Maturity Can Be Measured Sanctification Message 5a
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Maturity Can Be Measured by J. Oswald Sanders
Maturity Can Be Measured by J. Oswald Sanders
Reprinted by permission from his book In Pursuit of Maturity
Reprinted by permission from his book In Pursuit of Maturity
The biblical writers frequently draw parallels between physical and spiritual life, and in many cases the parallels are
draw parallels between
physical and spiritual life, and
in many cases the parallels are
close. The physical maturity of a child can be measured with the aid of a tape measure and scales; the child’s intellectual
a child can be measured with
the aid of a tape measure and
scales; the child’s intellectual
development can be gauged by examinations and tests. Likewise our own growth in maturity can be measured, and those most closely associated with us will be the best judges of our growth. Paul states the infallible standard of
examinations and tests. Likewise
our own growth in maturity
can be measured, and those
most closely associated with us will be the best judges
of our growth. Paul states the infallible standard of
measurement—”the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
Christ.”
This seems a daunting and unattainable standard; but then, could an infinitely holy and ethically perfect God entertain a standard any lower? Dr. A. T. Robertson, the eminent Greek scholar, throws light on this dilemma. In commenting on our Lord’s staggering demand, “Be perfect therefore as your heavenly Father is perfect” (), he explains the significance of the word “perfect” in this context: “Here it is the goal set before us, the absolute standard of our heavenly
but then, could an infinitely holy and ethically perfect
God entertain a standard any lower? Dr. A. T. Robertson,
the eminent Greek scholar, throws light on this
dilemma. In commenting on our Lord’s staggering demand,
“Be perfect therefore as your heavenly Father
is perfect” (), he explains the significance of
the word “perfect” in this context: “Here it is the goal
set before us, the absolute standard of our heavenly
Father. The word is also used for relative perfection, as of adults compared with children” (italics mine).
as of adults compared with children” (italics mine).1
1 We will know absolute maturity only when we see Christ and are like Him (see ), but until then it is possible to attain a relative maturity, “continually progressing to maturity,”—the perfection of a child going on to maturity.
1 We will know absolute maturity only when we see Christ and are like Him (see ), but until then it is possible to attain a relative maturity, “continually progressing to maturity,”—the perfection of a child going on to maturity.
We will know absolute maturity only when we see
Christ and are like Him (see ), but until then
it is possible to attain a relative maturity, “continually
progressing to maturity,”—the perfection of a child
going on to maturity. Both aspects coalesce in Philippians
3:12-15, where Paul says,
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have
already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold
of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers,
I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of
it, But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and
Both aspects coalesce in , where Paul says, Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it, But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. (italics mine) Paul here clearly disclaims having attained an absolute
straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the
goal to win the prize for which God has called me
heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
should take such a view of things. (italics mine)
Paul here clearly disclaims having attained an absolute
maturity, but he lays claim to a relative maturity in his experience.
in his experience.
How May We Gauge Our Degree of Maturity?
Paul rules out the validity of comparing ourselves with ourselves. “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise” ().
with ourselves. “We do not dare to classify or compare
ourselves with some who commend themselves.
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
When they measure themselves by themselves and
compare themselves with themselves, they are not
wise” ().
In his book Christian Holiness Bishop Stephen Neill concurs with Paul’s dictum. Bishop Neill writes, “Is man once again to be the measure of all things? By what standard am I to be judged? Is my unaided capacity at any one moment to be the measure at that 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 God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ might be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
concurs with Paul’s dictum. Bishop Neill writes, “Is
man once again to be the measure of all things? By
what standard am I to be judged? Is my unaided capacity
at any one moment to be the measure at that
A Teaching Quarterly for Discipleship of Heart and Mind
C.S. LEWIS INSTITUTE
KNOWING & DOING
This article originally appeared in the Winter 2005 issue of Knowing & Doing.
J. Oswald Sanders
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 God’s people
for works of service,
so that the body of Christ might be built up
until we all reach unity in the faith
and in the knowledge of the Son of God
and become mature,
attaining to the whole measure
of the fullness of Christ.
Then we shall be no longer infants.
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Emphasis added.
2 Maturity Can Be Measured moment of Christian attainment and Christian expectation?”
2 Maturity Can Be Measured moment of Christian attainment and Christian expectation?”
moment of Christian attainment and Christian expectation?”
The answer is, No! The measure of our maturity is seen when the “fullness of Christ”—the sum total of all the qualities that make Him what He is—is increasingly exhibited in our lives.
The answer is, No! The measure of our maturity is
seen when the “fullness of Christ”—the sum total of
all the qualities that make Him what He is—is increasingly
exhibited in our lives.
The primary mark of a developing maturity is growth in personal and experiential knowledge of God, coupled with
personal and experiential knowledge of God, coupled with
a strong aspiration to know Him better. This was well illustrated in the experience of Moses. As his intimacy
in the experience of Moses. As his intimacy
with God developed, he had the temerity to ask of Him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, teach me your ways so I may know you…” (). The readiness of the Lord’s response should encourage others to make the same request. “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will do the very thing you have asked…’” ().
And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.
Him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, teach me
Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.
your ways so I may know you…” (). The
readiness of the Lord’s response should encourage
others to make the same request. “And the Lord said
to Moses, ‘I will do the very thing you have asked…’”
().
This gracious response gave Moses boldness to ask for yet a further blessing. Wonderful as it was to have an understanding of God’s ways—the principles on which he governs His people—that only inflamed Moses’ desire to know God himself in a more intimate way. So Moses asked, “Now show me your glory” (). This request, too, was granted. Every forward move toward a deeper knowledge of God was met by a positive response. Paul cherished a similar aspiration. “I want to know Christ, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (). Only a maturing Christian would share that aspiration. It was not a mere intellectual concept of Christ that Paul desired, but a comprehension, an acquaintance with Him on the deepest level that would issue in transformation and unreserved commitment.
ask for yet a further blessing. Wonderful as it was to
have an understanding of God’s ways—the principles
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
on which he governs His people—that only inflamed
Moses’ desire to know God himself in a more intimate
And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.
way. So Moses asked, “Now show me your glory”
(). This request, too, was granted. Every
forward move toward a deeper knowledge of God was
met by a positive response.
Paul cherished a similar aspiration. “I want to
know Christ, and the power of his resurrection, and
the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming
like him in his death” (). Only a maturing
Christian would share that aspiration. It was not a
mere intellectual concept of Christ that Paul desired,
but a comprehension, an acquaintance with Him on
the deepest level that would issue in transformation
and unreserved commitment.
The maturing Christian has as a life objective the securing of the glory of God. The old Presbyterian catechism has
of the glory of God. The old Presbyterian catechism has
its priorities right with its first question, “What is the chief end of man?” Equally right is its answer, “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him for ever.”
chief end of man?” Equally right is its answer, “The
chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him for
ever.”
The first petition of Christ’s pattern prayer, “Hallowed be your name,” is really asking that God’s name might be honored and glorified everywhere, by all people. If we prayed this petition sincerely, we could well add, “at any cost to me.” Every choice in which the honor and glory of God is involved will have only one answer from the mature Christian. There is no
be your name,” is really asking that God’s name
might be honored and glorified everywhere, by all
people. If we prayed this petition sincerely, we could
well add, “at any cost to me.” Every choice in which
the honor and glory of God is involved will have only
one answer from the mature Christian. There is no
room for debate. After Jesus had opened His heart to His intimates in the Upper Room, he offered His moving High Priestly Prayer. The prayer sounds as if He is reporting to His Father about His earthly ministry: “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do” (). How concise yet how comprehensive! Since the servant is not greater than his or her Lord, the maturing Christian will experience a growing passion for the glory of God such as gripped Count Nikolaus von Zinzendorf, founder of the Moravian Church—“I have one passion; it is He,
After Jesus had opened His heart to His intimates
in the Upper Room, he offered His moving High
Priestly Prayer. The prayer sounds as if He is reporting
to His Father about His earthly ministry: “I have
brought you glory on earth by completing the work
I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
you gave me to do” (). How concise yet how
comprehensive! Since the servant is not greater than
his or her Lord, the maturing Christian will experience
a growing passion for the glory of God such as
gripped Count Nikolaus von Zinzendorf, founder of
the Moravian Church—“I have one passion; it is He,
He alone!” To the mature Christian holiness will be more attractive than mere happiness. It seems that in some Christian circles, the pursuit of happiness has become almost pathological.
To the mature Christian holiness will be more attractive than
mere happiness. It seems that in some Christian circles,
the pursuit of happiness has become almost pathological.
In a recent letter from Dr. J. Hudson Taylor III, he makes the following assessment of the contemporary scene: “Ours is a very self-centered culture. Self-fulfillment and self-advancement have become our chief goals. Even Christians are not exempt from this. The leading question of our faith seems to be, ‘How can I be happy and satisfied?’ As a result there is shallow conversion and superficial commitment.” The mature Christian has learned that true happiness is a by-product
makes the following assessment of the contemporary
scene: “Ours is a very self-centered culture. Self-fulfillment
and self-advancement have become our chief
goals. Even Christians are not exempt from this. The
leading question of our faith seems to be, ‘How can I
be happy and satisfied?’ As a result there is shallow
conversion and superficial commitment.” The mature
Christian has learned that true happiness is a by-product
of holiness. A consuming desire to be holy is clearer proof of sanctification than is an itch for thrilling and exciting
A consuming desire to be holy is clearer proof of
sanctification than is an itch for thrilling and exciting
experiences. John Wesley once said he doubted that people had been made complete in Christ while they came to church to enjoy religion, instead of to learn how to be holy. God wants His people to be joyous, and the Holy Spirit is the source of that fruit of the Spirit, which is joy. Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” ( KJV). But true happiness comes only along the pathway of holiness.
people had been made complete in Christ while they
came to church to enjoy religion, instead of to learn
how to be holy.
God wants His people to be joyous, and the Holy
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
Spirit is the source of that fruit of the Spirit, which is
joy. Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you,
that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy
might be full” ( KJV). But true happiness
comes only along the pathway of holiness.
Our Lord was the most joyous person this world has ever known, and this was because He was the holiest. It was said of Him, “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy” (, italics mine).
has ever known, and this was because He was the
Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
holiest. It was said of Him, “You have loved righteousness
and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God,
has set you above your companions by anointing you with
the oil of joy” (, italics mine).
When we make holiness the object of our pursuit, joy is thrown in as a bonus. It takes some of us a long time, however, to master the elementary lesson that we are happiest when we are holiest.
is thrown in as a bonus. It takes some of us a long
time, however, to master the elementary lesson that
we are happiest when we are holiest.
The maturing Christian becomes dissatisfied with the “milk” of the Word and craves “solid food.” “You need milk,” wrote the author of the letter to the Hebrews, “not solid food. Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching of righteousness.
“milk” of the Word and craves “solid food.” “You need
milk,” wrote the author of the letter to the Hebrews,
“not solid food. Anyone who lives on milk, being still
an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching of righteousness.
But solid food is for the mature…” (, italics mine).
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.
5:13a-14, italics mine).
No longer is the maturing Christian solely dependent on pre-digested spiritual food and artificial stimuli. The spiritual infant has now learned how to nurture the inner life on the Word of God and delves more deeply into its teachings. While enjoying helpful and challenging Christian literature, the main stimulus comes directly from the Word of God illuminated by the Holy Spirit.
on pre-digested spiritual food and artificial
stimuli. The spiritual infant has now learned how to
nurture the inner life on the Word of God and delves
more deeply into its teachings. While enjoying helpful
and challenging Christian literature, the main stimulus
comes directly from the Word of God illuminated
by the Holy Spirit.
The maturing Christian also has a growing discernment that helps him to discriminate between truth and error, good
that helps him to discriminate between truth and error, good
and evil. “The mature…by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil” ().
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.
themselves to distinguish good from evil” ().
There is such a thing as spiritual intuition, but more than that is in view here. It is a spiritual sensitivity that comes from “training”—that is, through the mastery of the principles of Scripture and their consistent application to the decisions and events of daily life.
than that is in view here. It is a spiritual sensitivity
that comes from “training”—that is, through the mastery
of the principles of Scripture and their consistent
application to the decisions and events of daily life.
This quality characterized the Christians at Berea. When new teaching was presented to them, they did
When new teaching was presented to them, they did
not accept it on the mere say-so of those who brought it, but they searched the Scriptures daily to see if these things were really so. They trained their spiritual senses to detect error just as police dogs are trained to detect harmful drugs. The Bereans were not heresy hunters but truth seekers. This type of Christian does not fall an easy prey to the heresies and cults that abound today.
it, but they searched the Scriptures daily to see if these
things were really so. They trained their spiritual
senses to detect error just as police dogs are trained
to detect harmful drugs. The Bereans were not heresy hunters but truth seekers. This type of Christian does not fall an easy prey to the heresies and cults that abound today.
hunters but truth seekers. This type of Christian
does not fall an easy prey to the heresies and cults that
abound today.
Like the Master, the maturing Christian prefers serving others to being served by others. The maturing Christian
to being served by others. The maturing Christian
emulates the Lord who claimed, “I am among you as one who serves” (). “For even the Son of
one who serves” (). “For even the Son of
For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
Man did not come to be served, but to serve” ().
For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
10:45).
True spiritual leadership springs not from a desire to rule but from a passion to serve. This exotic grace is not native to most of us, but the Master equated it with greatness. “Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant” ().
to rule but from a passion to serve. This exotic grace
is not native to most of us, but the Master equated it
But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:
with greatness. “Whoever wants to be great among
you must be your servant” ().
This was one of the most revolutionary concepts Jesus introduced into the religious world of His day. Now, as then, most want to be masters not servants,leaders not followers. Christ’s view of His kingdom was a community of people characterized by serving one another and the needy world outside. Unlike in earthly realms, our status in His kingdom is to be judged by the number of people whom we serve, not by the number who serve us.It was in the context of servanthood that Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him” ().
Jesus introduced into the religious world of His day.
Now, as then, most want to be masters not servants,
leaders not followers. Christ’s view of His kingdom
was a community of people characterized by serving
one another and the needy world outside. Unlike
in earthly realms, our status in His kingdom is to be
judged by the number of people whom we serve, not
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
by the number who serve us.
It was in the context of servanthood that Jesus said,
“I have set you an example that you should do as I
have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is
greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater
than the one who sent him” ().
The life of the maturing Christian will be characterized by giving rather than receiving. In this the Master is again
giving rather than receiving. In this the Master is again
the model. “The Son of Man [came]...to give his life as a ransom for many” (). This, too, is not natural to us. In the Christian life we are mostly on the receiving end, but Jesus exemplified our responsibility to give as well as to receive.
as a ransom for many” (). This, too, is not
natural to us. In the Christian life we are mostly on
For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
the receiving end, but Jesus exemplified our responsibility
to give as well as to receive.
From Bethlehem to Calvary, the Lord’s life was one consistent giving of Himself, a constant outpouring of His life, until at its close, He gave up life itself. Every act of service He performed cost Him something. When an afflicted woman pressed her way through the throng and touched the fringe of His robe, she was healed. But in the process He lost something—nervous and spiritual force. “I know that power has gone out from me,” Jesus said (). He gladly gave of
consistent giving of Himself, a constant outpouring
of His life, until at its close, He gave up life itself. Every
act of service He performed cost Him something.
When an afflicted woman pressed her way through
And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.
the throng and touched the fringe of His robe, she was
healed. But in the process He lost something—nervous
and spiritual force. “I know that power has gone out
from me,” Jesus said (). He gladly gave of
Himself to needy people in life, even as He gave His life for needy people in death. It is far easier for us to give time or money than it is to give our very selves to those in need around us, yet this is the path to spiritual fruitfulness.
life for needy people in death.
It is far easier for us to give time or money than it
is to give our very selves to those in need around us,
yet this is the path to spiritual fruitfulness.
The mature Christian life will be fruitful, not barren. The ability to reproduce oneself is the proof of physical
ability to reproduce oneself is the proof of physical
maturity, and this is also true of spiritual maturity. One of Christ’s purposes for us as His disciples is that our lives should be fruitful. “You did not choose me, but I chose you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last [. . . This is my command]” (). A fruitless disciple is a contradiction in terms.
One of Christ’s purposes for us as His disciples is that
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
our lives should be fruitful. “You did not choose me,
but I chose you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will
last [. . . This is my command]” (). A fruitless
disciple is a contradiction in terms.
What constitutes “fruit”? We can look for it in two areas.
areas.
There will be fruit in character—the fruit of the Spirit that finds expression in the nine winsome graces enumerated in . Note that these are passive rather than active qualities. All nine can be produced in the life of one who is paralyzed from the neck down. As we grow in maturity, these graces will be manifested in increasing measure.
that finds expression in the nine winsome graces
enumerated in . Note that these are
passive rather than active qualities. All nine can be
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
produced in the life of one who is paralyzed from the
neck down. As we grow in maturity, these graces will
be manifested in increasing measure.
There will be fruit in service. “Even now the reaper… harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together” (). In writing to the Romans, Paul revealed the purpose of his visit: “I planned many times to come to you ...in order that I might have a harvest among you” ().
harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and
Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
the reaper may be glad together” (). In writing
to the Romans, Paul revealed the purpose of his
And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
visit: “I planned many times to come to you ...in order
that I might have a harvest among you” ().
Souls won and lives discipled and encouraged into a closer walk with God will be evidence of a believer’s growing maturity.
closer walk with God will be evidence of a believer’s
growing maturity.
The maturing Christian’s life will be dynamic rather than static. The growing believer will not resist change that is obviously in the interests of the church of God. The maturing Christian will reach out toward new horizons of service and will grapple with new concepts of truth. The growing believer will not be content with reading what is superficial but will welcome mind stretching and heartwarming new aspects of truth.
static. The growing believer will not resist change that
is obviously in the interests of the church of God. The
maturing Christian will reach out toward new horizons
of service and will grapple with new concepts of
truth. The growing believer will not be content with
reading what is superficial but will welcome mind4
Maturity Can Be Measured
stretching and heartwarming new aspects of truth.
Growth will continue even in old age.
The maturing believer will accept rather than resent or rebel against the disciplines God in His wisdom allows to come
against the disciplines God in His wisdom allows to come
into his or her life. If we are maturing as Christians, we may not actually enjoy the experience while we are passing through it—and Scripture realistically recognizes this possibility (see )—but we will regard the will of God as being “good, acceptable, and perfect” ( KJV), a statement that indicates that God’s will for our lives cannot be improved upon.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
we may not actually enjoy the experience while we
are passing through it—and Scripture realistically
Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
recognizes this possibility (see )—but we
will regard the will of God as being “good, acceptable,
and perfect” ( KJV), a statement that
indicates that God’s will for our lives cannot be improved
upon.
As Paul’s character matured, he was able to testify that he had reached the place where he could truthfully say, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (). Not that he had always been content, but his increasingly intimate walk with God had made him absolutely satisfied that whatever God ordained was in his best interests. When tragedy, sorrow, or bereavement strike, it is not always easy to hold on to this contentment, but it is the only path to comfort and peace of heart. Paul enunciated a principle of perpetual relevance when he recorded the word from the Lord that came to him: “He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’“ (). He will glory in the Cross of Christ and will sing with Sir John Bowring:
that he had reached the place where he could truthfully
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
say, “I have learned to be content whatever the
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
circumstances” (). Not that he had always
been content, but his increasingly intimate walk with
God had made him absolutely satisfied that whatever
God ordained was in his best interests.
When tragedy, sorrow, or bereavement strike, it is
not always easy to hold on to this contentment, but it
In the cross of Christ I glory,
is the only path to comfort and peace of heart. Paul
enunciated a principle of perpetual relevance when
he recorded the word from the Lord that came to him:
“He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my
power is made perfect in weakness’“ ().
Towering o’er the wrecks of time,
He will glory in the Cross of Christ and will sing
with Sir John Bowring:
In the cross of Christ I glory,
Towering o’er the wrecks of time,
All the light of sacred story
Gathers round its head sublime.
Only the spiritual person welcomes the impact of the Cross on his or her life, for it spells death to the selflife.
Cross on his or her life, for it spells death to the selflife.
“I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” ().
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
live, but Christ lives in me” ().
The mature Christian will be willing to accept responsibility in the work of the kingdom. Not everyone is called to a
in the work of the kingdom. Not everyone is called to a
place of prominence in God’s service, but very many could do much more than they are doing if only they would respond to the promptings of the Spirit and the persuasion of godly people. All too many believers are content to be spectators instead of participators.
could do much more than they are doing if only they
would respond to the promptings of the Spirit and the
persuasion of godly people. All too many believers are
content to be spectators instead of participators.
The immature Christian is content to accept all the blessings and benefits of faith but is unwilling to share the accompanying responsibilities. When God called Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt, he produced all kinds of excuses to cover up his unwillingness to assume that onerous responsibility. We can all understand and perhaps condone Moses’ reluctance, but God did not. He was angry at Moses’ lack of confidence that He would enable him to do what He had commanded (see ). God is equally displeased with us when we decline responsibility and cover it up with a plea of inadequacy.
blessings and benefits of faith but is unwilling to
share the accompanying responsibilities. When God
And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
called Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt, he produced
all kinds of excuses to cover up his unwillingness to
assume that onerous responsibility. We can all understand
and perhaps condone Moses’ reluctance,
but God did not. He was angry at Moses’ lack of
confidence that He would enable him to do what He
had commanded (see ). God is equally displeased
with us when we decline responsibility and
cover it up with a plea of inadequacy.
The mature believer will be willing to accept responsibility for failure, too, and will not shuffle the blame onto a subordinate.
responsibility for failure, too, and will not shuffle the
blame onto a subordinate.
The mature Christian will demonstrate a growing love for God and others. Paul commended the Thessalonian believers
God and others. Paul commended the Thessalonian believers
for this mark of their growing maturity: “We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing” ().
ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and
rightly so, because your faith is growing more and
We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
more, and the love every one of you has for each other
is increasing” ().
By pouring out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (), God stimulates and enlarges our hearts and enables us to love Him in return. Love begets love. But when love cools, every grace languishes.
Spirit (), God stimulates and enlarges our hearts
and enables us to love Him in return. Love begets love.
But when love cools, every grace languishes.
Growth in maturity is stimulated by sharing the knowledge of God with other believers, for we are to become mature in community life as well as in individual experience.
knowledge of God with other believers, for we are to
become mature in community life as well as in individual
experience.
Paul talks of attaining “the unity of faith” as well as spiritual maturity, for that develops best not in isolation but in the corporate life of the church (see ). This unity among believers is produced by their mutual sharing of “the knowledge of the Son of God”—an increasing acquaintance with Him in corporate life. F. F. Bruce rightly contends that “the higher reaches of the Christian life cannot be attained in isolation from others.”3 It is the team that is fully integrated and works together unselfishly and harmoniously that wins the game.
Paul talks of attaining “the unity of faith” as well
as spiritual maturity, for that develops best not in
isolation but in the corporate life of the church (see
). This unity among believers is produced
by their mutual sharing of “the knowledge of the Son
of God”—an increasing acquaintance with Him in
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
corporate life. F. F. Bruce rightly contends that “the
higher reaches of the Christian life cannot be attained
in isolation from others.”3 It is the team that is fully
integrated and works together unselfishly and harmoniously
that wins the game.
Notes
1 A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament I
(New York: R.R. Smith, Inc., 1930), p. 49.
2 Stephen Neill, Christian Holiness (New York:
Harper & Row Publishers, 1960), p. 38.
3 Frederick F. Bruce, Epistle to the Ephesians (Old
Tappan, New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Co., 1961),
p. 86.
A native of New Zealand, the late J. Oswald Sanders (1902-1992)
organization founded by Hudson Taylor in 1865. He preached and
taught in conferences in many countries and wrote over 40 books
on the Christian life, including The Incomparable Christ, Satan Is No
Myth, and Enjoying Intimacy With God.
book In Pursuit of Maturity which will be featured in Knowing &
Doing during 2005.