Continued Aspirations For GOD, Indicate The Indwelling Of The HOLY SPIRIT.

Growth in grace

(Archibald Alexander, "Growth in Grace" 1844)

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of 
our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. 
To HIM be glory both now and forever! 
 Amen."   2 Peter 3:18  

Growth in grace is evidenced by 
a more habitual vigilance against 
besetting sins and temptations, and
 by greater self-denial in regard
to personal indulgence.

A growing conscientiousness in regard
to what may be called minor Christian 
duties is also a good sign. (The counterfeit 
of this is an over-scrupulous conscience,
which sometimes haggles at the most
innocent gratifications, and has led some
to hesitate  about taking their daily food.)

Increasing spiritual-mindedness is 
a sure evidence of progress in piety;
and this will always be accompanied
by increasing  deadness to the world.

Continued aspirations for GOD,
 indicate the indwelling of the HOLY 
SPIRIT, by whose agency all progress
 in sanctification is made.

Increasing solicitude for the salvation 
of men,  sorrow on account of their sinful
and miserable condition, and a disposition
tenderly to warn sinners of their danger--
evince a growing state of piety.

It is also a strong evidence of growth 
in grace, when you can bear injuries and 
provocations with meekness, and when you
can from the heart desire the temporal and
eternal  welfare of your bitterest enemies.

An entire and confident reliance on 
the promises and providence of GOD, 
however dark may be your horizon, or 
however many difficulties environ you--
is a sign that you have learned to live by faith.

Humble contentment with your condition, 
though it is one of poverty and obscurity--
shows that you have profited by sitting 
at the feet of JESUS.

Diligence in the duties of our secular calling, 
with a view to the glory of GOD, is an 
evidence not to be despised.

Indeed, there is no surer standard of spiritual 
growth than a habit of aiming at the glory 
of GOD in everything.

Increasing love to the brethren is a sure 
sign of growth; for as brotherly love 
is a proof of the existence of grace, so is
the exercise of such love a proof of vigor
in the divine life.

A victory over besetting sins by which 
the person was frequently led away--
shows an increased vigor in grace.

Sometimes the children of GOD
grow faster when in the fiery furnace
than elsewhere. As metals are purified
by being cast into the fire--
so saints have their dross consumed
and their graces brightened--
by being cast into the furnace of affliction.

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"Strangers and Pilgrims!" Must reading!