A few years ago when Pastor Greg was joining us, he was asked to share about Scripture passages that had the biggest impact on his life. He talked about a few, including 1 Timothy 4
[S]et an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity... Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. (4:12b, 15 NIV)
Though Paul is addressing the young pastor Timothy, the principle applies to all believers. We must pursue progress in Christlikeness, and that progress should be evident to those around us.
Making progress implies a target, something we are moving towards. What does it look like for a Christian to make progress? How can we know we are making progress?
We find one answer in 2 Peter 1:5-8
[M]ake 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, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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| Series Introduction | Week 6 Introduction |
There’s the concept of progress again – adding to our faith, having these fruits of the Spirit in “increasing measure”.
How are we each doing in the areas that Peter mentioned? Are we adding to our faith? Are we making progress? Are we the same people we were a year ago?
It’s my prayer that each of us at Lake Avenue Church will be making progress towards completeness in Christ and that that progress would be evident to those around us. Will you please join me in that prayer, asking the Lord how He wants you to grow?
As we become more mature as individuals, that progress will also manifest itself in our growth as a body. We’ll love each other more, submit to one another more, serve each other more, and bless each other more.
May God continue the work He began in each of us, drawing us closer to him, conforming us to the image of His Son.
To His Glory,
Adam Stiles
Chair-Elect of the Ministry Council