ABC Christian
Ephesians 4:11-16
Vv. 11-12a: “It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare the way for God’s people for works of service,”
This devotion hopes to “kick start” stalled Christians into growth. Many believers think that after they invite Jesus into their hearts—as Master of their lives—they’re done. They figure that spiritual growth is the Holy Spirit’s job. After all, Philippians 1:6 says, “...that He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Newly-saved Christians usually carry a blazing torch for Christ. While every Christian starts at the beginning (even adult new Christians), believers’ paths are never the same. Many stall at the beginning, or in the “ABCs” of Christian life. They steadily—and happily—lap up spiritual milk as infant Christians all their lives.
But 1 Peter 2:2 advises, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,..” regretfully, many never do. These believers never taste solid-food maturity in Christ. They’re content with stalled, stagnant faith.
Carnal [KAR-nal means worldly, fleshly] Christians stop growing in their faith, too. Apostle Paul urged the Corinthian church: “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly” (1 Corinthians 3:2-3). Both “ABC” and carnal Christians never advance past infancy.
Unfortunately, infant Christians never grasp the mysteries of Christ. While they do not lose salvation (1 Corinthians 3:15), they do miss out on vibrant living for Jesus. They never reap privileges that vigorous believers enjoy: such as partnering with Christ to bring God’s will from heaven to earth. (See Keys of the Kingdom devotion). They refuse to think biblically. They never mature into righteous living. They usually fall apart when facing life’s trials.
If believers’ torch-for-Christ isn’t stoked—fire stirred and fanned with fresh oxygen (eye-opening truths)—it’ll eventually snuff out. Hearts, once gasping for air, will suffocate. Cold hard hearts don’t naturally serve God. The opening Scripture lists faith mentors. Their job is to encourage Christians to grow up in their faith. (Complete the lesson, linked below, for more on growing up in faith).
Take Home Nugget
Carnal and “ABC” Christian are like stalled cars. Stalled cars only attend church for entertainment. Nothing’s wrong with their cars’ engines. Spiritual lives crave gas (maturing in faith) to grow and thrive.
Growing Christians purposely mature from Biblical milk to solid food, so their faith zooms ahead, instead of stalling out.
J.D. Griffith
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.BibleStudyForKids.com
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