Premature Christians 9-29-26
It’s time for a spiritual checkup.
Before going on with the message for today, this is a piggyback from yesterday when it comes to Christians still saying they are sinners. Since God, the Judge declared you to be free, you are no longer guilty of the sin crime. For those who know and believe the truth; if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed (John 8:32, 36).
I am comparing a premature Christian with a premature baby; neither has fully developed because they came before the due date. A natural baby that is born prematurely needs special things to help them develop and not stunt their growth.
Premature Christians need a special diet to help them grow- as newborn babes (milk) until they start developing and from that they will desire to be fed something stronger than the milk of the Word. As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2).
You, therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:17-18).
Please don’t stay immature and do like the Christians at the church at Corinth. Undeveloped people hurt themselves and others. And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? (1 Corinthians 3:1-3).
What went on in the church at Corinth- their chose to stay in their infant state, rather than receive a deeper revelation and understanding of the Word of God. Members favoring different leaders. Paul urged them to build on the True foundation of Christ because their works were going to be tested by Fire (the Holy Spirit) at the Judgement Seat of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). The leaders were mere men (servants) and none should be preferred above of another or put on a pedestal.
O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? (Galatians 3:1-3)
Betty’s belief according to scripture- Two things to consider:
1) Infant in 1 Corinthians who refused to grow, they had no desire of the sincere milk of God’s Word (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). They even preferred one leader over the other. Example today- Many think their leader is great than any others. It should not matter who is preaching as long as it is the truth
2) Why some learn the truth and don’t continue to walk in the truth of God’s Word – the influence of false teachings affected them. Some of these people are so charismatic (charming) and convincing that one can be swayed from the truth; this is deception. That is why it is so important to be under the leadership of those God has given to the church (Ephesians 4:11-16). They help the children oof of God to grow and be matured enough not to be swayed by every wind and doctrine.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways (James 1:5-8).
After reading this message, what about an examination and see if you fall in this category.
Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org
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