My previous post suggested the possibility of regression in sanctification/maturity, yet it must not be thought that a Christian will continually become less and less like Christ (The opposite is true over the long term). The examples used in the previous post were to show that sanctification/maturity is a process that has ups and downs.
Fact is, the level to which we attain Christian maturity is in God’s hands. If God wills (Vs 3) that we mature to this or that level, then that is where we will be… no more or less. The level of maturity we attain is much like the parable Jesus used of the talents (Vs 15).. and the gifts we are given by God’s grace (Vs 11). The degree to which we are able to mature is completely in God’s hands, yet we too are responsible.
Our responsibility to progress in sanctification and/or maturity is found in 2 Pet 1:5-8…
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ…
Our forward and backward… up and down… or growth and regression in the Christian life doesn’t happen randomly. It is the result of God’s determination ALONG WITH the Christian’s responsibility to grow in Christ. Because we are sinners, there will be times we fail. Don’t be surprised when that happens. Repent of your failure and submit that area of your life to Christ.