Written by REVELATIONS FOR TODAY by Pastor Michael Obata
Ephesians 4:13 – New Living Translation (NLT)
13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
GOD’s desire is for HIS children to grow spiritually to a level that is comparable to Jesus Christ (the first of the begotten). The scriptures in 1 John 4:17 says “Love is made perfect in us in order that we may have courage on the Judgment Day; and we will have it because our life in this world is the same as Christ’s”. There are two types of Christians the spiritually immature (infants in Christ) and the spiritually mature Christian. The only difference between infants in Christ and the unbelievers is the simple fact that they acknowledge Christ Jesus as the Son of GOD and believe in HIS birth, death, and resurrection. However, their character, conduct, speech, and lifestyle are no different to that of unbelievers. They lack the understanding of what it means to have Christ Jesus as LORD over their lives. 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 – Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. In fact, you are still not ready, for you are still worldly…… The spiritually immature must be fed with milk all the time even if they have been Christians for years. They lack spiritual wisdom, knowledge and understanding because they are hearers only and not doers of the word of GOD.
But the mature Christian irrespective of how long they have been born again are filled with spiritual wisdom, understanding and knowledge. Their lives are an example for others to follow. You can easily recognise Christ in the way they speak, their conduct, character, and their lifestyle. The glory of GOD is so evident in their lives for they actively seek GOD’s purpose for their lives. They blossom in all that they do. These are Christians that has made Christ Jesus the LORD of their lives. Their mindset is Just like that of Apostle Paul – I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me – Galatians 2:20.
GOD’s desire is that we come to full knowledge of CHRIST: the WORD of GOD. Our Heavenly FATHER commends us to the grace of HIS word which can build us up and cause us to receive the promised inheritance (Acts 20:32). This promised inheritance is received through full knowledge of GOD’s word which in turn causes the Christian to attain spiritual maturity. This is the realm of glory where a Christian experience perfect peace, favour and see the full manifestation of GOD’s glory in their lives. A place where his life is not determined by the economy or the circumstances of this world, but by GOD (the divine destiny). A spiritually mature Christian is always triumphant in every situation which is a testimony to the Glory of GOD. They are the light and salt (solutions and example) for this world – Matthew 5:13-16.
Let us continually strive to attain spiritual maturity. Let us continually build ourselves up on the WORD of GOD, praying in the Holy Spirit, and continually seek GOD’s purpose for our lives. Praise GOD!
Scripture meditation
Galatians 5:16-26, Hebrews 5:12, Colossians 1:28, Philippians 3:14, & 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Prayer
Glorious FATHER, thank You for the gift of Your WORD and SPIRIT in me. FATHER make me grow spiritually and reach the measure of the fullness of Christ, manifesting His spiritual completeness and exercising my spiritual gifts in the Body of Christ for Your Glory. In Jesus Name.
Confession
I am growing in the faith & knowledge of our LORD Jesus Christ!