WE have been in the fifth chapter of our book Principles of Spiritual Growth (Part One of The Complete Green Letters), the chapter titled Preparation. Again, this principle has to do with preparing heart and mind for each phase, each “next step” in our walk towards growth in Christ, remembering it is always progress, not perfection. What follows is our last in this section.
AFTER the last posting I made a note to myself, referencing Phil 1:16, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” This is another anchor verse for the Christian’s comfort and encouragement, reminding us that, well…. read it again for yourself. …It is quite clear as to what it says, means, and signifies, and is indeed a precious truth for the Lord’s own. Truly what the Lord has begun in us he will complete. In citing Phil. 1:6 my thoughts often turn to 1Thess. 5:24 where Paul closes that letter with, He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. Phil 1:6 coupled with 1Thess. 5:24 is a strong comfort and encouragement for the traveling pilgrim’s quest in Christ.
SO, we will close our consideration of preparation, and how the Lord makes each of us ready for the next step of our journey in our pilgrim’s progress.
In the wondrous blessings of Christ,
Joe
Neh. 8:10, Isa. 30:15 & Job 2:10
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Chapter 5—Preparation – Part 4, conclusion.
Charles Trumbull said, “The effortless life is not the will-less life. We use our will to believe, to receive, but not to exert effort in trying to accomplish what only God can do. Our hope for victory over sin is not ‘Christ plus my efforts,’ but ‘Christ plus my receiving.’ To receive victory from Him is to believe His Word that solely by His grace He is, this moment, freeing us from the dominion of sin. And to believe on Him in this way is to recognize that He is doing for us what we cannot do for ourselves.” We learned this principle at the time of our spiritual birth, and it seems that most of us have to learn it all over again for our spiritual growth and service. Fear not, dear friend; just hold firm to the fact of His purpose for you in Christ, and He will faithfully take you step by step into all the necessary preparation—He will do it. Once you are sure of the purpose, you can be equally positive of the preparation. Simply remember that Romans 8:28 and 29 go together, and thank Him for Philippians 1:6.”
“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 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. It is the man who lacks the yearning to know Him that will easily be turned aside. Along that road the Man Christ Jesus has already gone before, and at every point has overcome for us. We have not to climb up; we are to be brought through in the train of His triumph. Every enemy has been met; every foe has been overcome; there remains nothing that has not been put potentially beneath His feet, and there remains nothing in this universe that is able to overcome the least child of God who has taken the hand of the Lord and said: ‘Lord, bring me through to the place where Thou art, in virtue of the blood which Thou hast already taken through in victory.’ There is great glory to the Lord in a quiet, confident walk in a day of adversity, a day of dread, when things about us are shaking and trembling” (G.P.).
