Saturday June 11, 2022
Topic: Spiritual Development.
Scripture References: 1 Peter 2:1-3; Galatians 5:22
Exposition:
Spiritual development with respect to the Christian faith is one’s ability to actualise godliness. It is both a place of knowledge and action. Spiritual development, which is built on intimacy and obedience, signifies how well we know the Lord Jesus Christ and how willingly we walk in the knowledge of our Lord. The first step of spiritual development, which is intimacy, comes through prayer and the study and meditation on God’s word. The second step, which is obedience, is the willingness to walk in what we have been instructed on.
In 1 Peter 2:1-3, the author specified two main areas one has to critically observe in order to grow in the salvation they have received. The first area is to let go of malice, hypocrisy, deceit, envy and slander. After letting go, the next thing is to desire God’s pure word. Just as a baby would grow because of milk from the mother, God’s word, like pure spiritual milk, would propel our spiritual growth.
How do we then tell that a believer is developing spiritually? Galatians 5:22 then goes ahead to talk about marks of spiritual development. Just as we know a mature tree by its fruit, so do we identify a mature spiritual believer by their deeds or fruits. Some of these fruits are joy, peace, kindness and faithfulness amongst others. When we become believers, God’s desire for us is to let go off the world and become like Him in every way that is true spiritual growth!
The aim of prayer, teaching of God’s word, church attendance and participation in church activities is for us to be transformed into the image of Christ. Without being transformed, our growth in the Lord is questionable. Spiritual development is marked by tangible fruits. When we grow spiritually, people will definitely notice; we will not have to announce it to them.
Prayer Guide: Dear Lord, may we desire that pure milk that would build us up to become like you. May we also grow in obedience and reverence for your word.
Memory Verse For This Week: Luke chapter 2 verse 52: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favour with God and man.”