Application of Spiritual Knowledge

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness,

with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4:1-3

There is a place that we are to get to in Christ where we are not only pleasing in the sight of God but where the enemy can no longer manage us.  We need to understand that Jesus has already judged Satan. Satan was defeated by Jesus at Calvary. 

Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Ephesians 1:21-22

The power of God within you is greater than the power of the enemy:

             

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.   1 John 4:4

We go on to spiritual maturity (perfection) through the strength of this power, not human effort. Going on to perfection is not a course in self-improvement. It is learning to live as the new creatures we are through faith in Christ Jesus.

The following things are necessary for the perfection process to occur in our life:

®     A GOOD FOUNDATION:

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation

• of repentance from dead works,
• and of faith toward God
• Of the doctrine of baptisms,
• and of laying on of hands,
• and of resurrection of the dead,
• and of eternal judgment.

And this will we do , if God permit.   Hebrews 6:1-3

One of the purposes of the Word of God is to provide correction which results in perfection:  

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Just studying God's Word will not perfect you. 

¨      You must make a personal response to the Word:

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls.  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  For if any be a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass; For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.  But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the word, this man shall be blessed in his deed.   James 1:21-25

¨      You must not only look into God's law, but "continue" [live] according to it.

You must make a personal response to the Word by laying aside all "filthiness and naughtiness.” Being a doer of the Word brings assurance of salvation:  

But whoso keepeth His Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected:  Hereby know we that we are in Him.   1 John 2:5

¨      Prayers results in perfection:  

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.   Colossians 4:12

By consecrating your life to God you will know His perfect will. Consecration means to be set apart. When you consecrate your life to God you refuse to conform to the standards of the world. You choose to conform to the standards of God's Word.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies, a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.   Romans 12:1-2

One of the purposes of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is to assist the perfection process in your life. God has ministry gifts in the church for...

. . . the perfection of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ;Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.   Ephesians 4:12-13

¨     You should submit to the leadership of those God sets in authority in the church.    

God uses spiritual leaders in the perfection process.  Submission to "proven" ministries means submitting to spiritual leaders whose ministries have shown conformity to God's Word.  The role of spiritual leaders in the perfection process is revealed in Paul's writings:  

Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith.   1 Thessalonians 3:10

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.   Colossians 1:28

. . . always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.   Colossians 4:12

. . . this also we wish, even your perfection.   2 Corinthians 13:9

¨      Suffering results in perfection:

No one likes to suffer, but when suffering comes in the life of a believer it can have a positive purpose: 

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.   1 Peter 5:10

Patience during times of suffering results in perfection:  

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.    James 1:4

¨      learning self-control is part of the process of perfection.

According to the word of God we are to . . .

.  . . cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.   2 Corinthians 7:1

One of the most difficult things to control is the tongue. But control of the tongue is a key to self-control of your whole life:

If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.  James 3:2

¨      Correction received from mature believers is also part of the perfection process:  

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such an one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.   Galatians 6:1

You will be restored to perfection if you respond properly to such correction.

Spiritual maturity does not mean advancing in God's favor. It does not mean the work of salvation is incomplete. It does not gain you access to Heaven, because this was done through the death of Jesus Christ. It is through Jesus you are justified before God. It is through Him you are saved and have the promise of Heaven.  Perfection does not come by maintaining a set of standards. It is possible for a person to maintain standards that give an outward spiritual appearance yet be unspiritual and maybe even unsaved. 

Spiritual maturity does not depend on how you feel emotionally. It does not come automatically through years of being a Christian or by Christian service. 

Spiritual maturity [perfection] comes through an increase 
in and application of spiritual knowledge.

This increase in knowledge comes by study of and application of God's Word.  This study results in understanding of the processes for perfection and the commandments of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Personal application of what you learn leads to spiritual maturity through the enabling power of God through His Holy Spirit.

. . .go on to perfection   Hebrews 6:1

. . . and this also we wish, even your perfection.  2 Corinthians 13:9

(Biblical Studies)

06/21/16
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