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Increase in Every Area

6 Dec2015 TadGregurich SinglePg// Tad Gregurich

THE LIFE OF the Christian is one of increase. We're not supposed to be tomorrow what we are today. We need to be constantly growing in the things of God. Why? Because the greater our increase—the greater our capacity—the greater power we'll have available to us. And that means we'll be able to accomplish more for the Kingdom of God.

The Bible says we are to increase in several areas.

1. WE ARE TO INCREASE IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD (COL. 1:10). We are to know what the Word says about our Heavenly Father. What does this do? It increases our capacity to have faith. Remember, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17).

2. WE ARE TO INCREASE IN LOVE (PHIL. 1:9, 1 THESS. 3:12). God doesn't have love—He is love. And He wants us to abound in His love. He wants us to love one another.

3. WE ARE TO INCREASE IN THE FRUIT OF OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS (2 COR. 9:10). The fact that we are the righteousness of God in Christ is life-changing. Jesus qualified us to stand before God as if we'd never sinned! But there's supposed to be fruit that comes from this revelation. We are supposed to see love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance grow in our lives. (See Galatians 5:22–23.)

4. WE ARE TO INCREASE IN OUR ABILITY TO BE LED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT (ROM. 8:14–16). I know I desperately need this myself—not just for my job or ministry but in life.

God knows our future better than we know our past. And He will lead and guide us by His Spirit so that we stay in step with Him.

What's So Great About Increase?

Increase in these areas—in the knowledge and love of God, in the fruit of our righteousness, and in being led by the Holy Spirit—will give us the ability to live the life God has for us. It enables us to do certain things we couldn't do on our own.

For example, increase gives us a greater capacity to handle the pressures that come our way. It enables us to grow beyond the level of struggle and lack. It enables us to embrace the plan of God for our lives and walk it out effectively.

Most importantly, increase in these areas will enable us to better minister to and serve others. That's the reason we're on this earth, isn't it? We're here to carry on the ministry of Jesus. And He said, "I came not to be served, but to serve" (Mark 10:45).

I don't know about you, but I don't want to know more of the Word so I can be puffed up with knowledge. I want to know more of the Word so I can accurately give others what they need when they need it. I want to be led by the Spirit of God so that when He says to help someone, I hear Him and do it.

You see, increase is not about you or me. It's not about how much we can get or how great we can be. It's about doing what God has called us to do and helping people. Because when we all do our part, the work of God is going to grow and we're going to reach this world with the Gospel.

 

 



[Editor's Note: Tad Gregurich is dean of Rhema Bible Training College USA and an associate minister at Rhema Bible Church.]