The Necessity of Spiritual Growth -- Ephesians 4:14-16
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The Necessity of Spiritual Growth -- Ephesians 4:14-16
Salvation is not the end point of Christianity. Our knowledge of forgiven sins and a future heavenly home should not lull us into apathy. A new birth experience is only the beginning of the Christian life. Romans 8:29 says, from that moment on, the Father conforms new saints to the image of His Son Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 4:15 says, "We are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ." Our understanding of Scripture is minimal when we're first saved. New Testament writers often used the metaphor of a baby to describe new believers. If a child stopped growing at three months, the parents would be troubled. In the same way, God is concerned when believers fail to mature. His plan is to turn us from babies into spiritual giants.
As we meditate on Scripture and apply its principles, we leave spiritual immaturity behind. Then, we learn to make wise choices by distinguishing truth from error. And, we strive to please God with every decision and action. This is exactly what Jesus did while He was on earth. Galatians chapter five says when we seek to please the Father, our life is increasingly characterized by love, kindness, faithfulness, and all the other fruit of the Spirit. And, our spirit begins to look like Christ's.
Spiritual infancy is not our calling. We're privileged to grow into image-bearers of Christ. Make the effort to build a relationship with the Lord through prayer and Scripture meditation. Accept His purifying work in your life.
Dr. Charles Stanley
Ephesians 4:15 says, "We are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ." Our understanding of Scripture is minimal when we're first saved. New Testament writers often used the metaphor of a baby to describe new believers. If a child stopped growing at three months, the parents would be troubled. In the same way, God is concerned when believers fail to mature. His plan is to turn us from babies into spiritual giants.
As we meditate on Scripture and apply its principles, we leave spiritual immaturity behind. Then, we learn to make wise choices by distinguishing truth from error. And, we strive to please God with every decision and action. This is exactly what Jesus did while He was on earth. Galatians chapter five says when we seek to please the Father, our life is increasingly characterized by love, kindness, faithfulness, and all the other fruit of the Spirit. And, our spirit begins to look like Christ's.
Spiritual infancy is not our calling. We're privileged to grow into image-bearers of Christ. Make the effort to build a relationship with the Lord through prayer and Scripture meditation. Accept His purifying work in your life.
Dr. Charles Stanley
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» Testing Our Spiritual Growth -- 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4
» Spiritual Rebirth
» Growth
» Spiritual Shortsightedness -- Genesis 25:19-34
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