THE ESSENCE OF GROWING
IN CHRIST – EDIFICATION MATURITY AND SERVICE
By Dr. E Kimosop
A believer posted two questions to me:
Here is the first question: Does Spiritual weakness relate to sin?
Put differently,
this question can perhaps be rephrased: Is sinful disobedience in the life of a believer
evidence of spiritual weakness?
If by reference to spiritual weakness we imply spiritual immaturity, then the answer to the first question is in the affirmative. A young believer is more susceptible or predisposed to sinful disobedience compared to a mature believer. Spiritual immaturity is perhaps best illustrated in Scripture under the Corinthian church experience described in Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians.
Paul
adjudged the Corinthians as “spiritual babes” because of their open schisms or
divisions, among other factors (1 Corinthians 3).
The Corinthians displayed
ungodly pride. They split into groups allied to different religious leaders –
Paul, Apollos and Peter (1 Corinthians 3:1-17). They also took their Christian community disputes to
civil courts rather than solving them in their midst (1 Corinthians 6:1-11).
They were puffed
up by the gift of tongues which the Holy Spirit bestowed upon them in generous
measure (1 Corinthians 14:6-18). They lacked the maturity required in handling
the spiritual gifts and applying them with wisdom. Some among them engaged
in sexual immorality. This was evidence of carnality or lubricity among them. One
may also classify their inability to address moral sin in their midst as compelling evidence
of the spiritual immaturity (1 Corinthians 5). Notice the implications of Paul’s
rebuke in vv. 3, 6).
This is not to
suggest that young believers should be overly given to sin or are unable to
exercise moral restraint. It does not also suggest that mature believers are immune
to sin. All believers are at various levels of Christian maturity and prudence
but none is perfect before God. They should therefore walk in utter circumspect
at all times. The Holy Spirit, elsewhere described as the Spirit of truth, dwells
in believers and therefore guides us in truth (John 14:15-18). Believers are
holy people of God who should keep to the narrow path and serve God with faithfulness (1 Peter 2:9). Galatians 5:16 says “I
say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”.
Notice Paul’s five rhetorical
questions in 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 which says “14 Do not be unequally yoked
together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with
lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord
has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And
what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the
living God…” (NKJV).
Paul is describing the uniqueness of God's covenant people in a sinful world. They are God's treasured
vessels of honor sanctified and useful for the Master (2 Timothy 2:20-21).
Now to address the
second question posted by the believer…
What does spiritual
strength depend on?
The spiritual strength
of a believer is the substance of their moral fortitude. This depends on the spiritual foundation that the believer has received
in their Christian upbringing. A mature believer is one who has been sufficiently grounded
in doctrine. They possess evidence of maturity in Christ and are better able to live for Him and serve Him with diligence (Acts 2:42; Ephesians 4:12-16; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 2 Timothy 2:15). Spiritual grounding
involves a process of regular and consistent congregational edification, personal
devotion to God’s word (Psalm 119:10-16, 105) Christian fellowship, and mentorship. This requires the submission of the believer and their yearning for growth.
Paul observed Timothy’s diligence in learning from Paul’s moral fortitude and practical ministry life. Notice his commendation in 2 Timothy 3:10-13. Paul also acknowledges the role of Timothy’s childhood training in the holy Scriptures through the agency of his godly Jewish grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:3-7). This foundation had a profound impact on Timothy’s moral prudence and his calling to Christian service. The celebration of the power, efficacy, sufficiency, and authority of Scripture in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 was actually drawn from the concluding section of Paul’s exhortation to Timothy. Paul proclaims thus: “16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (NKJV).
Scripture is the pivotal tool that underlies the Christian maturity process. It is the surgical instrument that shapes the believer's worldview and guides them in truth.
Bible scholars believe that 2 Timothy was Paul’s final prison epistle that was written shortly before his martyrdom by Nero in circa 62-64 AD. The exhortations conveyed in this epistle are of profound significance in demonstrating the deep bonding that Paul had built with Timothy. Notice the endearing address in the salutation or opening section of this letter: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of
God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,”
2 To Timothy,
a beloved son:
Grace, mercy,
and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NKJV).
Paul describes Timothy as a beloved son. This is not in the biological but spiritual essence. He raised, mentored, and affirmed Timothy in the faith before commissioning him to ministry service. Their bonding and ministry partnership can be traced back to Acts 16 when Paul picked up Timothy during his missionary journey. This was shortly after he dropped John Mark in Acts 15.
CONCLUSION
There are no shortcuts in the journey of faith. Here is why...
Believers are
products of the religious or spiritual training they receive. Where a Christian
community pays little attention to the holistic exhortation of God’s word and in the
mentorship of believers, weak and vulnerable Christians will emerge from their pews. The
church should therefore invest in quality teaching and exhortation programs
that serve to develop mature believers who can serve the church and their societies
of context. The believer should also be willing and available for regular and
consistent instruction and mentorship. "Nomadic" Christianity is an increasingly common
phenomenon in contemporary society. Believers who consistently skip church
or hop from one church congregation to another are less likely to be grounded
in truth. Believers should also engage in regular Christian fellowship opportunities
for edification and moral accountability.
Are you growing in Christian edification, maturity, and service?
© Ezekiel Kimosop
2025
Spiritually edified Rev, thanks.
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