"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:" Ephesians 4:14
During a recent outing we were accompanied by a very large group of handicapped persons, mostly adults of varying ages, and their caregivers. It was an interesting experience, and one to make the heart ache. There is an element of the tragic in seeing so many who have grown old, but have never grown up.
The situation is no less tragic, though to most it may be less obvious, when believers in the church fail to grow up spiritually. The consequences, in the spiritual realm, are far more serious, for God's will is compromised. Evidence is abundant in the New Testament that God wants His children to grow up; that is, to come to spiritual maturity:
"For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many children." — Rom. 8:29
"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ… " — II Pet. 3:18
"Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." — I Pet. 2:1-3
"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." — Heb. 5:12-14
These verses reinforce our text, indicating that the divine plan is that we mature into likeness to Christ (Rom. 8:29); His provision to that end is His word (I Pet. 2:1-3); and revealing His displeasure with those who fail to grow (Heb. 5:12-14).
Yet one more text reveals a significant proof of spiritual growth: "We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God… " (II Thess. 1:3, 4a, italics mine). What I like to call "intramural love" is, throughout the New Testament scriptures, not only the "badge of discipleship," but also the mark of spiritual maturity.
Given the strife and infighting in so many assemblies, it is evident that many Christians never come to spiritual maturity. And as a result, the "watching world" sees little that distinguishes Christians from the rest of warring humanity. Until, and unless we cease to be "children," and "grow up into Him," we have little reason to expect them to be impressed with the visible church.
"For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (I Pet. 2:19-24)
Yours for HIS glory,
"Pastor" Frasier
During a recent outing we were accompanied by a very large group of handicapped persons, mostly adults of varying ages, and their caregivers. It was an interesting experience, and one to make the heart ache. There is an element of the tragic in seeing so many who have grown old, but have never grown up.
The situation is no less tragic, though to most it may be less obvious, when believers in the church fail to grow up spiritually. The consequences, in the spiritual realm, are far more serious, for God's will is compromised. Evidence is abundant in the New Testament that God wants His children to grow up; that is, to come to spiritual maturity:
"For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many children." — Rom. 8:29
"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ… " — II Pet. 3:18
"Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." — I Pet. 2:1-3
"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." — Heb. 5:12-14
These verses reinforce our text, indicating that the divine plan is that we mature into likeness to Christ (Rom. 8:29); His provision to that end is His word (I Pet. 2:1-3); and revealing His displeasure with those who fail to grow (Heb. 5:12-14).
Yet one more text reveals a significant proof of spiritual growth: "We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God… " (II Thess. 1:3, 4a, italics mine). What I like to call "intramural love" is, throughout the New Testament scriptures, not only the "badge of discipleship," but also the mark of spiritual maturity.
Given the strife and infighting in so many assemblies, it is evident that many Christians never come to spiritual maturity. And as a result, the "watching world" sees little that distinguishes Christians from the rest of warring humanity. Until, and unless we cease to be "children," and "grow up into Him," we have little reason to expect them to be impressed with the visible church.
"For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (I Pet. 2:19-24)
Yours for HIS glory,
"Pastor" Frasier
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