The Apostle Paul assured the Thessalonians that they had learned how to walk to please the Lord. "For the rest, brothers, since you have learned from us how to behave and please God" (1 Thessalonians 4: 1). Paul began with this exhortation : "walk from progress to progress" (same verse). "That you abound more and more," says the Darby version.

To abound means to grow. Paul said : "You have heard the preaching of the gospel, so you have a solid foundation. For this reason, you should grow in grace in everything - in faith, knowledge, and love.

Paul also speaks of such abundance to the Corinthians : "But as you abound in all things, in faith, and in word, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love toward us, that ye also abound in this grace." (2 Corinthians 8: 7 Darby version). In other words : "The Spirit of God has forged major changes in your life. For this reason, you should give more of yourself in all areas - your time, your finances, your talents."

This passage makes it clear that everyone who has been nourished by the Word of God is meant to grow in grace. God gave gifts to pastors, teachers, prophets, evangelists for the sole purpose of enabling the Church to grow. And we, as believers, are supposed to grow in knowledge and grow in Him, so that we are not diverted by lies.

Jesus Himself spoke of a constant growth in our life : "I have come so that the sheep have life, and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). The proverbs echo this : "The path of the righteous is like the shining light, the brightness of which increases until the middle of the day" (Proverbs 4:18). And even Job declares : "The righteous man, nevertheless, remains steadfast in his way, the one who has pure hands becomes stronger and stronger" (Job 17: 9).

The promises of God belong to you today ! He wants you to constantly grow in faith, hope, love and self-giving throughout your life.

David Wilkerson