No Desire Dictates No Development - Part Two
"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby..." - 1 Peter 2:2 (KJV)
In a previous blog, we examined the essential element of desire with respect to one’s spiritual development. We established that desire must precede development. Now let’s turn our attention to growth, a natural result of desiring the sincere milk of the Word of God.
To “grow” means to arise or issue as a natural development from an original happening, circumstance, or source. For the genuine, born-again believer, God our Father is our only source for salvation and the new birth. Therefore, the original happening originates with God as a supernatural development. He brought us into this world and in His wisdom He has given us a superior source for our sustenance and growth: the Word of God. Reliance on the ministry and power of the Word of God is mandatory for the growth of the Christian.
Spiritually healthy hearts hunger for the pure milk of the Word of God. It is paramount that the milk of the Word must be of the purest formula and not polluted with the personal agendas of proud men that promote themselves, their programs and purposes.
“For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” - 2 Corinthians 2:17 (KJV)
The Bible also indicates that there is a season when we must move from spiritual mile to meat (spiritual solids). This was evident when the Apostle Paul addressed some in the Corinthian Church who were caught in carnality because they consistently cried for milk and resisted a diet of spiritual meat.
“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 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 3:1-2 (KJV)
Only through a proper spiritual diet can a follower of Jesus Christ exhibit the growth expected of a Christian. Growth is tantamount because growth is a giant indicator of life! It also points to the purpose and pleasure of the Lord. God wants us to grow and grants us the grace to grow.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we can look to Him as the example of how to grow both physically and spiritually.
“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” - Luke 2:40 (KJV)
Did you notice that growth was manifested in His stature and significantly in the spirit? He was also saturated with wisdom and was granted substantial intellectual abilities. This was evident when He taught Jewish leaders and authorities as a twelve-year old in the Temple. The scriptures indicate that they were “astonished at his understanding and answers” (Luke 2:47).
In addition to the example that we see displayed by Jesus Christ, other disciples such as Peter also called us to grow in grace and in our knowledge of the Lord.
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.” - 2 Peter 3:18
The clear emphasis of spiritual growth in the scriptures indicates that it is a non-negotiable in our lives!
Join me again next week when we will continue to consider the importance of spiritual growth in a Christian’s life.
Not a Sermon But a Thought,
PBKSR