Growing strong And sturdy In faith – Pastor Chris
Friday, March 17, 2017
And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:1).
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In 1 Peter 2:2, the Bible says, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” Peter, here, was referring to Christians who had just newly received salvation and needed to feed on the sincere milk of the Word to help them grow, which is okay.
But, in 1 Corinthians 3, Paul wasn’t referring to new converts. He used the Greek word “nepios” which refers to someone who is childish in behaviour, attitude, understanding, and particularly, communication. He rebuked the “nepios” for their continued need for milk though they were no longer children. He said, “I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able” (1 Corinthians 3:2).
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It’s like when we tell people who have been Christians for a while, “God is going to heal you today. He’ll make a way for you, where there’s no way. He’ll do your fighting for you; just stand back and see the salvation of the Lord.” That’s for “nepios”—babes. Those who are mature don’t stand back to see the salvation of the Lord; they have their spiritual senses exercised, and go in the offensive to take what belongs to them.
The Bible says, “For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:13-14). Galatians 4:1 says, “…That the heir, as long as he is a child (nepios), differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all.” Did you see that? Though an inheritance belongs to him, he’ll remain a servant as long as he’s a child. This isn’t God’s dream for His children; He wants them to grow spiritually.
Only the Word of God can make you grow up strong and sturdy in faith. Give attention to God’s Word; it’ll build you up spiritually, mentally, and emotionally, and make you a champion in life.
Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you for building my spirit with your Word, thereby causing me to grow strong and prevailing faith. Your Word is my light and my life, and I desire it more than my necessary food, longing for it even as the deer pants for the water brooks, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
further study: 2 Peter 3:18; ephesians 4:14-15; romans 10:17
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Luke 1:57-80 deuteronomy 8-10
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Matthew 23:23-39 exodus 26
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