One thing that is clear from building strength and muscle is that it takes time, much to our disappointment. If we want to become stronger physically, we have to put in the time and effort every week to grow. Strength is not built in a single gym session. Physical strength is built over time. The same is true about our spiritual strength. It is built over time through small steps of faithfulness and obedience, slowly building our spiritual muscles as each day passes.
The apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to pursue spiritual growth and to love God with all his strength in 1st Timothy 4. This passage of Scripture, written by the apostle Paul to his mentee, Timothy, offers advice as he led the people in his ministry. He wrote in this passage of Scripture, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come” (verse 8). As important as physical training is, “training for godliness,” or pursuing spiritual growth, is infinitely more important. It is infinitely more important because our souls and the things of God are eternal. This world and even our physical bodies are temporary. The growth we pursue here on this earth as we seek to know Christ and make Him known all around us will last into eternity. Think about this beautiful truth for a moment. The steps you take to grow in your relationship with God here on this earth will last for all of eternity. The way you share your faith today will matter for eternity. Imagine being in eternity with Christ and seeing the people you shared your faith with there. I cannot imagine anything much more joyful than that, can you? Paul continued writing in this passage of Scripture, “This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers” (verse 10). Because Paul’s eyes were set on eternity, he worked hard, taking small steps of faithfulness every day because he knew every moment counted.
My friend, this world is fading away; eternity will last forever. Will you commit to spiritual growth? Will you pursue Christ over everything else and commit to making Him known by taking small steps of faithfulness every day? If you do, the investments you make today, the small steps of faithfulness you take every day, will never be taken away. Eternity is at stake. Let’s live for what truly matters, pursuing spiritual growth faithfully and quietly every single day with every step we take.
One way you can grow in spiritual strength is by worshiping God among other believers, praising Him and finding encouragement from Him and His word. Make plans to worship with us this weekend, remembering all the reasons He is faithful and worthy of your worship. Bring a friend with you, and we will see you there!
“God, I never want to stop pursuing spiritual strength. Stretch me…”
1Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.
3 They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. 4 Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. 5 For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.
6 If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. 7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 8 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 9 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. 10 This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.
11 Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. 12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.
14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
