Spiritual Growth / Godliness

  • The Thief of Time

    Proverbs 10:5; 20:4; 24:30–34

    If you are guilty of procrastination, confess it to the Lord. Before the day begins, consider what you need to accomplish that day and commit to doing those things in an orderly time frame. This also applies to spiritual matters ...Read More

  • The Time That Is Past

    1 Peter 4:3–5

    As Christians, we are all too often ridiculed when we do not agree with our culture’s permissive attitude towards sexuality and substance abuse, or with the embrace of relativity and disrespect for authority figures. When people make fun of ...Read More

  • The Value of Godliness

    1 Timothy 4:7b-9

    Godliness and holiness, mature saints will tell you, are virtues that reinforce themselves. As we grow in holiness we become more aware of our own sin and, consequently, our own need for His empowering to defeat sin and become even ...Read More

  • The World, the Flesh, and the Devil

    Ephesians 2:2-3

    Paul makes a subtle shift in Ephesians 2:1–3 from “you” (the Gentile Ephesians) to “we” (Jews like Paul and the Gentiles), indicating the universality of sin. John Chrysostom writes, “All are included. It is not possible to say ...Read More

  • Transformation into Glory

    1 Corinthians 13

    Each aspect of the fruit of the Spirit—that is, each aspect of you as you are transformed—is nurtured through personal relationships. Because Christian character does not develop in a void, take the initiative to become involved regularly in ...Read More

  • Unjust Gain

    Proverbs 10:16; 11:18; 13:11

    Examine your work habits. This can include not only your vocation, but your duties at home and at church. In what ways do you cheat those who are in authority over you? If you are in authority, are you fair ...Read More

  • Walking in Christ Jesus

    Colossians 2:6-7

    Discontent in our lives and envy of the blessings of others is the opposite of thanksgiving, and these things threaten to plunge us back into the darkness of sin. John Calvin comments, “Ingratitude is very frequently the reason why we ...Read More

  • Wise Conduct

    James 3:13

    Though we may not often think about it in this way, today’s passage tells us that good works done in a spirit of meekness and humility demonstrate that we are wise. If we become overly proud from our good ...Read More

  • Your Exile

    1 Peter 1:17–19

    That the apostle Peter applies the language of exile to a largely Gentile audience just as it applies to the faithful Jewish remnant shows us that there is only one people of God. True Israel consists of all those who ...Read More