During yesterday’s sermon, Chris mentioned the fact that many have a tendency to over think themselves when explaining what God is like and how he works in the world. He spoke in reference to God’s knowledge of the future and human responsibility. Many have concluded that God’s knowledge of the future conflicts with ones freewill. Some have even responded with apathy because they believe the outcomes are solely determined by God. Scripture is clear, however, that God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility are not at odds, but go hand in hand.
Last night, I spoke with our youth about the importance of spiritual growth. After quoting Romans 8:29 that says, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son,” I asked our youth, “Since God has predetermined that we will be like Christ, then why do we have to discipline ourselves to grow spiritually?” Donald Whitney provides the answer in his book, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. He affirms,
“Although God will grant Christlikeness to us when Jesus returns, until then He intends for us to grow toward that Christlikeness. We aren’t merely to wait for holiness; we’re to pursue it. ‘Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy,’ we’re commanded in Hebrews 12:14, for ‘without holiness no one will see the Lord’” (6).
The fact that God is in control and will accomplish his purposes in his people and world should not move us toward apathy, but activity. He has given us the wonderful privilege of taking part in what he is going to do in us and through us. My prayer for our entire church family is that God would create in us a desire to be more like Christ and that we would respond by pursuing godliness. I also hope that each of us would find enjoyment in becoming more like Christ and that God would be glorified in our quest for holiness.
Whitney, Donald. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life: A Study Guide. Colorado Springs: NavPress. 1994. 6.
Last night, I spoke with our youth about the importance of spiritual growth. After quoting Romans 8:29 that says, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son,” I asked our youth, “Since God has predetermined that we will be like Christ, then why do we have to discipline ourselves to grow spiritually?” Donald Whitney provides the answer in his book, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. He affirms,
“Although God will grant Christlikeness to us when Jesus returns, until then He intends for us to grow toward that Christlikeness. We aren’t merely to wait for holiness; we’re to pursue it. ‘Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy,’ we’re commanded in Hebrews 12:14, for ‘without holiness no one will see the Lord’” (6).
The fact that God is in control and will accomplish his purposes in his people and world should not move us toward apathy, but activity. He has given us the wonderful privilege of taking part in what he is going to do in us and through us. My prayer for our entire church family is that God would create in us a desire to be more like Christ and that we would respond by pursuing godliness. I also hope that each of us would find enjoyment in becoming more like Christ and that God would be glorified in our quest for holiness.
Whitney, Donald. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life: A Study Guide. Colorado Springs: NavPress. 1994. 6.
