Commitment to follow Christ, Intentionality to Grow, Dependence on God’s Grace: this is Discipleship. The Christian life requires commitment to Jesus Christ by the disciple. Spiritual growth requires commitment.
Commitment to Christ requires pursuing Christ and what is good above all else: Matthew 6:33; 2 Timothy 2:22
Commitment to Christ requires pursuing Christ over all accomplishments and possessions: Philippians 3:8-10
Commitment to Christ requires pursuing Christ over life itself: Matthew 16:24; Philippians 1:21
Commitment to Christ requires persevering in tough times which will come: 2 Timothy 3:12
Commitment to Christ requires resisting sin, maybe even to death: Hebrews 12:3-4; Romans 6:11-14
Being a disciple of Jesus Christ and growing in spiritual maturity is not easy. It does bring the greatest joy and peace in the world (Philippians 4:7-10), and it does bring the fulfillment of the only life purpose that is worthwhile (Matthew 16:24-26).
So where does this commitment, this internal motivation come from? It is the work of the Holy Spirit as we learn, remember, and meditate on -- who Christ is and what He has done for us personally. Titus 3:3-8, and 2 Timothy 1:5-12 declare this clearly and succinctly. (This is why communion is also so important and commanded-- because we are coroporately reminding each other of these things.) Selah.
Will you, , commit to pursuing true discipleship? Or waste your life doing things that will not matter in eternity-- the wood, hay, or straw that will burn on judgment day? (1 Corinthians 3:10-17)
This path to Spiritual Maturity requires commitment because we want to aid you in truly knowing and obeying Jesus Christ as His disciple. Will you decide now to ask God to help you throw off the sin and the distractions which may be so easily entangling your life? (Hebrews 12:1-2) And will you pursue knowing Him and walking with Him by His grace?
A fellow servant and disciple of the Living God,
Tony Tucci