God gives us responsibilities.

• Why does it seem that most of the posts on this blog are about what we need to do rather than what God does? 
• Don't people just need to hear the positive message of how much God loves us, how He died for our sins and justified and sanctified us?
• Won't we be so overwhelmed by grace that we won't ever struggle with sin?

God is GOD.  We don't tell Him how to act or what to do in our lives.  When He tells us how to live then who are we to question? Our responsibility is to listen, learn, trust and obey.

Notice:

• If He decides we need to struggle with our sin for years until we turn from it then who are we to question Him?  (Westminster Confession 5.5)
• If He decides to show His love through conviction, and discipline who are we to complain?
• If He decides that we must learn to battle lust and flee temptation and learn obedience then why do we expect victory without the battle?

This blog highlights both personal responsibility and dependence on God through His Work, His Word and His Spirit.  These two aspects of the christian walk are cooperative. God gives us responsibilities.  We can't control other people, the world, or even the course of our own lives.  But we are given responsibility over our hearts, minds, words, and actions.  It is our personal responsibility to use them to love God and obey Him (Deuteronomy 6:5). 

 

This doesn't mean we focus on our works. Rather we listen and seek the Lord and commit to following Him no matter what the cost.