Grow in Your Salvation
Date: March 1, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study and savor
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
Bible Scripture Verse – 1 Peter 2:2
"Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,"
Listen for God’s Voice
Please give us the wisdom and guidance we need to follow you faithfully in a world that sometimes rejects your message. Help us to be brave and share your love and truth with others.
Thank you for your love and promise of eternal life. May we always remember that we are your children, and may our lives show your kindness and mercy. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.
Explore History – Who wrote it, when and to what audience? Key people in the story?
This scripture was written by the apostle Peter in the mid 60’s AD during a time when Christians were facing persecution and suffering for their faith, both from the Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire. Peter’s purpose was to encourage and strengthen their faith by telling them to remain faithful and to trust God’s grace and salvation, even when they were suffering.
Peter used the metaphor of newborn babies craving milk to talk about the importance of spiritual nourishment and growth in their Christian life. He tells them that they should desire the pure spiritual milk of God’s Word, which will help them grow and mature in their faith.
Study and Savor – Key Words
"Like newborn babies" compares the spiritual hunger of believers to the natural hunger of infants. Just as babies need milk to grow and develop, so too do believers need spiritual nourishment to mature in their faith.
"crave pure spiritual milk," emphasizes the importance of seeking out and desiring the pure and unadulterated truth of God's word. Peter uses the metaphor of milk to illustrate the simplicity and fundamental nature of this truth, which is essential for spiritual growth.
"grow up in your salvation," highlights the goal of spiritual growth and maturity. Peter encourages his readers to continue seeking out God's truth and to grow in their understanding and application of it, so that they may become more like Christ and better equipped to face the challenges of the world.
Summarize and Share
Just like babies need pure and untouched and untainted milk to grow strong and healthy, we need the pure and untouched and untainted truth of God's word to grow strong and healthy in our faith.
Peter encourages us to crave this spiritual milk, to seek it out with our whole hearts and minds, and to allow it to nourish our souls. This means reading and studying the Bible, attending church, listening to sermons and teachings, and spending time in prayer and meditation on God's word.
But it's not enough to simply crave this spiritual milk. We must also put it into practice in our daily lives. We must allow it to transform our hearts and minds, and to shape the way we live and interact with others. This means living a life of love, grace, and kindness, just as Christ did. It means treating others with respect and compassion, even when they don't deserve it. It means seeking justice and standing up for what is right, even when it's difficult.
We need to put this scripture into action in our lives every day. How can we do that?
Make a commitment to reading and studying the Bible every day. Set aside time each day to read a passage or two, and reflect on what it means for your life. Attend church regularly and listen to sermons and teachings that help you to understand God's word and apply it to your life. Spend time in prayer and meditation, asking God to help you grow in your faith and to give you the strength to live a life that reflects His love and grace.
Look for opportunities to show love, grace, and kindness to others. Whether it's through acts of service, words of encouragement, or simply a smile and a kind word, strive to be a light in the world and to share God's love with those around you.
Who is with me? What will you do today?
Bible Cross Reference
Hebrews 5:12-14 (NIV) - "In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." This passage speaks to the importance of moving beyond spiritual infancy and seeking out deeper, more mature understanding of God's word.
Matthew 4:4 (NIV) - "Jesus answered, 'It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" This verse emphasizes the centrality of God's word as the source of our spiritual nourishment and sustenance.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." This passage underscores the importance of the Bible as the foundation for our faith and our spiritual growth.
Psalm 119:105 (NIV) - "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." This verse highlights the way in which God's word provides guidance and direction for our lives, and helps us to navigate the challenges and complexities of the world around us.