God’s work of sanctification of the redeemed is the life-long process by which we grow in holiness. Unlike justification, which is God’s work, sanctification is cooperative. We are responsible to “work out what God has worked in” (Philippians 2:12-13). How are we to work out what God works into us? By practicing the disciplines of the faith, sometimes referred to as the “ordinary means of grace.”

There are several disciplines that Christians should practice, not only as a matter of growing in grace, but out of obedience, since many are commanded in God’s Word. We’ll consider several in the following posts.

Feeding on God’s Word, the Bible. We need the Word to live (Matthew 4:4). We need to hear it read and preached (Romans 10:17). We need to read it (Revelation 1:3). We need to study it (Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 2:15). We need to memorize it (Psalm 119:9-11, Colossians 3:16). We need to meditate on it (Psalm 1:2-3).

Communing with God through Prayer. Through prayer we have direct communication with our Heavenly Father and receive provision for our needs. As we pray, we show our dependence on and trust in Him (John 15:7, Philippians 4:6-7). A Christian prayer life includes individual prayer with God alone; family prayer (husbands and wives together and with children); and corporate [group] prayer in the local church.

Uniting in Fellowship with God’s People in a Local Church. Christian fellowship is based on our common relationship with the Lord, not other temporal commonalities (1 John 1:3). Fellowship centered around the Lord Jesus Christ provides the mutual encouragement, admonition, and stimulation we need. Fellowship is commanded (Hebrews 10:24-25). Uniting with a local church includes joining as official members and serving.

More next time…