Full of the spirit and wisdom an example for others to imitate

imitating spiritual wisdom

COLOSSIANS 1: 27-29

27.God's plan is to make known his secret to his people, this rich and glorious secret which he has for all peoples. And the secret is that Christ is in you, which means that you will share in the glory of God.

28.So we preach Christ to everyone. With all possible wisdom we warn and teach them in order to bring each one into God's presence as a mature individual in union with Christ.

29.To get this done I toil and struggle, using the mighty strength which Christ supplies and which is at work in me.

Full of the spirit and wisdom, an example for others to imitate

Vital to everything else as roots are to the fruit of a tree, the spiritual maturity needed in a Christian can be manifested only by Spirit-filled and Word-filled believers.

To be filled with the Spirit and the Word of God (full of biblical wisdom and understanding) is absolutely indispensable for it is the ultimate source of spiritual maturity and a godly lifestyle.

In Pauls opening statement “God’s plan for the Christian.”

The apostle Paul marked by true spirituality and biblical leadership. In this passage we are treated to a glimpse of his maturity and Christ-like character, but, Paul removes the focus off himself as being anything or anyone that is strong enough to handle or make boast about what he is able to endure or perform.

Paul makes it very clear that it is the workings of the Holy Spirit through Christ that is within him that accomplishes the work he is able to do.

It is in this story of a man who established church’s and led its missionary enterprise, but without exception, this was a man endowed and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Everywhere you turn, you see the work and leadership of the Holy Spirit; you see Paul and other men who are said to be full of the Spirit and acting by His directions and under His power.

In this book, we see God’s call to all kinds of ministries and, whether it is a call to witness or to serve tables or to solve a problem or the need of guidance, the work of the Spirit is essential. The indispensable requirement is for men and women who first are filled with the Spirit.

Unfortunately, we miss this. We think the first requirement is changed character or get involved in church or join a ministry.

Rick Warren’s bestselling book “The Purpose Driven Life” describes God’s five purposes for every Christian.

Author Erik Rees has taken one of these concepts and has expounded on it help you discover God’s unique purpose for your life based on the way God has S.H.A.P.E ed you for service in his Kingdom building efforts.

Spiritual Gifts.

Heart (position towards God /people)

Abilities (natural talents)

Personality (organic self/raw and uncut)

Experiences ( what life has to offer)

SHAPE who you are!

But Scripture first calls us to be filled with and to walk by the Holy Spirit because this constitutes God’s enablement so we can be the Christians we have become.

ISSUES WITH PERFECT PEOPLE

Wherever there are people, there will naturally be problems. This is a fact of life. There is no board of elders or deacons that is perfect. There are no perfect churches and no perfect families.

Why?

Because they are all made up of imperfect people, sinners saved by grace.

A lady complained to a well-known Bible teacher that she couldn’t find a church to her liking. She found fault with every church she visited. He said, “it sounds like you are looking for a perfect church, with perfect people. If you find such a church, let me know, but please don’t join it.” “Why,” she asked? “Because you would ruin it, and so would I!”

Dealing with problems is a necessary part of life, especially for Church folks. It goes with the territory, but the most indispensable need is for Christians who are filled with God’s Spirit manifesting God’s wisdom, patience, and loving character.

But what is the “BEGINNING OF WISDOM”

The beginning of WISDOM is the first mark of maturity we come to in our quest for qualities that describe what Christ-like maturity looks like and that is Wisdom.

Since being full of the Spirit and with wisdom makes us to be an example to follow (imitate), we will begin here.

A mature Christian is someone who is a model, a pacesetter; someone who influences others in positive ways according to biblical standards! Modeling Christian virtues, virtues of true spirituality, is crucial to effective ministry in the world. Without biblical and godly models we are cast into a restless sea that can only toss up refuse and mud (Isa. 57:20).

People can never be biblical leaders and truly mature until they come to realize that God has called them to be examples to others. As the Lord Jesus pointed out,

“A disciple is not greater than his teacher, but everyone when fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40).

In this context, the Lord was showing that one’s true spirituality, or godliness (or lack thereof) is revealed in our actions and that such actions will of necessity influence others either for good or for evil. Students, sons, daughters, and the flock, tend to emulate their leaders, parents, guardians, teachers, or heroes. The tendency is for us to shy away from this responsibility and reality, but in order to be truly mature and a leader, one must accept this as a reality of our christian walk.