Growth and Maturity in Christ
“Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He (God, the Father) made Him (Jesus Christ, God the Son) who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
2 Corinthians 5: 17-21
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.”
Romans 8: 1,2
The greatest accomplishment to be made in anyone’s life is to come to the saving knowledge of the Savior, Jesus Christ. All that is required is a sincere repentance, and acceptance of God’s gift of grace. Grace is not anything that you can ever earn, but is unmerited favor from Him. God created you in His image, has proven His love for you on the cross (John 3: 16), and desires eternal fellowship with you. If you have made the decision to follow Christ, then welcome to His family!
“And Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 2: 38
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12: 2
Repentance simply means to “change one’s mind.” The salvation experience, that is giving your life to Christ, is a “spiritual” baptism by which the new Christian “dies” to his old self, and is beginning a new, eternal life in Christ. Water baptism (which does not save you), is a symbolic, public demonstration of our following Christ in His death and resurrection. That does not mean that you will necessarily be instantly changed, but now the Holy Spirit of God resides in you! By the Spirit in you, you are “sanctified,” or set apart for God’s own possession and use. This begins the process, by conviction of the Holy Spirit, by which we grow in our faith and character, throwing off the “baggage” of the world.
Walking in the Christian faith is not burdensome, as the unbelieving world would say. There is nothing more liberating and fulfilling than living for your Creator and seeking to do the things that please Him. True growth and maturity in Christ comes by pursuing your walk in several ways.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4: 6,7
First, seek a personal relationship with Him. Prayer is the single, most important part of your walk with Him. Diligently seek Him in prayer, even when you think that no one is listening. He does not (necessarily) answer in audible or physical ways. But by faithful, persistent prayer, and discernment from His Spirit in you, He will reveal Himself to you in no uncertain terms (John 14: 21).
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16,17
Second, the Bible is God’s revealed will and instruction for us. Despite the lies of false teachers, the belief that Scripture is His inspired Word, without error or contradiction, is essential to the Christian faith. There is legitimate cause for caution in regard to accuracy in some, even most translations. This writer recommends The New American Standard Bible (NASB), as the most accurate modern version. Of course that may be arguable to some, and it is also arguable whether any modern translation is absolutely true to the original, ancient writings. I encourage using more than one version in questions of accuracy. Pray for discernment, for “accurate handling” of His Word, that He would reveal His intended meaning. But the scripture is not only for the “clergy.” God intends for every believer to be well versed and “vigilant” in His word. Make reading and studying the Bible a regular part of your Christian walk.
“…And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…”
Hebrews 10: 24,25
“…And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…”
Acts 2: 42
And third, fellowship and accountability with other believers is very important. When we were lost, our fellowship was with others who were lost. If we are now in Christ, our fellowship should be with other Christians. Scripture says, “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27: 17). Scripture does not require “joining” a corporate entity or, in most cases, what have become mere theatrical productions and religion clubs. But true community with other believers, who study the Bible and pray, is the fellowship recommended in God’s Word that will lead to maturity in the faith, and in your relationship with the Lord.
“Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.”
1 Corinthians 6: 9-11
“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the spirit.”
Galatians 5: 19-25
“But flee from these things, you man of God; and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called…”
1Timothy 6: 11-12
“…Until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.”
Ephesians 4: 13
These passages, and others from the Word, are God’s instructions to us concerning His standard of moral conduct. With all of the allures of Hollywood and the entertainment “industry,” the very concept of moral character has fallen on hard times to recent generations of Americans. But one day, every one of us will stand before God and give an account of ourselves. For those who are His redeemed, it will be a day of “inexpressible joy,” and for many more, a day of grieving and terror. There will be no media gurus, “philosophers,” or “sociologists” to justify our conduct. There will be no ACLU lawyers to defend us (they may have problems of their own). It will only be by God’s grace that any will stand “justified” in that great and terrible “Day of the Lord,” (2Peter 3: 10-12).
All of us are sinners, and we all need God’s grace every day. Even having been redeemed by His grace through faith, we still struggle with sin that we have dragged into our Christian lives. And temptations of the world will continue. Satan is real, and he will cause you to challenge your own faith. The Bible refers to the devil as an “accuser of the brethren.” He vies with God over the souls of people and will tell you that you are not worthy of salvation, and that God doesn’t care about you. Let no such accusation from Hell dissuade you. God’s grace is sufficient for you, once and for all time. When you “stumble” and sin, stand on your faith. Repent of it, again. This doesn’t mean that you fall in and out of grace. If you are His, then your name has been in the Lamb’s Book of Life since before the “foundation of the world,” and no one can “snatch you out of His hand.” Stand on His promises that, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness,” (1John 1: 9), and that “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 1: 6). Faithfully pursue the things that please God.
“Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.”
Romans 12: 9
“For everyone who partakes only of milk, is not accustomed to the Word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.”
Hebrews 5: 13-14
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
James 1: 2-4
“But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another, and we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men. See that no one repays evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all men. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of Peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Thessalonians 5: 12-23
