So ... what if we want to become "experts" in being a follower of Christ?
I read the other day, "Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His son's name? Surely you know! Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar." (Prov 30:4-6) God's Word states that God's Word is true. That's significant. Peter offers this:
Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation — if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. (1 Peter 2:2-3)The text is not ambiguous. If you wish to "grow up into salvation," we have a biblical approach: "Long for the pure milk of the word." That's interesting, isn't it? Peter tells us to alter our affections. He tells us to desire something that we currently may or may not desire. Not just desire -- long for. It is, in this milk, the means to grow in salvation. Paul said to work out our salvation (Php 2:12). Peter says to grow in it by means of the word.
So, we want to become "expert" Christians. Expertise is acquired by deliberate practice. Growing in our salvation is acquired by the milk of the word. Putting it all together then, we ought to be making the Word a deliberate practice in which we engage often and fully with great desire in order to grow in our salvation. Why? Because we've tasted that the Lord is good. If you're not really keen on this approach, perhaps you haven't. That's a different issue ... one that ought to be addressed immediately.
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