Spiritual Growth / Sanctification and Growth

  • The Ninth Commandment

    Deuteronomy 5:20

    There are a number of different ways in which we can break this rule against false witness. If we teach or proclaim wrong things about God’s character, we are bearing false witness. If we gossip and backbite to destroy ...Read More

  • The Proven Worth of Timothy

    Philippians 2:21–24

    Paul could be confident in Timothy’s worth as a fellow minister because of the ways he had proven his character over time (Phil. 2:22). As we consider our service in the church, we should also be aware that ...Read More

  • The Repentant Heart

    James 4:1–17

    When was the last time you spent a day or part of a day in prayer and fasting, reading the psalms, going deep inside yourself before God and crying out to Him? We all need this from time to time ...Read More

  • The Righteousness of God

    Matthew 6:25-34

    Would it embarrass you to be known as a “righteous person”? We should think about ourselves biblically, and use biblical language as much as possible. We should not let the world scare us away from words like righteous. Instead, we ...Read More

  • The Role of Fasting

    Ezra 8:21–23

    Fasting places no obligation upon the sovereign God to respond in a way we have asked. Yet He does take special delight in us when we show our helplessness in fasting, and He will respond by giving us a greater ...Read More

  • The Second Commandment

    Deuteronomy 5:8–10

    As finite beings who still suffer the presence of sin, we cannot bear to see God face to face. Such a vision will be our privilege when we are glorified (1 Cor. 13:12), but until then we have to ...Read More

  • The Seriousness of Sin

    Matthew 18:7–9

    Dr. John MacArthur echoes Jesus’ somber warning in Matthew 5:29: “Sin must be dealt with drastically because of its deadly effects” (The MacArthur Bible Commentary, p. 1,131). Refraining from speaking privately with a certain person might be what ...Read More

  • The Seventh Commandment

    Deuteronomy 5:18

    Just as idolatry led to destructive consequences for the ancient Israelites, the analogous sin of adultery leads to destruction on an earthly level (2 Kings 17:6–23; Matt. 19:1–12). This should be enough to cause us to ...Read More

  • The Shield of Faith

    Ephesians 6:16

    An essential part of turning to Christ in order to resist temptation and other assaults successfully is understanding and appreciating truly His loveliness. When we have a true grasp of His greatness, we will be more encouraged to look to ...Read More

  • The Sin of Sloth

    Proverbs 21:25–26; 26:13–16

    Make specific changes in your life to fight laziness. This can include your vocation, physical exercise, and spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, attendance at worship, and service. If you have children, establish guidelines for housework, school work, and spiritual ...Read More

  • The Sixth Petition

    1 Corinthians 10:13

    Today’s study is based on question and answer 127 of the Heidelberg Catechism, which reminds us that the world, the flesh, and the Devil “never stop attacking us.” Until we are glorified, there is no point at which we ...Read More

  • The Source of Daily Faith

    James 2:14-26

    Think back over your Christian life. How has your encounter with Christ changed you? What things do you do now because of your faith in Christ? In what areas has Christ called you to deeper obedience? But consider the present ...Read More

  • The Source of Joy

    John 15:1–17

    How constant is your joy? Jesus tells us that if we want to know His joy, we must stay close to Him. Do you need more time in prayer and Bible study? Remember, many people do these things and do ...Read More

  • The Spirit-filled Life

    Ephesians 5:18-19

    Today’s passage also tells us that evidence of the Spirit-filled life includes being full of song and delight (Eph. 5:19). Matthew Henry comments: “Though Christianity is an enemy to profane mirth, yet it encourages joy and gladness. God ...Read More

  • The Struggle With Sin

    Romans 7:13–25

    How is your personal walk with the Lord? Have you become calloused to the evils of sin manifest in you own life? Have you forgotten to spend time with Him? It is as we love Him more and more that ...Read More