GROWING IN THE GRACE OF CHRIST
Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi
Ephesians 4:15 "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"
The spiritual growth of the born again christian is not a reference to an aging process of the spirit but an acquaintance with the workings and dynamics of the spirit -world.The born again spirit is a clone of the Holy Ghost. It was not when we became born again that our spirits began. Just as the wind did not come into existence when you felt it for the first time on your face. We have been in existence in the heart of God before the world was formed. The scriptures says in Ephesians 1:4 "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:" Our physical manifestation as sons of God began the day we gave our lives to Christ.
Like growing children, we are expected to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2Pet.3:18) We should not be contented with being spiritually immature, it is unhealthy and exposes us to satanic manipulations and oppression (Heb.5:12-14).
Spiritual maturity is attained by a commitment to allow God’s word work through us,by so doing the character of Christ is formed in us (Col.3:16) through the sanctifying power of God’s word (John 17:17,Psalm119:11,1Pet.2:2-3) The word of God is effective and powerful in the transformation of a life. It is most effective when we willingly jettison whatever is a hindrance to the pursuit of righteousness with perseverance(. Heb.12:1) this requires putting more effort into living a godly life ( 2Pet.3:14) and abiding in Jesus Christ by allowing His word be the final authority in our lives , this results in a fruitful adventure of faith which glorifies God. This is what it means to work out our salvation :Phil.2:12-13 says " Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. "
Through God’s word we are transformed into the likeness of Christ, the scriptures says in 2Cor. 3:18 "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." Spiritual growth is both achievable and measurable, it is characterized by the manifestation of certain undeniable spiritual virtues such as faith,goodness,knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness,brotherly kindness and love ( 2Peter 1:5-9)
Spiritual growth is achieved by being a committed member of a congregation by attending regularly and protecting the unity of the church and acting in love towards others (1peter 1:22) it also involves sharing the responsibility of the church by praying for increase and being active in evangelism (1Thes 1:1-2,luke14:23). Seeking to serve in one's local church by discovering one's gift and talents and using them to glorify God enhances growth spiritually (1Pet.4:10) service should be coupled with regular attendance and sharing one's testimony (Hebrews 10:25,Phil1:27) and giving of the ceremonial tithes and offerings for missionary and benevolent services that we may learn to put God first in our marriage, business, jobs ,finances and relationships (Deut14:23f)
Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me for my sins against you, I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation, I receive him as lord and saviour and receive grace for excellence and productivity in Jesus name.
Free Prayer / counseling + 2348098536911 + 2348035536911 Email : Michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
Ephesians 4:15 "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"
The spiritual growth of the born again christian is not a reference to an aging process of the spirit but an acquaintance with the workings and dynamics of the spirit -world.The born again spirit is a clone of the Holy Ghost. It was not when we became born again that our spirits began. Just as the wind did not come into existence when you felt it for the first time on your face. We have been in existence in the heart of God before the world was formed. The scriptures says in Ephesians 1:4 "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:" Our physical manifestation as sons of God began the day we gave our lives to Christ.
Like growing children, we are expected to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2Pet.3:18) We should not be contented with being spiritually immature, it is unhealthy and exposes us to satanic manipulations and oppression (Heb.5:12-14).
Spiritual maturity is attained by a commitment to allow God’s word work through us,by so doing the character of Christ is formed in us (Col.3:16) through the sanctifying power of God’s word (John 17:17,Psalm119:11,1Pet.2:2-3) The word of God is effective and powerful in the transformation of a life. It is most effective when we willingly jettison whatever is a hindrance to the pursuit of righteousness with perseverance(. Heb.12:1) this requires putting more effort into living a godly life ( 2Pet.3:14) and abiding in Jesus Christ by allowing His word be the final authority in our lives , this results in a fruitful adventure of faith which glorifies God. This is what it means to work out our salvation :Phil.2:12-13 says " Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. "
Through God’s word we are transformed into the likeness of Christ, the scriptures says in 2Cor. 3:18 "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." Spiritual growth is both achievable and measurable, it is characterized by the manifestation of certain undeniable spiritual virtues such as faith,goodness,knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness,brotherly kindness and love ( 2Peter 1:5-9)
Spiritual growth is achieved by being a committed member of a congregation by attending regularly and protecting the unity of the church and acting in love towards others (1peter 1:22) it also involves sharing the responsibility of the church by praying for increase and being active in evangelism (1Thes 1:1-2,luke14:23). Seeking to serve in one's local church by discovering one's gift and talents and using them to glorify God enhances growth spiritually (1Pet.4:10) service should be coupled with regular attendance and sharing one's testimony (Hebrews 10:25,Phil1:27) and giving of the ceremonial tithes and offerings for missionary and benevolent services that we may learn to put God first in our marriage, business, jobs ,finances and relationships (Deut14:23f)
Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me for my sins against you, I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation, I receive him as lord and saviour and receive grace for excellence and productivity in Jesus name.
Free Prayer / counseling + 2348098536911 + 2348035536911 Email : Michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
Pics credit : GeraldFriedrich / pixabay
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