15 October 2023
DISCIPLINE IN WALKING WITH JESUS
(Growing in Faith, in Truth & in Spirit: GFTS 16)
The Apostle Paul exhorted the believers to grow and progress in their Christian life. He wrote: “So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thanksgiving” (Col.2:6-7 – NIV). Believing and receiving Christ as Lord is the first step. Notice that Lordship of Christ in our life is essential for salvation: “that if you confess with your mouth that ‘Jesus is Lord’ you will be saved” (Rom.10:9). We cannot just receive Jesus as Saviour; we must also make Him Lord of our life.
The second step is to “continue to live in Him”. The NKJV says, “so walk in Him”. This speaks of consistent fellowship with Christ our Lord in worship, prayer and reading of His Word. This shows our dependence on Him for our spiritual life. Our Lord was delighted with Mary, the sister of Martha because she gave priority to have fellowship with Him: “Mary who sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His Word”. Martha’s priority was doing household chores. So, Jesus chided her, “Matha, Martha, you are careful and worried about many things. But one thing is needful; and Mary has chosen that good part, which is not taken away from her” (Luke 10:39, 41-42 -KJV). Fellowship and spending time with Jesus is a choice and a discipline.
The third step is to remain steadfast in our desire to grow in Christ, as the exhortation says we are to be “rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith”. Like a tree with roots firmly rooted in the ground, it will grow strong and firm so that no storm can topple it. Our life must be firmly rooted in Christ so that we can grow strong in Him. Notice the words, “strengthened in the faith”. The words “the faith” refers to the faith based on Holy Scripture. We must be zealous and disciplined in the reading and study of God’s Word, which is “life and spirit” (John 6:63). The Lord speaks to us through His Word and strengthens our faith. The Lord Jesus Himself said, “I AM the Vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Spending time in the Word and Worship is “remaining” or depending on Christ’s Strength. The branches get their food and nourishment from the Vine; hence we need to depend on Him.
The fourth step is to be “abounding or overflowing with thanksgiving” . Giving thanks to God and Christ is an act of appreciation for His Love and Goodness to us. The Psalmist was full of praise and thanksgiving because “God is Good and his Loves endures forever”. Thanksgiving is also an act of love and faith. It shows that we love God and trust Him at all times, no matter what. Hence the Bible exhorts us: “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thess.5:18). Thanksgiving is also the fruit of our steadfast faith and our heartfelt appreciation of His Love, Care and Blessings which he continually shower upon our lives. Glory to God!
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