Faith Growing
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
2 Peter 3:18
Today's Bible Reading: Hebrews 5:9-14 & 6:1-3.
In Hebrews 5:11-14, we see the characteristics of a group of believers who are not maturing in their faith. Some had become Lazy or “Dull’ of hearing” (v 11). There was no drive or initiative, and this prevents understanding. They sat and listened, but were not paying attention and applying what they had learned from God’s Word. For others, there was a Refusal to Grow (v 12). They had a knowledge of Jesus and identified with Him, but they refused to mature in their faith and apply it to their lives. Other believers were spiritually underdeveloped because they were unskilled (inexperienced) in the Word of God (v13); And finally, some of the believers remained spiritually immature because they did not exercise their mental and spiritual senses (v14) and are therefore unable to discern between good and evil.
Reviewing the characteristics of a stunted Christian may hit a little close to home for some of us. So what is the remedy? How can we become fully developed and mature Christians? Hebrews 6:1-3 offers some guidance.
First: We must build on the teachings that we already know (Heb 6:1). The foundation has already been laid. Now we need to develop our spiritual structure, adding depth and understanding.
Second: We must be determined to grow (6:3). The author makes a declaration (“This we will do”), which shows the determination required to grow as a Christian.
Third: We must also realize that we are totally dependent upon God for growth. By saying, “if God permits” (6:3), the author shows that we cannot grow apart from His strength.
To summarize, the answer for a stunted and immature spiritual walk is a motivation to build on the foundation we have, with determination and a reliance on God’s faithfulness and strength.
Friends, it is easy to slip into laziness and immaturity. We must passionately and deliberately pursue our Saviour and the incredible wealth of wisdom He has given us. This will strengthen our faith walk and better prepare us to impact the world in the Lord's work.
Prayer
Father, Miracle-Worker, I put my trust and my faith in You because I know that nothing is impossible with You. Erase my doubts, and fears and strengthen me in my faith I ask, in Jesus name. Amen.
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