Topic: Levels Of Maturity [Wednesday, May 31st]
For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5:13-14).
Some Christians get very excited to read 1 Corinthians 1:30: _“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” Then, they come across James 1:5: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” and get confused. “Should one still ask for wisdom after Christ has been made unto us wisdom?” they wonder. Now, those two verses aren’t contradictory at all; it’s about levels of maturity in Christ.
The Scriptures are given to us to guide and lead us, and as you study, you’ll find that there’re different kinds of instructions for different groups of Christians on the basis of their maturity. Some are addressed to the babes in Christ; others, to the maturing in Christ, and then, there’re instructions for the “fathers” or the spiritually mature in Christ.
The one who’s still a babe in Christ may quote and confess that Christ has been made unto him wisdom, but he hasn’t really caught it. His words and actions may still be incongruous with the Word, and the wisdom of God. He isn’t yet manifesting wisdom, which is a fruit of righteousness. He still acts and thinks like the rest of the world, like those without wisdom. So, James says to such a fellow, “Ask that wisdom becomes a reality in your life.”
Remember, it’s children, the babes in Christ, that ask for things. Jesus said, “Ask and it shall be given unto you”; He related it with children asking their father for bread (Luke 11:9-12). The spiritually mature doesn’t ask for anything, because he lacks nothing in Christ. This has become his living consciousness. This is the level God wants you to grow into, where you know that all things are yours; you’re not asking for wisdom, but walking in wisdom.
CONFESSION.
I’m bearing fruits of righteousness, and the glory of God is revealed in me today in wisdom, power and might! I live in victory and dominion over the elements of this world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen..
FURTHER STUDY:
1 Corinthians 3:21-22 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; 22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;
Galatians 4:1-2 Now I say, [That] the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; 2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 15:18-16:1-16,
1 Chronicles 5-6
2-Year Bible Reading Plan: Mark 14:22-31,
Numbers 34
