Growth SpurtSample

Transformation

The mature believer seeks the gospel transformation of the world, starting with self. It is a life of daily confession, turning from sin, and doing God’s work. It’s a daily dying to self and walking in the qualities of Jesus. He lived a sacrificial lifestyle.

Do you work out? Let’s look at the stats: Less than 5% of us are physically active for as much as 30 minutes per day. 80% of people with gym memberships don’t go to the gym; and 13% of people who leave home or work to go to the gym actually go somewhere else. But here’s the twist–most everybody you see walking around out there is dressed like they're about to run the gym, court, or workout class.

The clothing industry has taken notice. The latest trend in American fashion is a category called “athleisure”. The official definition of “athleisure” is: gym clothing designed to be worn outside of the gym. We love everything about working out –except for the part where we might work out. We like the look, the comfort, clothes designed for motion and exertion, but often don’t follow through on the exercises.

Philippians 2:12 says “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” No matter your dedication to physical exercise, your life in Christ requires working out. Spiritual exertion and forward motion. Paul isn’t talking about how you get saved–you can’t earn salvation on your own efforts. It’s all grace. But the total work of your salvation goes far beyond just your getting saved in the first place. There's a process of sanctification (being made holy), and transformation into His image. And that miraculous change requires your participation.

The one who “works” is God working in you, but you have to allow Him in. You are powerless to change yourself. And most times we don’t really even want to change, do we?

To change, your desires must change. That’s why the grace of God gives you both the desire and the will to change and do what pleases Him. If you have no desire to do what pleases God, then God’s not at work in you. And if He’s not at work in you, God’s not in you. You can change. The moment you cease to grow, you begin to lose ground. There’s no standing still in the Christian life.

I pray this plan will spur on your spiritual growth. If you are interesting in growing your purpose, reach out here: