For a true Christian, you will have a desire to grow in Christ. This process is called progressive sanctification. This chapter lays out the road map for sanctification. First, a faith expressing itself through love (v. 6). No growth is possible if we are still dead in sin. Only faith brings us new life and this life will express in love. Then, sanctification is by “walk by the Spirit” (v. 16). What does it mean? A Christian has 2 principles within himself: a sinful nature and the Spirit (v. 17). Walk by the Spirit means we allow the Holy Spirit to lead you (v.18). We obey the guidance of the Holy Spirit one choice at a time (“keep in step with the Spirit” v. 25).
My sharing: After I became a Christian, the Bible convicted me to “honor my father and mother” (Eph 6:2-3). As a rebellious teenage, it was very hard for me. But I tried hard by my own effort. I would say honorable words to them and tried hard to love them. But at the end, I failed because I put myself under the Law. Until one day, I told God that I gave up my own effort but let Him guide me. Nothing dramatic happened. I just obeyed God’s guidance one choice at a time. After 3 years, I totally forgot about my struggle. As I looked back, I did honor my parents. Not only that, my life displayed the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Comments