God Has Done It!
When it comes to being saved from our sins, we can't do it ourselves. God has to do that. When it comes to growing as a Christian, we can't even do that. God has to do it. David realized this truth. He praised God for making him like a "green olive tree in the house of God."(Psalm 52:8,9) Take a minute to think about what this word picture says to all of us.
David was alive spiritually, and he had a relationship with God. Only God could have saved Him and made Him alive spiritually. David was growing in the Lord like a "green" tree. Only the power of God can grow us to be all He wants us to be. He was in the house of God, which shows that he was close to God. The olive was even known for its oil, and oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, so David knew that it was the Spirit of God working in Him. Therefore, he praised God for doing what he could never have done for himself.
Have you come to this point. Salvation is not by works, but by the grace of God. Once we surrender in repentance and faith in Christ, God saves us. Then, the Spirit comes to live in us, and He begins the growth process to make us like Jesus. We can't do that on our own. If we cooperate with the Spirit, the process is quicker and easier, but it is God who remakes us in the image of His Son. Do you give God the credit for all of this and praise Him continually for it, or are you thinking well of yourself for doing these things? Don't fool yourself. If you are a growing believer, God has done it.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 55-57.
David was alive spiritually, and he had a relationship with God. Only God could have saved Him and made Him alive spiritually. David was growing in the Lord like a "green" tree. Only the power of God can grow us to be all He wants us to be. He was in the house of God, which shows that he was close to God. The olive was even known for its oil, and oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, so David knew that it was the Spirit of God working in Him. Therefore, he praised God for doing what he could never have done for himself.
Have you come to this point. Salvation is not by works, but by the grace of God. Once we surrender in repentance and faith in Christ, God saves us. Then, the Spirit comes to live in us, and He begins the growth process to make us like Jesus. We can't do that on our own. If we cooperate with the Spirit, the process is quicker and easier, but it is God who remakes us in the image of His Son. Do you give God the credit for all of this and praise Him continually for it, or are you thinking well of yourself for doing these things? Don't fool yourself. If you are a growing believer, God has done it.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 55-57.