Articles
GROW AND LEARN
As Christians, we need to engage every day in the process of growing in our faith. What does that mean? Several things should be considered that will contribute to our growth. The teaching of the New Testament (all Jesus sent the Apostles after going back to heaven) is our "teaching manual". He gave them "ALL TRUTH" which is the recipe for us to follow. (John 14,16). (Romans 10:17) (focus and set priorities)
You may remember the last thing Peter wrote in his 2nd letter: After warning not to be drawn away from our own steadfastness (faith): "...but GROW IN THE GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity." (2 Peter 3:18)
One primary element of our growth and faith as Christians is to be sure to GROW! I think that means not to stand still or be static in our lives of faith-- it takes action on the part of each of us. When examining the Christians in the early church (Acts) we see this in their lives. They not only grew individually but helped many others to do so also.
Not only the Apostles (Acts 5:42), but the others were involved also. Just as those folks, we need to focus, study God's word daily, and look for opportunities to teach ourselves as well as others. Ask yourself, "have I searched for an opportunity to teach, grow in my faith today?"
" Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word." (Acts 8:4)
"We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your WORK OF FAITH AND LABOR OF LOVE AND STEADFASTNESS OF HOPE IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST in the presence of our God and Father. " (1 Thessalonians 1:2,3)
One of Paul's greatest letters of encouragement and exhortation to Christians is his letter to the Ephesians. In chapter 2 he makes note of who Christians are and how they are to conduct themselves: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus FOR GOOD WORKS, which God prepared beforehand, THAT WE SHOULD WALK IN THEM." (Ephesians 2:10) Later on he adds some details on specifically how important it is to follow these instructions.
Notice with me his teaching in chapter 4 of that great letter. If I was to outline this chapter, I would call it GOD'S INSTRUCTIONS FOR A STRONG CHURCH.
Please notice with me how he begins: "I, THEREFORE, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to WALK IN A MANNER WORTHY OF THE CALLING WITH WHICH YOU HAVE BEEN CALLED, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:1-3)
As one reads further in the chapter he stresses the need for unity; completing his thought in verse 13: "...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 fulness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:13)
Finally, he states in verses 15,16 the importance of the growth of each member and how that contributes to the potential growth of the whole church. And to always remember the need and value of PRAYER, AND FOR ONE ANOTHER.
"...but speaking the truth in love, we ARE TO GROW UP IN ALL ASPECTS INTO HIM, WHO IS THE HEAD, EVEN CHRIST, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, ACCORDING TO THE PROPER WORKING OF EACH INDIVIDUAL PART, CAUSES THE GROWTH OF THE BODY FOR THE BUILDING UP OF ITSELF IN LOVE. " (Ephesians 4:15,16)
Throughout this chapter Paul places great emphasis on the need to GROW AND LEARN in our Christian faith. By putting away the old (things before) and by putting on the new character belonging to God's people. Christians live a life of change -- from things of the "world" to the things of God. Focus and priority has to put His things first in our lives, helping our faith GROW AND STRENGTHEN us to even more spiritual value in time. For us to grow is to always USE EVERY DAY TO GROW IN OUR FAITH! Remember Peter's reminder to Christians back then.
Things I feel we all need to think about if we are to grow as He intends us to.
Ross
