email : Webview : Duane Brooks - Every Day with Jesus

December 5, 2018

1 Peter 1:3-7
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

New International Version (NIV)

   Salvation is justification and more. Our truncated gospel has equated being forgiven of our sins and going to heaven with salvation. Salvation certainly includes being justified immediately and glorified ultimately. The scriptures use the word sanctification to describe the continuing work of salvation in our lives.

                Who does the work of sanctification? Actually it is God’s work and ours. God initiates and we collaborate with him in the process of becoming holy like Christ. Paul teaches that the responsibility for sanctification is God’s work and ours (Philippians 2:12-13 and Ephesians 2:8-10). The Apostle Peter teaches us that God gives us his power to escape evil desires.

                So what is our part? We “make every effort.” God’s saving grace is opposed to earning but not to effort. We can never earn God’s love by our good works. On the other hand, true salvation always leads us to work. So we are responsible to add to our faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection and love. These character qualities result from discipline in our lives and they remind us of Paul’s list of the fruit of the Spirit.

                The more we know God, the more strength we find to become like Christ. Peter ends his letter with this call, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” This growth gives God great glory.

Pray with me:

Father, thank you for making us right with you through the perfect gift of your Son. Above all grow us up so that in every way, every day we become more and more like Jesus. Please help us to start this journey today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story. With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
Joyfully,
Duane

Manage your preferences | Opt out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.

555 Tallowood Road
Houston, TX | 77024 US

This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.