Happy New Year: It's Time to GROW!

And here we are – 2022 has arrived! Somehow another twelve months has passed us by. I do not know about you, but I refuse to waste much time worrying about what has been. Amazingly 2021, with all of its blessings and trials, is past history. None of us can go back and erase, correct, or choose a different path. What is behind us is past history. As the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:13, we are to forget those things which are behind and move forward. While we cannot alter the past, we can choose obedience to the Lord and live wisely in the days and weeks to come.

A verse of Scripture that I thought much about in 2021 is Romans 15:14. In this text, the Apostle Paul writes, “I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.” As I meditated on this verse, I realized it would be a great directive for the coming year. Allow me to encourage you with two observations about this text.

First, notice Paul’s confidence in these believers. Paul begins this verse with a word of commendation and affirmation for the Romans. As an indication of his affection for these Christians, Paul addresses them as brothers and sisters. This greeting indicates their shared personal relationship with Christ. Following this term of endearment, the apostle boldly expresses his confidence in these fellow believers. Note that the word translated “satisfied” in the ESV comes from the Greek word peitho. This word means to be persuaded, to win one’s favor, or to have confidence in. Paul declares that he was fully convinced that they deserved his confidence. As followers of Christ, we certainly want to win the confidence of others. But more importantly, we want to gain God’s confidence. Paul, who is speaking under the inspiration of God, gives the Romans a tremendous word of commendation. It is one that we would want others to write about us.

Second, the Apostle Paul underscores the areas in which he had confidence in these Roman believers. The following few words are noteworthy. The recipients of this letter are first described as being full of goodness. “Goodness” is translated from the Greek word agathosune. The word carries the meaning of uprightness of heart and life, generosity, virtue, a positive moral quality characterized by being interested in the welfare of others. We are unable to correct our moral failures in the past, but we can make character corrections as we move forward.

Ask yourself these five questions:

1.     Would God consider you to be a person of positive moral character?

2.     Are you one who others describe as interested in the welfare of others?

3.     In what areas do you need to develop uprightness?

4.     How can you solicit the help of those who are spiritually mature in the areas in which you need to grow?

5.     What Scriptures can you learn and apply in 2022 that will assist you in developing a virtuous character?

These Roman Christians were also filled with all knowledge. We must understand that Paul is not suggested that these believers knew everything about everything. In other words, they were not omniscient. In this context, Paul uses the Greek word gnosis, meaning general intelligence, understanding, or the general knowledge of Christian religion. As Paul points out in the second chapter of his letter to Titus, this knowledge should lead to results. These results include a godly character and the desire to minister to others.

There is a warning label that always comes with knowledge. Knowledge for the sake of knowledge can quickly produce arrogance and subsequent abrasiveness. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:2, “And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” Being knowledgeable brings with it the responsibility to remain humble, teachable, and to teach others. Like it or not, we are all teachers. As a Christian, you may never teach a large class or preach a sermon, but you are teaching those around you through your words, actions, and reactions.

In light of their godly character and knowledge, the Romans were able (i.e., competent) to admonish one another. Paul uses the Greek word noutheteo to describe this call to teach. The word means to admonish, warn, exhort, and instruct. Paul was fully convinced that these believers possessed the necessary ability to minister to one another, specifically in the realm of teaching one another. These believers had the biblical foundation needed to serve Christ by instructing those within their sphere of influence. While there was certainly a continuous need to mature in certain areas, they possessed the compulsory knowledge and ability to assist others in progressing in their relationship with Christ.

As 2022 gets underway, allow the words of the Apostle Paul to encourage you to become like the Roman Christians he addressed in Romans 15:14. I challenge you to work this year in three specific areas:

1. Develop a godly character: identify the areas where you need to grow, and take specific action. You may need outside help from a trusted friend to point out your weak spots. The process is never fun, but it is essential to your sanctification.

2. Increase your biblical knowledge: identify theological areas where you need to gain more knowledge. Read a theologically sound book on the subject or seek direction from a fellow Christian. None of us know everything there is to know about God; therefore, we must never stop learning.  

3. Instruct others in gospel truth: identify a believer or two who you can personally minister to this year. Intentionally seek out those in your sphere of influence to instruct. Let me remind you, you are already teaching. The question is, what are you teaching?

If we accomplish these three goals, we will have a marvelous year. As the body of Christ, we can mature as individuals and as a church. God is not finished with you or with Grace Baptist Church. I pray 2022 will be a year of impactful ministry for us as a church, and for you as a servant of the Lord.

I want to end this article with a few questions for you to consider:

1. Would you commit this year to intentionally identifying one area where you need to grow and do something about it?

2. Would you commit this year to intentionally increasing your knowledge in the particular area where you need to learn?

3. Would you commit this year to intentionally instructing someone else in the biblical knowledge you have gained over the course of your walk with Christ?  

It goes without saying, but none of us can predict what will happen in the coming year. But what we do know is that God wants His people to be individuals who are worth commending because they possess a godly character, biblical knowledge, and the desire to instruct others in the faith. May the Lord use the events of 2022, whatever they may be, to mold us into the image of His Son for His glory.