit and meant to grow.
“Born of the Spirit and meant to grow”—I love that. After walking with my Lord for nearly 68 years, I can say “brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended, but this 1 thing I do—forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things that are before, I press TOWARD THE MARK of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:13. It is wonderful to have faithful Christian brothers and sisters to help in that goal. Thank you all who have encouraged and helped me. We ARE members one of another in the Body of Christ.