WE have now completed five chapters of in Principles of Spiritual Growth (Part One of The Complete Green Letters), looking at the principles of Faith, Time, Acceptance, Purpose, and Preparation. At the center of last weeks comments our author commented, Simply remember that Romans 8:28 and 29 go together, and thank Him for Philippians 1:6. Meaning that “the good” that God is causing all things to work together towards (Rom. 8:28) is our being conformed to the character of Christ (Rom 8:29), and that this work initiated by God at the outset will be completed as He has purposed. The author further made note that The Lord is glorified in a people whose heart is set at any cost, by any road, upon the goal which is God Himself.
A man [or women] who is thus minded says, ‘By any road!’ Here is a very difficult road, a road beset by enemies, but the passionate desire for the goal will hold him steadfast in the way.
THIS is what Paul meant when he said we are to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. (Phil. 2:12-13). This is both a challenge and an encouragement to keep us pressing toward the mark for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:14).
MUCH more can be added here, but we need to get to the next brick in our foundational principles, the next being Complete in Him.
HAVING typed out those three words I’m so tempted to start commenting upon the rich meaning those three words represent, but I need to let our author do that. Suffice it to say that what we have looked at so far has laid the groundwork for further understanding and growth, hopefully preparing us with a hungry heart for what comes next for our learning and hearts desire (Matt 5:6).
SO as always take into consideration today’s topic with prayer, seeking our Lord before the throne of grace that we would all remain steadfast in all things in His loving kindness and tender mercies.
In the wondrous blessings of Christ,
Joe
Neh. 8:10, Isa. 30:15 & Job 2:10
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Chapter 6—Complete in Him
We continue to deal with foundational facts, since the life can be no better than its root, its source. Youth and immaturity tend to act first and think later, if at all. Maturity has learned to take time to assess the facts. Our patient Husbandman is willing for us to take time and learn the eternal facts, without which we cannot be brought to maturity.
Our Lord Jesus so often uses natural facts in order to teach the deepest spiritual truths. He first teaches us about our natural, Adamic life before we can understand and appreciate our new spiritual Christ-life. This involves the vital source principle—“after his image” (Gen. 5:3). Every believer first learns that he is complete in Adam—he sprang from him; he is like him. “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners” (Rom. 5:19). “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing” (7:18). When, through our failures and struggles, He has taught us about the natural, we will be ready to learn of our spiritual Source. “By the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” (5:19). “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him” (Col. 2:9, 10).
There are two main aspects to this source principle. First, the Lord Jesus is the source of our Christian life—we were born into Him; God has made us complete in Him. This truth we are to hold by faith; it is true of each of us. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature” (II Cor. 5:17). Second, as we hold to this fact by faith, we are brought into the practical reality of it day by day in our experience. Little by little we receive that which is already ours. The important thing to know and be sure of is that all is ours; we are complete in Him—NOW. This fact enables us to hold still while He patiently works into our character that life of ours which is hid with Christ in God. “Progress is only advancing in the knowledge, the spiritual knowledge, of what we really possess at the outset. ….to be continued
