An airliner cannot fly without the power produced by its engines. That power cannot be supplied unless the throttles are advanced. A Christian cannot grow in his or her sanctification without receiving the power of Jesus, and sometimes that receiving needs to be a conscious act.
God expects all his children to take an active role in their own spiritual growth.
This role is not so much about effort as about trusting obedience. Our job in such obedience is to take the vital first step of trusting that the power required to do whatever He wants us to do, or be whatever He wants us to be, will be supplied, as we will to obey his call.
When we take that step in sincerity of heart we will be find that the strength we need is given to us in abundance.
“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” -2 Timothy 2:21 (ESV)
