Word of Encouragement (11/9/2020)

Today, we will continue to go over some good, practical ways to pursue holiness.

“5.    While the means of grace carry God’s promise that they will be fruitful, the manner and season in which they bear fruit are subject to His infinite wisdom and glory. ‘The godly sometimes walk without comfort, because they put it from themselves, and God oftentimes causes his children to seek long before they find comfort,’ Leigh says. ‘But the ardent desire shall at length be satisfied. Remission of sins and peace of conscience are favors worthy waiting for. We have not waited so many years in the means of grace for comfort, as God has waited for our conversion.’

“6.    He that does not endeavor to grow in holiness by starving the desire of the flesh and strengthening the graces of the Spirit by renewing acts of godliness can be rich in neither grace nor comfort (Rom. 13:14).

“7.    When you resist any duty, the covenant should spur you on; you should remember that you have taken earnest money [i.e., deposit], as it were, from God in your baptism, promising that you will live for Him. Remember as well that you have often renewed that first pledge in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, and therefore you may not flinch from your bargain.

“8.    Comfort yourself that God will accept your services in Christ, not on the basis of their perfection but their sincerity (Rom. 12:1; 1 Peter 2:5). [Notice how our sincerity is distinguished from perfection, for, even our sincerity cannot be perfect. But when we serve God with sincere faith, even if not a perfect faith—faith as small as a mustard seed—if it is in Jesus Christ, God accepts our service on the basis of Christ’s perfect righteousness, which covers our imperfect yet sincere faith.]

“9.      Believe the Word of the Lord that your labor in spiritual duties is not in vain but will bring about a harvest of righteousness, both in this life and the life to come (Gal. 6:9; 1 Cor. 15:58; James 1:12).