If there is a true progression of faith, there should be a true progression of faith. Those who receive the gospel should continue in discipleship throughout their lives.
We know we are supposed to grow. We have read Jesus’ words on discipling others. But have you ever considered what is taking place?
Before you disciple someone else or work on your own personal growth, let’s unpack the theology of what is transpiring.
Without clarity on these critical issues, you run the subtle yet dangerous risk of working for redemption rather than working from redemption. In our goal of helping others experience Christian maturity, we must realize there is a human and a divine component to what is happening. While discipleship is the earthly side of our efforts, sanctification is the heavenly side of God’s work.Â
At conversion, someone begins his or her discipleship journey. While we often think the job is finished at that moment, the work is honestly just getting started. God does the saving work, but he invites us to play a part in the sanctification work. The profession of faith is necessary for salvation (Rom. 10:9). Failure to do so will cause Jesus to deny you (2 Tim. 2:12; Matt. 7:23). Signaling a profession of faith is vitally important yet incomplete.
If there is a true profession of faith, there should be a true progression of faith.
Believers must progress beyond the initial claims of faith. It validates that conversion actually took place. You are not saved by good works (Eph. 2:9), but you are saved for good works (Eph. 2:10).
In the life of a believer, good works reveal that you genuinely have been redeemed. People changed by the gospel don’t stay the same. If a person makes a legitimate profession of faith, we should witness a long-term progression of faith.
DISCIPLESHIP RESOURCES
Don’t Stay Spiritually Immature
All of us are not as spiritually mature as we desire to be, but that doesn’t mean we have to stay that way. You must decide if you will stay stuck or get intentional about the next ways you need to grow.
The Bible’s Heroes Aren’t Role Models
The Bible tells amazing accounts of how ordinary people did extraordinary things, but it also informs us of their struggles. While these men and women weren’t perfect, they looked to another who provided the strength we all needed.
You Don’t Have to Prove Yourself to Jesus
We often live with pressure to prove ourselves to be accepted by others. The gospel reminds us that we are loved by God despite our performance for Him.
The Culture Won’t Accept What the Church Doesn’t Know
Christians desire the culture to accept truths from a book that few of us read. Disciples of Jesus must decide to make biblical doctrines our priority before we ever expect anyone else to do the same.
You Lack One Thing
Each of us has that one thing that really has us. It is difficult to follow Jesus closely if you delight in something more than Him.
Cookie Cutter Discipleship Doesn’t Work
You are not in the same spiritual situation as anyone else in the world. While you have common characteristics with others, your unique scenario requires an individualized focus to make personal progress.
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
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