Maturing as Christians

In Part Two, we learned about understanding and embracing the relationship of being controlled by the Holy Spirit to spiritual maturity. Since being indwelt by, and guided by the Holy Spirit and spiritual maturity are interrelated, then there should be stages of development in our Christian lives! How do we know this is true? Again Paul teaches us, “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to

Learning the truth about the Holy Spirit means understanding and embracing the relationship of being Spirit-filled to spiritual maturity. It’s the filling ministry of the Holy Spirit that brings the teaching about Him into every facet of life and service.  In other words, filling is the channel by which the Spirit’s ministries are worked in and through believers. Being Spirit-filled is not always clearly understood and embraced. Let’s look at Paul’s words to us. He says, “But

Learning the truth about the Holy Spirit means understanding He is fully God. He’s not one-third God. He eternally exists along with the Father and the Son, each of whom also possesses fully the identically same divine nature. He’s God's divine, personal presence within believers who guides into all truth, empowers Christian living, reveals Jesus, and helps one obey God and understand Scripture, transforming lives through a relationship of trust and surrender. If you want to

Paul teaches, “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Philippians 4:11).  Learning contentment means experiencing and recognizing God's active, purposeful guidance and care in all aspects of life, not as random chance, but as a demonstration of His sovereignty. It's a learned skill, not a feeling. Contentment isn't something you are born with; it's a skill that must be practiced and learned over time. It is a deliberate c

What does it mean to be discontent? Biblically, discontent means a deep dissatisfaction with God's provision and rule in your life, stemming from a lack of trust, doubting His goodness, and wanting something different or better than what He's allowed, essentially prioritizing personal desires over God's plan, often leading to grumbling, worry, or sin. It's the opposite of biblical contentment, which finds peace and sufficiency in God, even in hardship, by recognizing His ulti

God welcomes our praying to Him! He enjoys our praying with Him. Those who expect to receive comforts from God, must call upon Him. Promises are given, not to do away, but to quicken and encourage prayer. God said to the prophet Jeremiah, "Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3).  Call - This is not a suggestion but a command to Jeremiah. By way of application it is a command to all believers. Call

Do you have this mindset? Apostle Paul teaches, "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20).  With those words, Paul is encouraging Christ followers to develop the maranatha mindset! In contrast with those of the world, believers are to have a very different perspective on life. As Paul reminds us, our homeland is in heaven, not here on earth. In this life, citizenship is an important function, but