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Child like in our faith or understanding? What about Maturity?
Jesus blessed the little children saying "Let the little children come to Me and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." (Mark 10v15)
Obviously heart knowledge is more important than head knowledge and preaching should convince others into moral action, to imitate Jesus both in word and action. However there is a disturbing misconception prevalent today that the maturity and
discipling of believers is not all that important and lets keep everything nice and simple and we need to be careful not to think too deeply!
What did Paul write to the Corinthians?
'When I was a child, I spoke as a child. I understood as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.' (1 Cor 13v11)
Are we getting a clearer picture here? Do we need some further clarification?
What does Hebrews say about spiritual immaturity?
'For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil. Therefore leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgement.' (Heb 5v13-6v2)
Do some of us need to start eating a little more meat? If we profess to be believers for a long time and still struggle with resurrection of the dead and eternal judgement, which the latter, today, is rarely spoken of because it offends our pathetic post-modern mindset of the passive, nebular God, who is soft on sin and can't possibly judge anyone because He is love - shouldn't we be reading our Bibles more in earnest and believe what the Bible actually teaches rather than trying to reinterpret the Bible to make it politically correct? Does it surprise you that most of the prophets were rejected in their hometowns and we have a crisis in this country, were many professing believers no longer endure sound teaching?
How did Paul advise the younger Pastor timothy to mature in His faith in God?
'Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine' (1 Tim 4V13)
'Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.' (1 Tim 4v16)
'You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.' (2 Tim v2)
'Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.' (2 Tim 2v15)
Well then we may see through a mirror dimly, there may be a few grey areas in our understanding in certain aspects, but there are no grey areas with God! We must strive for spiritual maturity, aiming to become more like Him in our Christian character in words and by our actions.
When John writes to little children, young men and fathers in 1 John 2:12-14 he is addressing and encouraging them in their spiritual state. This isn't just simply a nice, pleasant benediction so there's a kind word for everyone. John is testifying of spiritual truths. John could testify of the outworking of the writings contained in scripture evidenced in people's lives!
Remember what Jesus said about how the Scriptures testify of Him!
'You search the scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.' (John 5v39)
Why were the Bereans more noble than those in Thessalonica? Because ...wait for it...
'They searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so' (Acts 17v11)
Could we learn something here or take a leaf out of their book? The above is one good reason why we need more Bible study. Let's run the good race and fight the good fight, pressing onto maturity, being conformed to the likeness of Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith! Let's wake up from our spiritual apathy and neutrality and get back to reading the Bible in its entirety and start doing what it actually says!
Amen! |
