Christianity is not just about believing in Christ and being saved by faith, but it is also about showing godliness through our deeds. Holiness is not an option, but an inevitable fruit of Christian faith. Growing in holiness is an evidence that we are indeed God’s children.
In Christianity, God does not give spiritual gifts to some and leave the rest. He gives spiritual gifts to everyone through His Holy Spirit, for His glory and for the benefit of others. Spiritual gifts are meant for stewardship by serving God and serving others.
How often do we pray for the Spiritual growth of our brothers and sisters? Why is the prayer for spiritual growth such a big deal in the bible than the prayers for material blessings? Why do we need to pray for God to strengthen us in our inner being (our heart and our soul) and not necessarily to gain physical strength? Listen to the sermon to learn more on Paul’s prayer.
Too often in our Christian community the resurrection of Christ is seen as of secondary importance. It is neglected and overlooked until Easter comes around each year. The same disregard for the resurrection is seen in the failure to apply this beautiful doctrine in our own personal lives, apart from merely providing arguments for it in our discussions. In these passages, we learn what power the truth about resurrection produces and transforms those who embrace it as the integral part of their walk with Christ.
In our culture, Christianity is often presented as a religion of supernatural healing (from diseases, chronic illnesses) and miracles (prosperity, prevention of death, dreams and visions, tongues). It is also seen as religion of prophecy about the end times. All of these gifts are seen as the necessary manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. In this passage, we learn how the ministry of the Holy Spirit is not mainly about tongues, prophecy and supernatural healings, but of Spiritual transformation in our lives through the ordinary means which God appointed.
Last week we considered the importance of Church Discipline in God’s community to maintain the purity of doctrine and purity of life. The greatest obstacle to maintain purity in our lives is our own sin. In this passage, we continue on the same topic and learn the importance of holiness and the danger of sin.