Works in Progress Bible Study

Please read I Blew It as an introduction to this study. It explains that we are all working out our salvation (Philippians 2:12-13). And God isn't finished with us yet! (Philippians 3:10-17)

4 Important facts about Christian Growth:

1. It's a process. 

It's called sanctification, and it's the "working out of our salvation." 

Philippians 2:12-13: Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

2. It produces results.

The love of Jesus changes us!

2 Timothy 2:19-21: Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” 20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

James 1:22-25: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

3. It involves conviction of sin. 

When we're saved, sin bothers us and we understand the gift of forgiveness.

1 John 1:8-10:  If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

4. It improves our witness, making us salt and light in our world.

Matthew 5:13-16: You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

We're all works in progress, and we can choose to mature or we can choose to remain babies (Hebrews 5:11-14). Those who mature seek God's will, listen to His conviction, and obey His Word. 

I'm so glad that God isn't finished with me yet! 

Copyright 2014, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, edited and updated 2022