Psalm 23:1-3: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

PODCAST: https://rss.com/podcasts/what-the-spirit-has-shown-you-season-2/2218174

ABSTRACT

The gospel is God’s power to transform lives, offering grace, renewal, and peace through Christ. It invites us to partake in the divine nature, develop Christian character, and reflect His love in service to others. Rooted in God’s unchanging word, this journey of growth assures believers that they will be upheld by grace, preserved from falling, and prepared for eternal life in Christ.

THE GOSPEL’S POWER

The gospel holds transformative power for all, as Paul affirms in Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” This power reshapes lives, granting peace, renewal, and purpose. “In His teachings, He dwelt upon the unchangeable principles of God’s word” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, p. 201, 1904). The gospel’s influence is evident in its ability to renew hearts and guide us toward holiness. For instance, countless individuals have found purpose through surrendering to Christ’s call. This transformative effect is rooted in God’s unchanging word, as affirmed in Isaiah 55:11: “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please.” Additionally, Psalm 119:105 states, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Further, “The truths of the Bible, received, will uplift mind and soul” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 112, 1900), and “The word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 171, 1882). Together, let us explore how grace, transformation, and character development guide our journey toward reflecting God’s love. How does God’s grace multiply in our lives as we grow closer to Him?

GRACE AND PEACE MULTIPLIED

Grace and peace are gifts that grow as we deepen our relationship with Christ. In 2 Peter 1:2, we read, “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” This promise shows that God’s blessings are endless and ever-increasing. “The experimental knowledge of God… transforms man into the image of God” (Christ Object Lessons, p. 114, 1900). Personal struggles, such as health or financial trials, often lead us to depend on God more deeply. When I trusted His promises, I found peace that transcended my circumstances. The Bible reinforces this in John 16:33: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Also, Philippians 4:7 states, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Additionally, “As we learn of Christ, we shall have peace and joy” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 115, 1905), and “Peace comes with dependence on divine power” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 185, 1909). Together, we can encourage one another to draw closer to Christ and experience His abundant grace. What does it mean to partake in God’s divine nature?

PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE

The gospel invites us to partake in God’s nature, escaping the world’s corruption. Peter writes, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises” (2 Peter 1:4). “When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession” (The Desire of Ages, p. 324, 1898). This transformation is not superficial but reaches the heart, renewing thoughts and desires. In my life, I witnessed God helping me overcome harmful habits. This aligns with Romans 12:2: “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Also, Titus 3:5 affirms, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration.” Further, “The grace of Christ purifies while it pardons” (Selected Messages, Book 3, p. 198, 1980), and “Christ implants in the heart new desires” (Steps to Christ, p. 47, 1892). Through His power, we can experience true regeneration, aligning ourselves with His character. How do we develop a Christian character that reflects Christ?

DEVELOPING CHRISTIAN CHARACTER

Christian growth involves climbing the ladder of virtues outlined in 2 Peter 1:5-7: faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. “Sanctification is… continual growth in grace” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 1, p. 340, 1855). This process requires diligence and prayer. Patience was a virtue I struggled with, yet moments of surrender revealed God’s ability to strengthen my weaknesses. James 1:4 states, “Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” Also, Colossians 3:12 instructs, “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind.” Additionally, “The formation of a noble character is the work of a lifetime” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 331, 1900), and “Character is built by patient continuance in well-doing” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 136, 1905). By building on faith, we can develop a character that reflects Christ’s love and serves others faithfully. How does God’s love empower our spiritual growth?

REFLECTING GOD’S LOVE THROUGH GROWTH

The spiritual journey is evidence of God’s love. As 1 John 4:8 reminds us, “God is love.” His love equips us with tools for growth: grace, renewal, and character-building. “It is the first and highest duty of every rational being to learn from the Scriptures what is truth” (The Great Controversy, p. 598, 1888). Through His promises, such as 2 Peter 1:3—“His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness”—we see that God leaves nothing undone in guiding us toward holiness. Personally, I have experienced God’s love in His forgiveness, provision, and guidance. This is supported by Ephesians 3:19: “To know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” Also, Psalm 86:5 states, “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” Further, “God’s love is revealed in all His dealings with His people” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 33, 1890), and “Love is the basis of godliness” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 416, 1900). Through His love, we grow in grace and reflect His love to others. What are our responsibilities in response to God’s love?

God’s love calls us to respond with obedience and service. Romans 12:1 urges us to present ourselves as “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.” “To love Him, to obey His commandments, is the first duty of every rational being” (Steps to Christ, p. 19, 1892). This duty extends to our neighbors, as Galatians 5:13 instructs us to “serve one another.” Reflecting Christ’s love means meeting others’ needs, bearing burdens (Galatians 6:2), and sharing His truth. In my journey, serving others through prayer, support, and kindness has strengthened my faith. Matthew 22:39 commands, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Also, 1 Peter 4:10 states, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another.” Additionally, “Obedience is the fruit of faith” (Steps to Christ, p. 61, 1892), and “Service to others elevates the soul” (The Desire of Ages, p. 225, 1898). Together, we fulfill our calling by loving God and our neighbors. What is the ultimate promise for those who grow in grace?

THE BLESSED PROMISE

God promises that those who grow in grace “shall never fall” (2 Peter 1:10). “Converse with God… transform the soul into the likeness of Christ” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p. 145, 1868). This reflection of God’s nature brings hope and strength in trials. By confessing sins, forgiving others, and seeking His guidance, we become living testimonies of His grace. Hebrews 12:28 states, “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably.” Also, Jude 1:24 affirms, “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory.” Further, “Those who trust in God will never be confounded” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 151, 1890), and “Grace will preserve the soul from falling” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 193, 1872). This transformative journey reflects God’s love through His patient and purposeful leading, equipping us to grow spiritually and share His truth.

John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.

Search

Search