Welcome back to our series on the Christian life.
In previous blogs, we explored three forms of sanctification, or being set apart for holiness, that help define the Christian experience:
- Salvation – Our legal sanctification by the blood of Christ in faith (Romans 3:21-26)
- The Christian life – Our ongoing pursuit of holiness in our thoughts and actions because God is holy(1 Peter 1:16)
- Heaven – Our eternal home when our bodies will be sanctified (1 Corinthians 15:50 ff)
Once we move from one stage of sanctification to the next, we do not return to the previous state. This truth helps give believers confidence in the security of their salvation and in their relationship with God.
We also discussed several biblical goals for Christian living:
- Be holy as God is holy – We should strive to develop godly characteristics in our life (1 Peter 1:16)
- Live a life of faith – God is pleased by our faith, not guilt and legalism (Romans 14:23; Colossians 2:6)
- Serve God with your entire life – In accomplishing this goal we have great freedom to live by faith within the broad bounds of the New Testament epistles’ commands (Romans 12:1-2)
God has also given us the tools we need to pursue these goals: His Word and the power of the Holy Spirit.
But how do we put these truths into practice and continue growing in our relationship with God?
Building on the Right Foundation
The Christian life begins with salvation.
We receive forgiveness for our sins by trusting in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:23-26; see “Our great salvation summary”).
From there, it is important to understand that our salvation is secure. God keeps those who belong to Him, giving believers confidence rather than a life dominated by guilt or fear (1 Peter 1:4-5; John 10:27-31; see “Our secure salvation summary”)!
These truths provide the foundation for Christian growth.
How then do we live the Christian life?
There are many aspects to the Christian life. However, a simple biblically based 5-step approach to grow our relationship with God is what I call the ‘5 tools to maturity,’ taken from Acts 2:42 and 47, as follows:
- Prayer
- Praise
- Fellowship
- Receiving biblical teaching
- Reaching others with biblical truth
These 5 tools describe the activities in the very first church in Jerusalem and provide a model for the actions Christians should perform routinely. Importantly, these five activities are confirmed in later verses in the epistles.
Why Are These Five Tools Important?
These five practices were evident in the life of the first church in Jerusalem and are reinforced throughout the New Testament epistles.
When practiced consistently and in balance, they help develop a godly mindset and righteous actions in our daily lives.
Christian maturity does not happen simply by gaining more information. Growth occurs as biblical truth becomes part of how we think, worship, relate to others, and live each day.
Prayer, praise, fellowship, biblical teaching, and reaching others with truth provide a practical framework for continuing that growth.
Growing Toward Christian Maturity
These five tools are foundational to the Christian life.
In the next several blogs, we will examine each one more closely, exploring both its biblical importance and practical ways to make it part of our daily lives.
As we consistently apply these tools, we can continue growing in our relationship with God and developing the godly mindset and actions He desires for us.
Join us as we continue exploring how these five tools can strengthen and transform our Christian walk.
William C. Stewart, MD
Email – [email protected]
Website – http://teleiosresearch.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/
_______________
Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.