We now open the next chapter of our book The Complete Green Letters, Part One: Principles of Spiritual Growth, Chapter 13 titled Discipleship. Usually when we turn a page to a new chapter I look back to see what we’ve previously studied. Today I’d like to look forward instead.
AFTER this chapter our author will take us to the Process of Discipleship, and then look at the principles of “Rest”, “Help”, and “Cultivation”, closing out with “Continuance.” Thinking forward as to what will unfold, all these chapters contain important lessons for our life in Christ and spiritual growth. Two things come to mind just in the titles alone. One is the concept of “process” and the other “continuance.” Of course, we’ll see that rest, help, and cultivation are singularly important too. But the fact that spiritual growth is a “process” is an idea that is lost or never understood by many. The necessity for “continuance” is not always appreciated as well.
THERE is an axiom that says, that which does not expand contracts, or what does not grow dies. We may not like to hear this, but the fact is, merely maintaining the status quo takes little effort, and in the dynamics of life and changing circumstances a status quo mentality can sometimes have detrimental effects from the three-fold encroachments of our sin filled surroundings that constantly challenge us. When Paul commands the Ephesians to Put on the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:10ff), it is not so they may be idle bystanders or sidewalk superintends. It is not a mere hypothetical that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. If we are finding ourselves feeling oppressed and defeated, it may be because we have failed in grace, knowledge, and obedience, and fallen in the battle, or we are simply just battle fatigued, relying in our own strength.
IT in interesting to note that Paul’s command in Ephesians to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might comes at the end of his letter, not the beginning. The first half of Ephesians is filled with doctrine – wondrous foundational doctrines of faith. The second half is about the implications and applications of those doctrines, all having to do with our calling toward building unity and God honoring lives in our various relationships, families and institutions that Christ has placed us in. All this – our calling to walk worthy of Christ – goes counter to the evil one and his efforts to effect disunity, discord, and destruction upon the purposes of our Fathers design. (Psa 2)
WE are in a battle whether we want to accept that fact or not. Our author has taken us step by step through the Principles of Spiritual Growth looking at the necessary aspects of Faith, Time, Acceptance, Purpose, Preparation, …. Self and the Cross. Now we come to Discipleship, and how these things come to bear upon this discipline as followers and not mere observers of our crucified Lord and risen Savior. This, and the topics to follow are all necessary facets in our ability to stand and not grow weary in the conflict.
And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 1John 5:4
THIS is to get you ready for the next entry into our study and what is to follow; something to think about and pray about before we open up to the next chapter on Discipleship.
With highest regards in Christ,
Joe
Neh. 8:10, Isa 30:15; Jas 1:2
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