Toward Spiritual Perfection

Mature in Jesus the Christ The Word of God says that, “…Jesus kept increasing in wisdom (i.e., mentally) and stature (i.e., physically), and in favor with God (i.e., spiritually) and men (i.e., socially).” [Luke 2:52] INTRODUCTION As we strive to live in this world, we must accept Jesus the Christ as our example (Ephesians 5:1-2). He said, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house [or, business]?” [Luke 2:49]. In order to grow up in Christ; we need to recognize that we too must also imitate Christ and “…become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him” [Luke 2:40]. A person growing up in Christ is one that is maturing and continues to be stable doctrinally. He knows what the Word of God says and is diligently practicing it knowing that it leads him to Heaven. He is not moved away from the faith by every whim and fancy that he encounters. “For as he thinks within himself [or, heart], so he is.” [Proverbs 23:7]… “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to [its] lusts” [Romans 13:14]. To Mature in Christ is to: Determine Christ’s Calendar for Life- “As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, "I will follow You wherever You go." And Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." And He said to another, "Follow Me." But he said, "Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father." But He said to him, "Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God." Another also said, "I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home."But Jesus said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." [Luke 9:57-62] (see Matthew 10:32-39, 11:28; 2Peter 3:3-9; Zechariah 3:7) Questions: What am I putting ahead of following Christ’s will (Luke 22:42)? Why am I not showing appreciation for God’s mercy daily? Prepare the Mind for action- “Therefore, gird the loins of your minds for action, be sober [in spirit], fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As children of obedience, do not be conformed to the former lusts [which were yours] in your ignorance, but according to the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY"” [1Peter 1:13-16]. (see Ezra 7:10) Question: Am I prepared through God’s word to do His will? Am I prepared to engage in good deeds that please God (Titus 3:1, 14)? Remain Faithfully in Christ- Noun: κατάκριμα (katakrima) is the sentence pronounced or the condemnation, with the resulting punishment (Romans 5:16, 18; 8:1). “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” [Romans 8:1], and “… if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name” [1Peter 4:16]. (see Isaiah 64:8; Jeremiah 18:1-9; Ephesians 2:10-22; John 14:15; 2Timothy 2:19-22) Question: What must I do to truly understand and maintain my relationship to and with Christ (2Corinthians 13:5-8; 1Corinthians 4:4)?