Keep Growing

Read Hebrews 5:11–6:12

So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding. . . .

When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God’s blessing. But if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it.

Dear friends, even though we are talking this way, we really don’t believe it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation. For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.
(Hebrews 6:1-3, 7-10)

Reflect

Certain elementary teachings are essential for all believers to understand. Those basics include the importance of faith, the foolishness of trying to be saved by good deeds, the meaning of baptism and spiritual gifts, and the facts of resurrection and eternal life. To go on to maturity in our understanding, we need to move beyond (but not away from) the elementary teachings to a more complete understanding of the faith. And this is what the author intends for believers to do (Hebrews 6:3). Mature Christians should be teaching new Christians the basics. Then, acting on what they know, the mature will learn even more from God’s Word.

The writer uses an analogy from agriculture to make a simple point. Real seeds (the gospel), given genuine care by the farmer (God) and planted in a fertile field (your heart and life) will produce a bountiful crop (spiritual maturity). Weeds (temptations) threaten to overwhelm the crop. If the field produces only weeds, then the seeds are lost and the field ruined. The Holy Spirit’s conviction, the Word of God, and wise counsel help cut us cut those weeds and keep growing.

Respond

Discouragement is a weed that stunts growth. When we feel forgotten by God, we get discouraged. Encouragement is the ultimate weed whacker. God is never unjust. He never forgets or overlooks our hard work for him. Let God’s love for you and his intimate knowledge of your service for him bolster you as you face disappointment and rejection here on earth.

Add These

Read 2 Peter 1:3-11

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.

The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.

So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
(2 Peter 1:3-11)

Reflect

The power to lead a godly life comes from God. Because we don’t have the resources to be truly godly, God allows us to “share his divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4) in order to keep us from sin and to help us live for him. When we are born again, God by his Spirit empowers us with his own goodness. See John 3:6; 14:17-23; 2 Corinthians 5:21; and 1 Peter 1:22-23.

Faith must be more than belief in certain facts; it must result in action, growth in Christian character, and the practice of moral discipline, or it will die away (James 2:14-17). Peter lists several of faith’s actions: learning to know God better, developing perseverance, doing God’s will, loving others. These actions do not come automatically; they require hard work. They are not optional; all of them must be a continual part of the Christian life. We don’t finish one and start on the next, but we work on them all together. God empowers and enables us, but he also gives us the responsibility to learn and to grow.

Respond

In what ways have you sensed the Holy Spirit developing in you the characteristics Peter describes? What challenges have you faced as a result?

The Beauty of a Changed Life

Read 1 Peter 3:13-22

Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.

So he went and preached to the spirits in prison—those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood.
(1 Peter 3:13-20)

Reflect

Peter wrote to Christians with the idea that persecution and suffering were inescapable aspects of the Christian life. He learned that from his master, Jesus. Rather than fear persecution, we are to quietly trust in God as the Lord of all. We must believe that Christ is truly in control of all events. When he rules our thoughts and emotions, we cannot be shaken by anything our enemies may do.

We are to model faith and integrity. A changed life speaks loudly and clearly, and it is often the most effective way to influence a family member or a neighbor. Some Christians, however, believe that faith is a personal matter that should be kept to oneself. It is true that we shouldn’t be boisterous or obnoxious in sharing our faith, but we should always be ready to give an answer, gently and respectfully, when asked about our faith, our lifestyle, or our Christian perspective.

Respond

Can others see your hope in Christ? In what way? Are you prepared to tell them what Christ has done in your life? You may not be able to keep people from slandering you, but you can at least stop supplying them with ammunition. As long as you do what is right, their accusations will be empty and will only embarrass them. Keep your conduct above criticism!

Be Holy

Read 1 Peter 1:13–2:3

So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”

And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time as “foreigners in the land.”
(1 Peter 1:13-17)

Reflect

The apostle Peter wrote this epistle to encourage the scattered believers who would likely face trials and persecution under Emperor Nero. Peter wrote to remind them of basic truths and to emphasize the characteristics of the Christian life. Holiness is one of them.

The God of Israel and of the Christian church is holy—he sets the standard for morality. Unlike the Roman gods, he is not warlike, adulterous, or spiteful. Unlike the gods of the pagan cults popular in the first century, he is not bloodthirsty or promiscuous. He is a God of mercy and justice who cares personally for each of his followers.

We are to be like our heavenly Father—holy in everything we do. Holiness means being totally devoted or dedicated to God, set aside for his special use and set apart from sin and its influence. We’re to be set apart and different, not blending in with the crowd, yet not being different just for the sake of being different. What makes us different are God’s qualities in our lives. Our focus and priorities must be his—a direct contrast to our old ways (1 Peter 1:14). We cannot become holy on our own, but God gives us his Holy Spirit to help us obey and to give us power to overcome sin.

Respond

Sometimes the concept of holiness is seen in a negative, limited light, with everything boiling down to what you can’t do, rather than what you can. What does the admonition to be holy mean to you? How can being holy serve as a protective measure?

Use Those Gifts

Read 2 Timothy 1:3-18

Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again.

I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
(2 Timothy 1:3-7)

Reflect

This letter has a somber tone. Paul had been imprisoned for the last time, and he knew he would soon die. Unlike Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome, when he was in a house (Acts 28:16, 23, 30) where he continued to teach, this time he was probably confined to a cold dungeon, awaiting his death (2 Timothy 4:6-8). As Paul was waiting to die, he wrote a letter to his dear friend Timothy, a younger man who was like a son to him (2 Timothy 1:2). Written in approximately a.d. 66/67, these are the last words we have from Paul.

At the time of his ordination, Timothy had received special gifts of the Spirit to enable him to serve the church (see 1 Timothy 4:14). Timothy was experiencing great opposition, however, to his message and to himself as a leader. In telling Timothy to “fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you” (2 Timothy 1:6), Paul was encouraging him to persevere. Timothy did not need new revelations or new gifts; he needed the courage and self-discipline to hang on to the truth and to use the gifts he had already received (see 2 Timothy 1:13-14). If Timothy would step out boldly in faith and proclaim the gospel once again, the Holy Spirit would go with him and give him power.

Respond

When you use the gifts God has given you, you will find that God will give you the power you need. The power of the Holy Spirit can help you overcome any fear of what some might say or do to you, so that you can continue to do God’s work. Meditate on Paul’s words to Timothy: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Under Control

Read Titus 2:1-15

Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.

In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.
(Titus 2:3-8)

Reflect

Paul urged Titus to be a good example to those around him so that others might see Titus’s good deeds and imitate him. Paul’s life would give his words greater impact. Sound doctrine was the resource that would enable Titus to make an impact.

Self-control, a fruit of the Spirit, was another resource. The Christian community of Crete where Titus lived was made up of people from differing backgrounds and viewpoints, making conflict inevitable. To stay above reproach, men and women needed wisdom and discernment to be discreet, and to master their wills, tongues, and passions so that Christ would not be dishonored.

Having people of all ages in the church makes it strong, but it also brings potential for problems. Paul gave Titus counsel on how to help various groups of people. The older people were instructed to teach the younger by words and by example. Women who were new Christians were to learn how to have harmony in the homes by watching older women who had been Christians for some time. Young men were to be taught to value wisdom. In ancient Greek society, the role of the husband/father was not viewed as a nurturing role but merely as a functional one. Husbands and fathers who were good examples of Christian living were important role models for young men. This is how values are passed on from generation to generation.

Respond

How has self-control helped you make an impact in your home, neighborhood, or church? What lessons can others glean from your example and priorities?

Be an Encourager

Read 1 Timothy 4:6-16

Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.

Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.

Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
(1 Timothy 4:7-16)

Reflect

Timothy’s commission as a church leader was confirmed by prophecy (1 Timothy 1:18) and by the laying on of hands by the elders of the church. He was not a self-appointed leader. As a young leader in a church that had a lot of problems, he may have felt intimidated. But the elders and prophets encouraged him and charged him to use his spiritual gift responsibly. We can have the same effect on others.

Respond

Each day we have many opportunities to support and inspire discouraged family members, fellow workers, and even total strangers. Paul modeled six important principles to help us encourage others: (1) Begin with encouragement. People who know we will encourage them will be happy to work with us. (2) Expect of others only what you expect of yourself. People will resist being held to unfair standards. (3) Develop expectations of others with consideration for their skills, maturity, and experience. People will reject or fail to meet expectations that do not fit them. Be patient with distracted or slow learners. (4) Monitor your expectations of others. Changing circumstances sometimes require revised or reduced expectations. (5) Clarify your expectations with others. People are not likely to hit a target that no one has identified. (6) End with encouragement. People love to be thanked for a job well done.

Pray for All

Read 1 Timothy 2:1-15

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For, There is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I’m not exaggerating—just telling the truth.
(1 Timothy 2:1-7)

Reflect

Paul’s command to pray for kings was remarkable considering that Nero, a notoriously cruel ruler, was emperor at this time (a.d. 54–68). When Paul wrote this letter, persecution was a growing threat to believers. Later, when Nero needed a scapegoat for the great fire that destroyed much of Rome in a.d. 64, he blamed the Roman Christians so as to take the focus off himself. Then persecution erupted throughout the Roman Empire. Not only were Christians denied certain privileges in society, some were even publicly murdered in cruel ways.

Although God is all-powerful and all-knowing, he has chosen to let us help him change the world through our prayers. How this works is a mystery to us because of our limited understanding, but it is a reality. Paul based his instruction about prayer for everyone (1 Timothy 2:4) on his conviction that God’s invitation for salvation extends equally to all people. The word everyone captures the nature of the gospel. The world that God loves includes every person (John 3:16). He loves us as individuals whom he knows intimately (Psalm 139:13-18). Paul urges us to pray for “all people.” Our earnest prayers will have powerful results (James 5:16).

Respond

When our lives are going along peacefully and quietly, it is difficult to remember to pray for those in authority. It’s easier to remember to pray when we experience problems. Pray for those in authority around the world so that their societies will be conducive to the spread of the gospel. Ask God to raise up wise leaders.

Put It Behind You

Read Philippians 3:12–4:1

I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.

Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ.
(Philippians 3:12-18)

Reflect

Paul’s goal was to know Christ, to be like Christ, and to be all Christ has in mind for him. This goal absorbed all of Paul’s energy. Paul gave up everything—family, friendship, and freedom—in order to know Christ and his resurrection power. He had reason to forget what was behind—he had held the coats of those who stoned Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:57-58; Paul is called Saul there), and zealously sought to end the movement known as “the Way.” But God called Paul to his way.

We have all done things for which we are ashamed, and we live in the tension of what we have been and what we want to be. Because our hope is in Christ, however, we can let go of past guilt and look forward to what God will help us become.

Respond

With the single-mindedness of an athlete in training, we must lay aside everything harmful and forsake anything that may distract us from being effective Christians. What, if anything, is holding you back? Don’t dwell on your past. Instead, grow in the knowledge of God by concentrating on your relationship with him now. Realize that you are forgiven and loved, and then move on to a life of faith and obedience. Look forward to a fuller and more meaningful life because of your hope in Christ.

A Humble Attitude

Read Philippians 2:1-11

Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(Philippians 2:2-11)

Reflect

Many people—even Christians—live only to make a good impression on others or to please themselves. But selfishness brings discord. Paul therefore stressed spiritual unity, asking the Philippians to love one another and to be one in spirit and purpose. Jesus Christ was humble, willing to give up his rights in order to obey God and serve people.

Often people excuse selfishness, pride, or evil by claiming their rights. But as believers, we are called to a different attitude, one that enables us to lay aside our rights in order to serve others. If we say we follow Christ, we must also live as he lived. We can develop his attitude of humility as we serve, even when we are not likely to get recognition for our efforts. When we work together, caring for the problems of others as if they were our problems, we demonstrate Christ’s example of putting others first, and we experience unity.

Respond

Remember, you can choose your attitude. You can approach life expecting to be served, or you can look for opportunities to serve others. But you don’t have to live in the expectation that people will take advantage of you and treat you like a doormat. Instead, prayerfully seek the Father’s wisdom, just as Jesus did.