“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”
— Psalm 119:11

God’s purpose is that we might grow into the stature of the fullness of Jesus Christ. First, we need to regularly read, study, and meditate on God’s Word. When we memorize His Word, when we hide it in our heart, that is the best defense against the onslaught of temptation. When was the last time you memorized a verse or passage of Scripture?

Secondly, there is the matter of prayer, as we go to God each day and confess our sins to Christ and ask for His forgiveness and express to Him our gratitude and love, to bring our petitions for whatever our needs may be, to intercede for other people. Such prayers as this should be on the lips of Christians every day.

Thirdly, God has given us the Church. God doesn’t need it. I hope you know that. God doesn’t need you. He doesn’t need me. We desperately need Him. He provided all of this for us, not for Himself (but for us), that we might be taught, and that we might grow and mature in the Christian faith. We will grow more in Christ if we avail ourselves of those special times when we really study the meat of God’s Word, e.g., Sunday night services, in-depth Bible studies, and on-line courses in the Word.

God wants us to progress in His Word. Then we will be “like a tree planted by the waters,” as described so well in Psalm 1. Our roots will grow deep. The vicissitudes of life will not upset us.

Lord, give me strength for today to spend time hiding Your Word in my heart. I praise You that You are the one who sanctifies me. Thank You that I’m not in charge of my own sanctification. Help me daily to seek You and study Your Word…

BY GOD’S STRENGTH AND BY HIS SPIRIT,
WE ARE SANCTIFIED.