WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND TESTIMONY? (2 PETER 3:18)

Dear Members in Christ,

Who is responsible for your spiritual growth and testimony?

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18

Believers are born-again Christians. The Holy Spirit indwells them. They are newborn babes in Christ when they first believed.

Spiritual babies initially partake of the spiritual milk of the Word as they need to grow in the Lord (cf. 1 Peter 2:2). They will later grow into adults and will partake “solid spiritual food” which is the “meat of the Word”. Those who do not will be stunted and weak. They are likely to have failing spiritual health. “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.” Hebrews 5:13-14

With spiritual maturity, they will be able to discern the truth from the false doctrines. They will then not be easy prey to the temptations and wiles of the devil through perverse and strange doctrines.

Victorious Christian life: A Christian must grow and mature spiritually in order to live a victorious Christian life. He is to be a godly witness for Christ. He must bear the fruit of the Spirit, share the gospel and do good works for Christ that others may know and want to be part of God’s kingdom.  

It is important that Christians should:

1) Know God: The Bible is God’s written Word. It reveals God’s character, His Will and His plan for humanity. We need to study and meditate on His Word (cf. 2 Timothy 2:15). This involves diligent and consistent effort to allow the truth to indwell us. In so doing, we understand the teachings and apply them to our lives. We will be walking closer with God and more like Christ. We have a healthy relationship with God.

2) Prayers: Make prayers a regular part of our life, both individually and corporately. Prayer is direct communication with God. We can speak openly and liberally to Him, express our thoughts, needs, joys, sorrows, griefs and whatever is in our hearts. We are to wait and listen for His guidance and direction. Prayers draw us closer to God.

3) Submit to the Holy Spirit: Do let the Holy Spirit fill and lead us. The Holy Spirit guides and empowers believers to overcome the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. The Holy Spirit is “God in us”.

4) Worship and Praise: Engage in godly worship and praise regularly. This will connect believers with the true and living God. Worship brings us closer and deepens our relationship with God. Diligently seek out God to learn God’s preserved Truth. Do not be misled nor be deceived by churches that have deviated from the faithful and fundamental teachings of the Bible. Search the scripture diligently for the truth (cf. Acts 17:11).

5) Shun evil places, companions and habits:  An individual’s character, attitude and behaviour are greatly influenced and moulded by the environment and friends that he fellowships with. Knowing this, a Christian should take resolute steps to shun evil places, evil companions and bad habits. Stay connected to God”s people and His house. A Christian must surround himself with fellow believers and seek God daily to bring glory to His name.

6) Church fellowship, bible study groups and ministry: The Bible tells believers to pursue after godliness and contentment which are pleasing unto God (cf. 1 Timothy 6:6). Do make an effort to participate in godly fellowship, Bible study groups and ministries that will build up your spiritual life to make godly impact for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Who is responsible for your spiritual growth and testimony? Sadly, there are Christians who believe that they are doing the Church, Pastor and Elders great favour when they attend Church Worship services and various fellowship groups. Nothing can be further from the truth. They are absolutely wrong! It is God’s commandment for every Christian to set aside time to worship God on the Lord’s Day. Believers are to obey and to fulfill this Commandment (cf. Exodus 20:8, Hebrews 10:25). They are accountable to God. Thus, do not deceive yourself that your coming to worship is doing God or the leaders of the Church a favour. Therefore, be diligent for worship on each Lord’s Day. Be punctual. You are responsible for your own spiritual well-being and growth! No one else!

God fearing Churches: It is important that believers seek out conservative and fundamental Churches that “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (cf. Jude 3b) as there are many apostate churches out there. The good old faith must continue to be preached and defended. Many conservative and fundamental churches had been swept aside by the tidal waves of apostasy which began in the mid-20th century. The Bible warns of “... false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” Matthew 7:15. As believers, we are responsible to seek and walk in the Truth. Sadly, many Christians are contented with any churches as long as they satisfy their conscience and convenience. Be forewarned: Not all churches are the same! 

Sadly today, there are also many professing Christians who love to move from “churches to churches” to listen to different variant sermons and teachings. Often, they may also surf online churches. They find these “enligthening” and “refreshing” as long as the messages are “soothing and pleasing to their ears”, “meet their own definitions and forms of Christianity” and “non-traditional teachings”. The Apostle Paul in writing to Timothy warned of “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” 2 Timothy 4:3-4.

These professing Christians tend to quickly embrace modern liberal theology and teachings. They tend to ignore and find fault with fundamental teachings! They are totally confused. They do this to their own peril. The question is: are they truly saved in the first place? If they are, the Holy Spirit will lead them back unto all Truth (cf. John 16:13). The Lord Jesus Christ says “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me ...” (cf. John 10:27).

Conclusion: A truly born-again Christian has the spiritual wisdom and a discerning spirit to discern the truth from the false. They will seek out Churches that teach faithful fundamental theology and stay therein, and be rooted, to learn and grow for the glory of God. Remember, a Christian is responsible for his own spiritual learning and growth! Do ensure that you worship and serve in a faithful fundamental Church that preaches and teaches the good old faith. Amen.

In Christ,
Eld. Choe Tong Seng