His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. For this very reason, make 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, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, 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. 2 Peter 1:3-8
When my oldest daughter was little, she announced the desire to roller blade. So, we bought the skates, helmet, wrist and knee pads to embark on this new adventure. After the first outing, which saw numerous falls, she then announced she was a complete failure and wanted to quit. The skill building process is not one which children seem to embrace readily. They’re easily frustrated, disappointed and prone to toss it all in the trash.
My daughter thought that she could strap on those skates and glide her way around the neighborhood with ease – enjoying the freedom of movement and wind in her hair – without having to actually learn how to skate.
As adults we usually understand this process. We come to realize the time and effort needed to learn a topic, skill, language, job, etc. Yet there are still times when many of us think a lesson or two should do. I’m reminded of this fallacy each time I take to the golf course. As an occasional golfer, when I whiff a shot and get frustrated or even mad, I must remind myself how little I play and how rare I practice.
What does this have to do with being sanctified in Christ? For the past year I have been a discipleship coach with an online ministry. The students sign up for a course, answer questions about Jesus and the Bible, and ask me their questions on Christian doctrine or scripture. When asked why they are taking the course, all say they want a closer relationship with God and Jesus. They say they want to grow their faith. But my friends, here’s the truth. Only one has completed the course. Many don’t even start it. I don’t take it personally. The stats are the same throughout the program.
They have to opportunity to strap on the skates, to attain their goal of freedom in Christ yet they don’t want to learn how to do it. So, I have to ask you, do you want to learn how to grow in your faith, in your relationship with Jesus? Do you really? It’s not a passive activity. Sanctification doesn’t just descend upon you and poof you’re fully changed. The Holy Spirit prompts us, presents opportunities for growth, and when we step forward, He changes us.
Let’s go back to the scripture at the top of the page. There’s a word repeated throughout which leads us to not only being an effective and productive member of Christ’s kingdom but also how to grow closer to God. Do you see it?
Knowledge.
That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:20-24
When you accept Jesus as your LORD and Savior, God isn’t expecting you to strap on your skates and head off onto the nearest beach boardwalk skating and dancing gracefully to the tune of Boogie Nights. No, He says, “Follow Me.” Learn from Me, watch Me, imitate Me. Change with Me, while the Holy Spirit holds your hand.
How do we do this? Today let’s talk about knowing God and I mean really knowing God – as much as He allows. Knowing Jesus’ words and understanding as much as the Holy Spirit wants to reveals to us. Our faith is built on the truths of God so we can stand firm on the battlefield. So that when we slip and fall, we can know we are still loved and forgiven. We accomplish this with His help both congregationally and individually. Today we will roll into the topic of congregational learning, why and how to seek it plus, tips on preparing yourself for the best experience.
When Jesus called the disciples, He didn’t just hang out with them. He taught them. The entire book of Matthew is Jesus teaching these disciples what the Kingdom of God is actually about and how the citizens of the kingdom act, think and love. It wasn’t by osmosis. It was by sitting at the feet of a teacher and putting what was learned into practice – an internship program of sorts.
In modern times we call that going to church.
Friend, if you’re one of those folks that thinks they don’t need to go to church because it’s “just a building” or you were hurt by another believer in a church, and you are learning to skate all by yourself, then you don’t know the full Word of God. Scripture after scripture tells us, even admonishes us, to gather to hear the Word and to worship Him.
God’s Holy Word calls us to commune with other believers in our process of sanctification. Jesus didn’t just call one person, He called 12. And then hundreds sat at His feet.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42
The Sermon on the Mount might be considered the first large church meeting. People gathering to hear the teaching of Jesus about the Kingdom of God. He gave insight to the Law they’d never heard before. They were blessed, convicted, and fed.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Hebrews 10:25-27
Did you catch all the reasons to go to church? To show love to each other; to do good works with each other; to encourage one another; and don’t miss this one – to gain knowledge to help us not to go on sinning.
When you trust in Jesus you are made a member of the body of Christ – not just an independent body part. You need the body and the body needs you to learn to roll with God. Choosing a church or group should reflect your thirst for learning God’s Word and desire to worship Him.
This week, if you aren’t in a church, start looking and visiting. Before you go try and look up the church online. Search for their “what do we believe” page. If they don’t have a page like that, I recommend you skip that church. Be prepared to visit a number of churches. If you want some tips on what to look for in a church, ask in the comments below!
Meeting together is not a choice in God’s view. It is not only a place to be uplifted by other believers but also to gain knowledge and wisdom about Him. Without this, we are prone to believe so many of the devil’s lies about God. It’s a commitment to life-long learning so we can step out and skate into the truth and freedom from sin.
Your church should be a place of spiritual growth. A teaching environment, not a personal counseling session intended to make you feel good for a bit. Sermons should leave you thinking, contemplating on your obedience to God’s will, not how it’s ok to disobey God. They should bring you new insight into scripture, not creating new scripture. The teaching must be God focused, not you focused.
Here’s some tips on being in the right mind before you walk into church or even Bible study this week:
- Pray and be in joyful anticipation that you will learn something new about God today. Romans 10:17, Psalms 119:16
- Think with eagerness on how you get to worship God today. Hebrews 13:15
- Be watchful, excited and intentional about how you can be a cheerful, welcoming, or comforting person to someone else in the congregation (especially looking for people you don’t recognize). Hebrews 3:13, 1 John 4:12
- Take what you have learned and teach someone else. 1 Peter 3:15
Friends, this coming Sunday so many of you get to hear God’s Word taught without fear of persecution like so many of the early Christians experienced. Some Christians, as in Syria and Egypt, face this still today. When you plan out your weekend be sure that God is first on your list of skill building opportunities you want to do. He is waiting to see you roll in, ready to praise, pray, learn and love.
This week’s question: What do you (honestly) think is the most important decision in choosing a church?
Next week’s post: Your individual search for knowledge and wisdom
