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1 Timothy 4:6–11
. . . exercise yourself toward godliness (1 Tim. 4:7b).
We have seen that only those who are truly saved are able to grow as Christians. Their heart attitudes toward God have been changed from hatred to love, so that they now are willing to obey Him. However, their sinful natures oppose such obedience and they need the Holy Spirit’s aid to overcome the impulse to rebel rather than to follow God’s commands. Nevertheless, the responsibility is not all the Spirit’s; believers must work diligently to advance in Christlikeness. But what specifically are they to do?
The Word of God presents a number of “means of grace,” practices by which God’s grace is extended to believers to help them toward sanctification. These include study of the Word of God, by which believers learn about the character of God they are called to reflect and about the commandments of God they are expected to obey. There is also prayer, by which believers praise God, thank Him, and call upon Him for aid in obeying, in understanding His Word, and in other matters. Two very significant means of grace are the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, by which God’s work of salvation is powerfully confirmed to believers who partake. Another is fellowship, which offers believers the encouragement and instruction of fellow pilgrims on the road to sanctification. There is also service through the church, by which believers put into practice the love for others that is an evidence of their salvation. Some scholars also mention the discipline of the church as a means of grace, for the oversight of godly men can be very helpful in overcoming sin and achieving righteousness. If we neglect these means, we effectively reject the grace of God that we so desperately need as we pursue righteousness. Use of these means requires committed labor, but that work will bear much fruit in terms of Christian growth.
As we pursue righteousness with all our hearts, the Holy Spirit will work with us to enable us to defeat our sinful natures. Then, in the course of time, when God brings history to its consummation, there will come the final step in our salvation—glorification. All sin will be eradicated from us and we will live in complete conformity to the will of God, in perfect righteousness. God will purify us and make us like Christ, and we will see Him as He is (1 John 3:2).
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Do you study your Bible? Pray? Partake of the sacraments? Fellowship with other Christians? Serve the church? Submit to church discipline? If not, why not? The Bible says the Christian life is a war, and war takes effort. You must discipline yourself to be godly. Thank God for His means of grace and resolve to neglect them no more.
For Further Study
- Psalm 1:1–2
- John 17:17
- Acts 2:42
- Galatians 5:13
- Philippians 4:6