Surely preaching should convince others into moral action to imitate Jesus both in word and deed. However there is a disturbing misconception prevalent today that the maturity of believers relating to non salvation issues is not really all that important!
Many are familiar with these famous words "Let the little children come to Me and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."(Mark 10:15)
The above verse is often quoted and misconstrued as an excuse to ignore the deeper tenets of the faith. Sometimes there is a failure to distinguish between a child like faith characterized by obedience to God and His commandments and an unwillingness to dine on what Paul referred to as more solid meat.
After All, when Paul Wrote To The Corinthians He Reminded Them
"When I was a child, I spoke as a child. I understood as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things." (1 Corinthians 13:11)
And when Paul wrote to the Hebrews he encouraged them saying
Therefore leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.' (Hebrews 6:1-2)
Some need to start eating a little more meat? If they profess to be mature believers and still struggle with the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment shouldn't they also be reading their Bibles more in earnest and believe what the Bible actually teaches? Is it any surprise that most of the prophets were rejected in their hometowns and that there is a crisis in this country now as many professing believers deny the virgin birth, the deity of Jesus and His resurrection?
How did Paul advise the younger Pastor Timothy to mature in His faith in God?
Paul exhorted Timothy to prioritize doctrine both for salvation, maturity and for the sake of others also. "Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you." (1 Tim 4:16)
Maybe there are a few grey areas in one’s comprehension. However there are no grey areas with God! His followers must strive for spiritual maturity. They must aim to imitate Him in their Christian character, both in words and actions.
Furthermore when John writes to little children, young men and fathers in 1 John 2:12-14 he is addressing and encouraging them in their spiritual state. This isn't just simply a nice, pleasant benediction so there's a kind word for everyone.
John is testifying of spiritual truths. John could testify of the outworking of the writings contained in scripture evidenced in people's lives!
Moreover why did Luke write that the Bereans were more noble than those in Thessalonica?
Because "they received the word with all readiness and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11)
Can anyone learn something about maturity here from Jesus, Paul, Timothy, Luke, John and the Bereans? Surely everyone should have a child like obedience to God but not a stagnant, childish understanding of His ways. Certainly more quality Bible study is essential to spiritual growth and heart felt convictions.
Why not run the good race and fight the good fight, pressing onto maturity, being conformed to the likeness of Jesus, the author and finisher of the believer’s faith! Let all return to reading the Bible in its entirety and start doing what it actually says!
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