God's goal in the life of His redeemed children is, according to Romans 8:28-29, that we progressively be more and more conformed to the image of His dear Son. John said, in John 3:30, that He (Christ) must increase, and he (John, and us) must decrease. It is only as we yield to the working of the the Spirit of God in our hearts that we will begin to see less of our old nature habit patterns, and more of the life characteristics of Christ, demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit. 2 Timothy 3:16 gives us the profit of the Scriptures in our spiritual growth from salvation in verse 15 to stability in verse 17, while verse 16 outlines 4 distinct steps of action imperative to that process.
(15) "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are
able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ
Jesus.
(16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
(17)That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all
good works.
Looking at the four action words in verse 16, the Truth of doctrine and its opposite violation of Truth in reproof constitute how we LEARN God's ways, then correction accomplishes a directional CHANGE in repentance, and the subsequent restructure based on righteous instruction is how we GROW. In looking at the chart below, its clear to see that while our progressive growth may have slight ups and downs, but it should follow a continuum upwards. In learning, changing and growing, we move in an upward climb toward Christlikeness. If a violation of Truth occurs, we instantaneously begin a downward spiral. As soon as we recognize a lack of perfect peace, we can immediately " break the fall" by Repentance, (Restitution as indicated), and Restructure. This places us back in the upward "Learn, Change and Grow" pattern.
(15) "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are
able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ
Jesus.
(16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
(17)That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all
good works.
Looking at the four action words in verse 16, the Truth of doctrine and its opposite violation of Truth in reproof constitute how we LEARN God's ways, then correction accomplishes a directional CHANGE in repentance, and the subsequent restructure based on righteous instruction is how we GROW. In looking at the chart below, its clear to see that while our progressive growth may have slight ups and downs, but it should follow a continuum upwards. In learning, changing and growing, we move in an upward climb toward Christlikeness. If a violation of Truth occurs, we instantaneously begin a downward spiral. As soon as we recognize a lack of perfect peace, we can immediately " break the fall" by Repentance, (Restitution as indicated), and Restructure. This places us back in the upward "Learn, Change and Grow" pattern.
May God help you in your personal spiritual growth in conformity to Christ.
(C) 1986, 2007, 2013 NA Collins
Excerpts from "Communicating Biblical Hope in Human Crisis" (R)
Copy Permission limited to 1 personal file copy
(C) 1986, 2007, 2013 NA Collins
Excerpts from "Communicating Biblical Hope in Human Crisis" (R)
Copy Permission limited to 1 personal file copy
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