How To Be A Successful Christian

Divine Human Partnership.

[Phl 2:12-13 NASB95] 12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for [His] good pleasure.

When we become Christian, we engage on a lifelong journey to become more like Jesus. (We have an episode on what it means to be like Jesus.) You will discover what I call a divine/human partnership between God and you. He works with you as you pursue Him. The Apostle Paul describes this in Philippians 2:12-13. These two verses must be read and discussed together. If either of these verses is taken separately, a person will get a wrong impression. For instance, if a person studies and mediates on verse 12, they will think their salvation is based on “working it out.” They will emphasize themselves and their effort. On the other hand, if they emphasize verse 13, they will think that God is the only one doing the work. It will cause them to believe that they have no responsibility or expectation of effort involved in the process of becoming like Jesus.

What Is Our Part? Here are seven disciplines that will help us to become a successful Christian. Each of these is discussed more in-depth in the podcast.

The first three are essential to focus on in your journey. Then proceed to the following four.

Pray daily. Develop a prayer life. Start with the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). Set a time. Show up.
Read the Bible. We have an episode on what Bible is the best. Start reading the Gospel of John first. Learn to study the Bible. Memorize Scripture. Take notes a church and study those further at home.
Be faithful to church. Read Hebrews 10:25. Attend faithfully. Submit to the spiritual leadership. Find a place to serve that fits your gifting/calling. Give of your time, talent, and treasure.
Fasting. Learn how to fast. Here is a link to a resource that gives more information on fasting, THEN THEY SHALL FAST.
Witness regularly. Here is a link to help you learn how to share your faith with others.
Develop new relationships. Our close relationships should be with people who encourage and support our walk with Christ. Read Psalm 1. See also this verse: [2Co 6:14-15 NASB95] “14 Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?”
Deal with sinful habits by the power of the Holy Spirit. See Romans 8:13.

If we can be a help to you, please let us know. We are praying for you.

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