Growth in
grace is evidenced by a more habitual
vigilance against besetting sins and temptations, and by greater
self-denial in regard to personal indulgence. A growing conscientiousness in
regard to what may be called minor Christian duties is also a good sign.
(The counterfeit of this is an over-scrupulous conscience, which
sometimes haggles at the most innocent gratifications, and has led some to
hesitate about taking their daily food.)
Increasing spiritual-mindedness is a sure evidence of progress in piety; and this will always be accompanied by increasing deadness to the world.
Continued aspirations for God, indicate the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, by whose agency all progress in sanctification is made.
Increasing solicitude for the salvation of men, sorrow on account of their sinful and miserable condition, and a disposition tenderly to warn sinners of their danger — evince a growing state of piety.
It is also a strong evidence of growth in grace, when you can bear injuries and provocations with meekness, and when you can from the heart desire the temporal and eternal welfare of your bitterest enemies.
An entire and confident reliance on the promises and providence of God, however dark may be your horizon, or however many difficulties environ you is a sign that you have learned to live by faith. Humble contentment with your condition, though it is one of poverty and obscurity shows that you have profited by sitting at the feet of Jesus.
Diligence in the duties of our secular calling, with a view to the glory of God, is an evidence not to be despised.
Indeed, there is no surer standard of spiritual growth than a habit of aiming at the glory of God in everything.
Increasing love to the brethren is a sure sign of growth; for as brotherly love is a proof of the existence of grace, so is the exercise of such love a proof of vigor in the divine life.
A victory over besetting sins by which the person was frequently led away shows an increased vigor in grace.
Increasing spiritual-mindedness is a sure evidence of progress in piety; and this will always be accompanied by increasing deadness to the world.
Continued aspirations for God, indicate the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, by whose agency all progress in sanctification is made.
Increasing solicitude for the salvation of men, sorrow on account of their sinful and miserable condition, and a disposition tenderly to warn sinners of their danger — evince a growing state of piety.
It is also a strong evidence of growth in grace, when you can bear injuries and provocations with meekness, and when you can from the heart desire the temporal and eternal welfare of your bitterest enemies.
An entire and confident reliance on the promises and providence of God, however dark may be your horizon, or however many difficulties environ you is a sign that you have learned to live by faith. Humble contentment with your condition, though it is one of poverty and obscurity shows that you have profited by sitting at the feet of Jesus.
Diligence in the duties of our secular calling, with a view to the glory of God, is an evidence not to be despised.
Indeed, there is no surer standard of spiritual growth than a habit of aiming at the glory of God in everything.
Increasing love to the brethren is a sure sign of growth; for as brotherly love is a proof of the existence of grace, so is the exercise of such love a proof of vigor in the divine life.
A victory over besetting sins by which the person was frequently led away shows an increased vigor in grace.
Sometimes the
children of God grow faster when in the fiery furnace than elsewhere. As
metals are purified by being cast into the fire, so saints have their
dross consumed and their graces brightened; by being cast into the
furnace of affliction.
[Archibald Alexander]
✞✞✞
2 Peter 3:18 ... But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
James 4:6 ... But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Philippians 1:6 ... Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: ❤
