In Philippians 2:12-13 NLT we read —
“Dear Friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and power to do what pleases Him.”
After I broke my hip, I went to physical therapy twice a week to get my strength back and to firm up the muscles where they operated. The discipline of going and having them lead me through a series of physical exercises was very important. They also gave me exercises to do on my own. That was harder than the exercise they gave me at the physical therapy clinic. It was easy to give in to the flesh and sluff off in doing the exercise plan.
Paul was not rebuking the Philippians. Instead, he was exhorting them to pursue their Christian progress without undue dependence on his presence. God was doing His part but to develop their spiritual muscle, there were certain things they must do — study God’s word, pray, and stay in fellowship with Him and the rest of the body of believers.
I have learned that when I don’t keep up my physical exercises, I begin to lose my muscle tone. It is easy to regress rather than progress. The same is true spiritually.
Kenneth Boa, in his book “Conformed to His Image” wrote — “Discipline should work in concert with our dependence on God. Grace is not opposed to effort but to earning. The multiple benefits of the time-tested disciplines of the faith contribute to spiritual formation in the same way that training prepares us for spiritual endeavor.”
Folks, let’s not sluff off in our spiritual disciplines. You may not see Jesus with your physical eyes, but He has promised “I am with you and will never abandon you.”
- Do we love Him enough and care about our growth in Christ that we will discipline ourselves to grow?
- God has blessed us. Will we bless Him by doing what He asks us to do?
Let me remind you of some of the opportunities Jubilee offers to help you in your spiritual growth. It takes discipline; but the growth outcome, along with its blessings, is beyond measure.
- Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study – Thursday mornings at 6 AM for a hearty breakfast and an inspirational meditation. Where in Ventura can you go for all that for just a $5 donation?
- Women’s Bible Study – Each Wednesday morning the ladies get together for snacks, fellowship, and most of all Bible study. A great time to start a new series is June 12th. See the announcement below.
- Bible Alive – Sunday morning adult Bible study. Jubilee offers four different classes each Sunday. Wow … study options available are Ephesians, Luke, John, and 1 Peter. Call the office for specific class info.
- Pastor Leonard’s daily text message meditations. It takes just a few minutes to start your morning with the Lord. You will be blessed.
- Annual Read-through-the-Bible guides.
- Bible Conferences.
- Sunday morning church service… always packed full of scripture reading.
Pastor Leonard
