Tag: Spiritual Growth

Keep the Word of Prophecy

“Look! I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy expressed in this book.” – Revelation 22:7 (NET)

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, the words of Revelation 22:7 ring with urgency and hope. Jesus declares His return is imminent, and He pronounces a blessing for those who “keep” the prophecy of this book. But what does it mean to keep a prophecy, especially when Revelation’s imagery and meanings are often debated?

Keeping this prophecy begins not with perfect understanding, but with a faithful heart. It’s about living in anticipation of Christ’s return, allowing the truth of His ultimate victory to shape our daily decisions. Revelation calls us to trust God’s sovereignty, to reject the seductive pull of worldly values, and to endure in faith even when circumstances challenge us.

This passage reminds us that faithfulness is not contingent on our mastery of every detail. Instead, it’s found in walking in step with the Gospel, standing firm in hope, and pointing others toward Jesus. Revelation paints a picture of a world redeemed, of sin and death defeated, and of God dwelling eternally with His people. To keep this prophecy is to live as though that promise is already breaking into our lives.

As the new year dawns, it’s the perfect time to renew our commitment to this hope. Just as Revelation concludes with an urgent call to readiness, the turning of the calendar invites us to examine our hearts. Are we living in expectation of Jesus’ return? Are we prioritizing His kingdom over the fleeting pleasures of this world?

Keeping the prophecy means letting it guide our values and choices, even when life feels uncertain or the world’s messages grow louder. It’s an invitation to embrace the new year with a resolve to stand firm, to trust deeply, and to love boldly, knowing the King is coming.

Why Knowing the True Gospel Is Your Only Defense Against Spiritual Counterfeits

It’s easy to think we’d never be deceived by false teaching. After all, if someone were to walk into your church, preaching a gospel of blatant lies, you’d recognize it immediately, wouldn’t you? But Revelation 13:11-18 reminds us that deception doesn’t come with a warning label. The second beast appears “like a lamb,” mimicking Christ, but speaks “like a dragon,” drawing people into worship through persuasive signs and wonders. This passage is a sobering reminder: the greatest threats to the truth often come clothed in what seems good, even holy.

The real danger lies in the subtlety. False gospels don’t announce themselves as counterfeit—they twist just enough truth to sound convincing. The key to not being deceived isn’t to become an expert in every possible lie but to know the true gospel so intimately that anything else feels wrong. Think of a bank teller trained to spot counterfeit bills; their training focuses not on studying every forgery but on handling the real thing so often that fakes are obvious.

We live in a time of competing voices, where charismatic leaders and influencers are armed with convincing words, emotional appeals, and even miracles that appear godly. Without a firm foundation in Scripture, even the most well-meaning believer can be led astray. This is why Paul urges Timothy to “rightly handle the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15) and why the Bereans were commended for examining the Scriptures daily to test what they heard (Acts 17:11).

Confidence in the gospel comes from familiarity with Christ. If we know Him—His character, His words, His mission—then no false teacher, no matter how powerful or convincing, can move us. And the more time we spend in prayer, in His Word, and in His presence, the more unshakable our foundation becomes.

The world will continue to present us with spiritual counterfeits. The question isn’t if we’ll encounter them but whether we’ll recognize them. Let’s be a people so confident in the truth of Jesus that no imitation, no matter how appealing, can shake our faith.

Supernatural Instincts

Our natural instincts often feel like second nature—habits of thought, emotion, and action that seem to spring from within us effortlessly. But in Jude 1:19, we’re reminded of a sobering truth: living by these instincts alone is a hallmark of those who are “devoid of the Spirit.”

When we live solely by what feels natural, we’re living as though God’s Spirit has no say in our lives. We respond to insults with anger, hoard instead of give, and prioritize comfort over calling. These instincts come naturally because they’re the residue of a fallen world. Left unchecked, they lead to division, selfishness, and spiritual barrenness.

But for those of us who are in Christ, the Spirit is at work, transforming us from the inside out. This transformation is not instantaneous—it’s a lifelong process of replacing natural instincts with Spirit-led responses. Anger becomes patience. Fear gives way to trust. Selfishness shifts toward generosity, and pride dissolves into humility. This change isn’t about suppressing who we are but about becoming who we were created to be. When we listen to the Spirit and yield to His leading, He cultivates within us the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, and more. These virtues are not natural—they’re supernatural, evidence of God’s work in our lives.

Take a moment to reflect: Do your responses to life’s challenges align more with natural instincts or with the Spirit’s guidance? The goal is not perfection but progression. As you continue to walk with Jesus, the Spirit works to align your heart with God’s, enabling you to live beyond instinct. This week, ask the Spirit to highlight one natural instinct that needs to be surrendered to His work. Pay attention to situations that trigger that instinct and pray for His strength to respond differently. Over time, you’ll notice the Spirit’s work replacing what’s natural with what’s holy.

The Root of Every Sin

“For all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the arrogance produced by material possessions—is not from the Father, but is from the world.” — 1 John 2:16 (NET)

Every sin we commit can be traced back to three core desires: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. These temptations are not new; they’ve been with humanity since the beginning. In fact, we see all three at work in the Garden of Eden, where sin first entered the world.

The lust of the flesh is our craving to satisfy physical desires outside of God’s boundaries. In the Garden, Eve looked at the forbidden fruit and saw that it was “good for food” (Genesis 3:6). Her physical hunger and the appeal of the fruit’s nourishment enticed her to disobey God. Today, this same desire shows up in gluttony, sexual immorality, or any attempt to fulfill physical needs apart from God’s design. These cravings promise satisfaction but always leave us empty.

The lust of the eyes is the longing to possess what we see, to covet things that aren’t ours. Eve also saw that the fruit was “a delight to the eyes” (Genesis 3:6). It wasn’t just about hunger; it was about wanting something that looked appealing but wasn’t meant for her. This temptation continues to lure us in through materialism, envy, and relentless comparisons. We see what others have and think, “If I only had that, I’d be happy,” but the satisfaction never lasts.

The pride of life is the arrogance that comes from elevating ourselves above God’s authority. The serpent tempted Eve by promising that eating the fruit would make her “like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5). This appeal to self-exaltation led her to grasp at a power and independence that belonged only to God. Pride remains one of the most dangerous roots of sin, showing up in self-reliance, boasting, or the need to prove our worth through achievements.

These three desires—flesh, eyes, and pride—are the roots of every sin, and they haven’t changed since the Garden. They are the same temptations Satan used against Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). He tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread (lust of the flesh), to take authority over all the kingdoms of the world (lust of the eyes), and to test God’s protection by throwing Himself down from the temple (pride of life). Yet, unlike Adam and Eve, Jesus resisted each temptation with Scripture, showing us how to fight back with the truth of God’s Word.

Sin may be ancient, but God’s grace is greater. Through Christ, we have the power to overcome these temptations. When we walk in the Spirit and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can reject the lies of the enemy and choose the abundant life God offers.

Take a moment to reflect: How do these three roots of sin show up in your life? Do you struggle with cravings of the flesh, coveting what you see, or the pride of self-sufficiency? Ask God to expose these areas and give you the strength to overcome them. Remember, these desires are not from the Father—they’re the enemy’s attempts to distract and destroy. Choose Him instead.

Building on Faith

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith excellence, to excellence, knowledge; to knowledge, self-control; to self-control, perseverance; to perseverance, godliness; to godliness, brotherly affection; to brotherly affection, unselfish love.” — 2 Peter 1:5-7 (NET)

Faith is the cornerstone of the Christian life. It’s where our journey begins—a trust in Jesus as Savior, the firm belief that He has done everything necessary to reconcile us to God. But Peter reminds us that faith is not the end; it’s the foundation. From faith, we’re called to grow, step by step, into the fullness of Christlike maturity.

Peter’s list is a roadmap for spiritual growth, each step flowing naturally into the next. We start with faith, but to it, we add excellence—a pursuit of virtue that reflects God’s holiness. Then comes knowledge, a deepening understanding of God and His ways. This leads to self-control, as we align our desires and actions with God’s will. Perseverance grows as we endure trials, holding fast to hope. Godliness emerges as our hearts become more devoted to Him. Brotherly affection teaches us to love others within the body of Christ, and finally, unselfish love—the highest mark of maturity—extends to all people, even those who oppose us.

This progression is not a ladder we climb in our own strength but an invitation to partner with God’s Spirit in the work of transformation. Faith is the foundation, but growth requires intentional effort—what Peter calls “making every effort” (v. 5). It’s a reminder that spiritual maturity doesn’t happen passively; it’s cultivated by choosing daily to walk with Christ.

Why does this matter? Because faith that doesn’t grow risks stagnating. Peter continues in verse 8, saying that possessing these qualities will keep us from being ineffective or unproductive in our knowledge of Christ. A growing faith shines brightly, drawing others to the source of our hope.

Today, take a moment to reflect: Where are you in this journey? Which area might God be calling you to grow in—excellence, knowledge, self-control, or perhaps love? Wherever you are, take heart. God is at work in you, shaping you into the image of His Son.

Let your faith be more than a starting point. Let it be the foundation for a life transformed by Christ, a life that points others to the One who makes all things new.

Holy Like Him: Living Out Our Call to Be Set Apart

“As the one who called you is holy, you yourselves be holy in all your conduct, for it is written, ‘You shall be holy, because I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:15-16).

This is not a casual suggestion. It’s a direct call, echoing Leviticus 19:2, where God commands His people to be holy because He is holy. It’s an invitation to reflect His character, to be set apart, distinct, and marked by His righteousness. But how do we live this out, and why does it matter?

Holiness often feels unattainable. We might picture it as perfection, a state we can never achieve, but that’s not the full story. Holiness is about alignment—aligning our lives, thoughts, and desires with God’s will. It’s less about flawless performance and more about being devoted to God, letting His Spirit transform us from the inside out.

Living out this call means being intentional in how we conduct ourselves, not conforming to the patterns of this world but being transformed by the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2). It’s in the small, everyday choices: speaking truth instead of lying, showing kindness instead of retaliation, pursuing purity in a culture that celebrates indulgence. Holiness isn’t just about avoiding sin; it’s about actively pursuing God’s heart.

Why does this matter? First, it matters because God’s holiness defines who He is. To be His people means reflecting His nature. Our lives are meant to point others to Him, and holiness is the light that shines through us. Second, it matters because holiness brings freedom. Sin enslaves, but holiness liberates us to live as we were created to. Third, it matters because it’s a foretaste of eternity. In heaven, we will dwell with God in perfect holiness; here on earth, we begin that journey now.

This call isn’t easy, but it isn’t one we bear alone. God doesn’t ask us to muster holiness from our own strength. He equips us through His Word, His Spirit, and His grace. As Peter reminds us, we have been born again through the living and enduring Word of God (1 Peter 1:23). This new birth empowers us to grow in holiness, craving the pure milk of the Word so we may mature in our faith (1 Peter 2:2).

The call to holiness is not a burden but a privilege. It’s an invitation to draw near to God, to be transformed by His presence, and to reflect His glory in the world. Today, let’s ask ourselves: In what ways can I align my heart and actions with His holiness? Where do I need to surrender and let His Spirit work in me?

“You shall be holy, because I am holy.” It’s not just a command—it’s our identity as children of the living God.

Gather and Grow

Hebrews 10:24–25 says, “And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works, not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near” (NET).

There’s a rhythm to life that often changes with the seasons, especially as we approach the end of the year. Many of us find ourselves buried in commitments, holiday planning, and the general busyness that this time brings. It’s easy to deprioritize gathering with others or encouraging one another in the faith. Yet this is precisely when we need it most.

The author of Hebrews emphasizes two commands here: spur each other on and don’t neglect meeting together. Both are crucial for our spiritual growth. Spurring someone on implies intentionality—it’s not passive. It means urging others toward love and good works, encouraging them to grow in faith, and being a part of their journey. Similarly, the call to meet together isn’t just about attending church services or Bible studies; it’s about participating in the community of believers, being present, and sharing in one another’s burdens and joys.

Think about how God designed us. We aren’t meant to follow Him in isolation. The church is called the body of Christ for a reason—it’s made up of individuals who come together to form something stronger and more vibrant than any one part alone. When we meet together, we remind each other of God’s goodness, we hold each other accountable, and we become active participants in God’s work in the world.

This season, let’s make it a priority to lean into what it means to be part our Christian community, to be the voice of encouragement someone else may desperately need, and to let others encourage us in return. God speaks powerfully through His Word, but He also speaks through the fellowship of believers. Don’t let the distractions of life keep you from experiencing the blessings of gathering with His people.

A Life That Honors God

In Colossians 1:9-10, Paul writes, “For this reason we also, from the day we heard about you, have not ceased praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may live worthily of the Lord and please him in all respects — bearing fruit in every good deed, growing in the knowledge of God” (NET).

Paul’s prayer reveals a critical connection between knowing God and living for Him. He petitions for the believers in Colossae to be filled with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding—attributes that aren’t just intellectual but deeply spiritual. This knowledge isn’t for personal pride or theoretical debate; it’s meant to result in lives that honor God.

A deeper understanding of God’s will shapes our choices, guiding us to live in ways that reflect His character. When Paul says “live worthily of the Lord”, he envisions a life aligned with God’s desires—a life marked by good deeds, steady growth in faith, and a pursuit of holiness. Knowledge that doesn’t transform our actions is incomplete; true wisdom moves us to love, serve, and glorify God in all we do.

But this transformation isn’t automatic. It requires effort, prayer, and submission. We live in a world that tempts us to pursue knowledge for personal gain or social validation, yet Paul reminds us that God’s wisdom is countercultural. It equips us to bear fruit—not for applause or recognition, but as evidence of His work in us.

Consider how this plays out in daily life. When we encounter difficult situations, spiritual wisdom helps us discern a response that reflects Christ’s love. When tempted to prioritize fleeting goals, understanding God’s will redirects us to eternal purposes. The knowledge Paul prays for isn’t merely academic; it’s practical, life-giving, and glorifying to God.

As we seek to grow in knowledge and wisdom, let us do so with the goal of living lives that honor Him. May our thoughts, words, and actions reflect a deep understanding of His will, and may we bear fruit that pleases Him in every good work.

Paul’s Lost Letter: Sometimes We Need to Be Rebuked

Rebuke isn’t something we naturally seek out. It stings, wounds our pride, and can leave us feeling vulnerable. But in 2 Corinthians 7, Paul shows us that rebuke—when done with love and a heart for restoration—has the power to bring life-changing results.

Paul refers to a letter he had written to the Corinthians, now lost to us, in which he rebuked them sharply. He admits he regretted sending it at first, knowing it caused them sorrow. But he also acknowledges that their sorrow wasn’t pointless; it was a godly sorrow that brought repentance and spiritual renewal. Instead of wallowing in shame or rejecting his words, the Corinthians allowed the rebuke to change them. They responded with zeal, clearing themselves of wrongdoing and realigning their hearts with God.

This passage teaches us a profound truth: rebuke, though uncomfortable, can be an incredible gift. Sometimes we need others to speak truth into our lives, pointing out blind spots or sin we’ve grown too comfortable with. Receiving rebuke requires humility, the willingness to admit we’re not always right, and the courage to change.

On the other hand, giving rebuke isn’t easy either. Paul didn’t relish the thought of confronting the Corinthians. He wrote with tears, not anger, because his goal wasn’t to hurt but to heal. True rebuke comes from a place of love, not superiority, and seeks restoration, not condemnation. It’s not about pointing out flaws to tear someone down but about calling them back to the fullness of life in Christ.

Ultimately, rebuke is a means of grace. When we lean into it, whether as the giver or the receiver, we experience the transforming work of the Gospel. It reminds us that God’s desire isn’t to leave us in our brokenness but to restore and renew us. Rebuke, though painful, is often the first step toward deeper fellowship with Him.

So how do you handle rebuke? Do you resist it, or do you allow it to refine you? Are you willing to lovingly confront others when God calls you to, even if it’s uncomfortable? Let’s remember that the goal is always restoration and the joy that comes when we align ourselves fully with God’s will.

Shaming the Idle?

Idleness is more dangerous than it seems, and Paul doesn’t pull punches when addressing it in 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15. He warns believers to avoid those who refuse to work, not as a harsh punishment but as a wake-up call to bring them back to productive, Christ-honoring lives. These idle individuals weren’t just lounging—they were becoming busybodies, meddling in others’ affairs and causing unnecessary disruption. Paul reminds us that work isn’t just about making ends meet; it’s about contributing to the well-being of the community and glorifying God through diligence.

The Thessalonian church faced a unique problem: some members stopped working, possibly believing that Christ’s return made earthly tasks irrelevant. Instead of preparing for Jesus in faithfulness, they leaned on others for support, exploiting the generosity of the church. Paul’s response was clear—working quietly and providing for oneself wasn’t just practical; it was part of living a holy life. His own example of hard work showed that no one is exempt from the call to serve others through their labor.

This teaching speaks directly to us today. It’s easy to rationalize laziness or entitlement, but Scripture challenges us to view work as a form of worship. How we spend our time reflects our values and trust in God. Paul’s words remind us to be mindful of our roles in the community, to support those in true need, and to gently correct those who have lost their way—not to shame them into isolation but to invite them back into the fold.

Are there ways you might be called to honor God more fully in how you work and care for others? Paul’s challenge isn’t just about productivity; it’s about living a life that reflects the selflessness and diligence of Christ Himself.