Moving beyond the surface in the pursuit of Biblical maturity.
Discipleship. It's a word that gets a lot of lip service, but, unfortunately, not always a lot of practice. Many congregations talk about making disciples, yet when it comes to living out the depth and richness of true discipleship, there's often a gap. To be a disciple of Christ is more than just attending church services or participating in Bible studies. It involves growing in biblical maturity through knowledge, obedience, and sharing our faith. These three components are essential and interconnected, and together they form the bedrock of mature discipleship.
Knowledge
Knowledge is a foundational element of discipleship, and it has two crucial dimensions: Learning more about God, and developing a deeper relational connection with Him.
The first aspect of knowledge is intellectual. It involves studying Scripture, understanding theological concepts, and learning about the character and nature of God. This type of knowledge is important because it informs our beliefs and shapes our worldview. Knowing what God has revealed about Himself in the Bible helps us understand His will and His ways. It equips us to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him and to articulate our faith clearly and accurately to others.
However, knowledge isn't merely about accumulating facts or mastering doctrines. It's also about deepening our relationship with God. This relational knowledge involves experiencing His presence, hearing His voice, and being connected to Him on a personal level. It's about moving beyond knowing about God to actually knowing Him. This type of knowledge transforms our hearts and minds and fuels our desire to obey Him and share His love with others.
Obedience
Obedience is another key component of Biblical maturity. Unfortunately, obedience is often misunderstood as merely following a set of rules or adhering to a legalistic standard. But true Biblical obedience is much more than that. It is a way of partnering with God and participating in His kingdom work.
When we obey God's commands, we are joining Him in His mission. Obedience is about aligning our lives with His purposes and allowing Him to work through us to accomplish His plans. It's an act of surrender and trust, acknowledging that His ways are higher than our ways and that His plans are better than our plans.
Obedience also provides opportunities for growth. As we step out in faith and follow God's leading, we get to see Him show up in powerful ways. Our faith is strengthened and our relationship with Him deepens. Obedience is not just a duty; it's a privilege and a means of experiencing God's presence and power in our lives.
Sharing
The third component of Biblical maturity is sharing our faith. Sharing is a natural outflow of our new life in Christ. When we have encountered the love and grace of God, it compels us to tell others about it. Unfortunately, sharing our faith is often seen as something reserved for "mature" disciples; but in reality, it's something that new believers can and should engage in as well.
Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). This Great Commission is not optional; it's a fundamental part of what it means to be a disciple. We are called to take what we have received and share it with others. This involves both proclaiming the Gospel and living it out in our daily lives.
Sharing our faith can be daunting, especially in a culture that may be hostile or indifferent to the Gospel. It requires courage and boldness, and there is always the potential for ridicule and pushback. But it's through these challenges that our faith is tested and refined. Sharing our faith not only impacts others but also deepens our own relationship with God and strengthens our resolve to follow Him.
Conclusion
As Western Christians, we often struggle with an immature version of discipleship where knowledge, obedience, and sharing are out of balance. Typically, we emphasize knowledge while neglecting obedience and sharing. This imbalance can be traced back to a variety of factors.
Knowledge is safe. It doesn't require us to step out of our comfort zones or face potential rejection. We can study the Bible and learn about God without ever having to engage with others or put our faith into action. However, this kind of knowledge is incomplete and can lead to spiritual stagnation.
Obedience and sharing, on the other hand, involve risk. They require us to engage with others, to be vulnerable, and to face potential criticism or rejection. It's much easier to stay within the confines of our Christian communities, where our beliefs are affirmed and our actions are not scrutinized. But this is not the way of true discipleship.
These three aspects of maturity are deeply connected. Our knowledge of God informs our obedience and our sharing. As we learn more about His character and His commands, we understand what it means to follow Him and to share His love with others. Conversely, our obedience and our sharing lead us into situations that grow our knowledge of God. When we step out in faith, we experience God's faithfulness in new ways and our understanding of Him deepens.
Making mature Biblical disciples involves a holistic approach that encompasses knowledge, obedience, and sharing. It requires us to move beyond a surface-level engagement with our faith and to live out the depth and richness of true discipleship. By growing in our knowledge of God, walking in obedience to His commands, and sharing our faith with others, we can become mature disciples who reflect the character of Christ and participate in His kingdom work.
Let us strive to live into the fullness of discipleship, embracing the challenges and the joys that come with following Jesus wholeheartedly.
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