Today we are looking at a sequel to last week’s thought, as we consider becoming mature in Christ, and the correlation between being as little children and mature children of our Father. Ephesians 4:15-16 instructs that the church should grow “up in all things into Him”, and what is intended for the entire church begins with every individual member! The first step in becoming mature in Christ is to partake of His word and to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” 1 Peter 2:2 & 2 Peter 3:18, not just in our head, but in life changing experience! Through this we become “strong in the Lord and in the power of His might”, Ephesians 6:10; thus avoiding remaining as spiritual infants or being in immaturity, see Hebrews 5:12-14. Next we come to see that the gospel is promulgated through us by the power of the Holy Spirit, see Acts 1:8. As we follow Him in all His ways grasping the knowledge of His indwelling presence, and that we are here to do His work. The balance between the two, being as little children, and becoming mature children is seen in Peter (with John) in Acts 3 as he faces a man that was lame all of his life, knowing his standing in Jesus and the mandate to carry on His work said, “… what I do have I give you; In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Seeing the miracle of the man totally healed the people begin to look at Peter and John as someone great, but Peter immediately seeks to turn attention from them-selves pointing it to Jesus. Thus we see maturity in boldness, faith, and power, yet childlike in humility, as they acknowledge their weakness and their inability, ascribing it all to Jesus, recognizing that His alone “is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever” Matthew 6:13.
Growing up
By Rose Hill
In all things God wants us to grow up,
So with His word we fill our cup.
As a baby for milk we long,
We need His Word to make us strong.
We grow in knowledge as on this word we feed,
And grace will grow in us as we plant its seed.
Growing in love is an important thing,
When it shows we bring honor to our King.
We are growing as a witness in the hour,
That we receive His mighty power.
As we are delivered from the evil one,
Then we will make His kingdom come …”
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.