MATURE EDITION:
The time has come for us as a body to attain unity of the faith and to grow into the likeness of Christ, who is our head. The theme of this year’s National Conference is from Ephesians 4:13, which says, “Until we all attain the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”(ESV)
It is God’s plan that we as Christians grow into the stature and of the fullness of Christ. Becoming continually molded into the image and character of Christ is what is called Christian maturity. It is recorded in scriptures that Christ himself grew – ‘And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52).
It is expected that we grow into maturity in our Christian walk and not remain as infants. In writing to the Christians in Ephesus, Paul challenged these groups of believers to no longer choose to be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, blown here and there by every wind of teaching, or deceived by the cunning and craftiness of deceitful schemers (Ephesians 4:15).
Paul challenged them to be firm and persuaded in their pursuit of Christ. A sure sign of graduating from spiritual infancy into spiritual maturity is when Christ is fully formed in you and you continue to live your life in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness (Colossians 2:6).
Growth and maturity are not optional for believers. Therefore, we must rid ourselves of “all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind and like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it we may grow up in our salvation, now that we have tasted that the Lord is good” (1 Peter 2:1-3). What an encouragement! Maturity is possible, and it takes diligent attention to reflect and take action to mature.
It is God’s desire and will that we grow and continue to mature until Christ is fully formed in us (Galatians 4:19). However, we have a part to play in getting to maturity. In Paul’s book to the church in Ephesus, he emphasized that there are things that Christians must do and those that they must not do. In Eph. 4:17-32 we read about Paul’s instruction for Christian living as follows:
“So, I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.
20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Paul makes it clear what the ingredients for maturity are. Do you want to mature? You must put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. That is the goal of why we gather this weekend – to be made new, to be transformed, and to become mature in Christ.
The Bethel Campus Fellowship 2022 National Conference has been designed to jumpstart your spiritual walk with Jesus Christ and to position you in a community of believers that will enable your faith. Bethel Campus Fellowship is that community that can support you in addition to your church family.
Do not forget to fill your spiritual tool kit with prayer and fasting, Bible study (Word), righteousness and holy living, fellowship, praise and worship, faith, giving, etc. Pursue the fruit of the holy Spirit which are love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
It is possible to live the life of a matured believer. It will cost you sin, laziness and unbelief. Would you be willing to give those away? Are you willing to pay the price? God is ready to exchange everything that represents your old self and usher you into His presence and maturity.
God bless you richly.
Please feel free to reach me at contact@bethelcampusfellowship.com if you have any questions or if you need counseling.
With love,
Uncle George
National Director,
Bethel Campus Fellowship, Inc.
