It’s Time to Grow Up

Commentary

The Times Are Dark

At the beginning of this chapter, Paul warns Timothy that in the later days, deceitful and lying spirits will come in and cause some to depart from the faith. We’re living through this time, and what we’re witnessing is the kind of heresy and spiritual confusion that the weak of faith and false converters will be so easily taken by.

We often put a lot of effort into resolutions to improve ourselves for the new year or when a new chapter of life begins. However, given the lateness of the hour and all the heresy we’re witnessing, wouldn’t it be far better to allocate more of our focus and energy to growing in the Lord?

It’s time we put away the things which have distracted us so greatly and get our attention back on Jesus. The battle is growing fierce, and you and I are going to need to grow in our faith to withstand what is coming our way.

Commentary

It’s Time to Grow

In the verses prior to this passage, Paul wrote of his encouragement in hearing about the church in Colossae, how they had accepted the Gospel and were living out their faith. You notice Paul didn’t stop there, though. He made them aware that he and those with him had been praying for them to grow. Because the enemy had already come in with heresy.

If you accept the Gospel message and trust in Jesus, you are saved. But that’s not the end. Now is the time to grow in that faith, to understand more about God and His will for your life. To develop further into what God wants you to be and to have the knowledge to fend off the enemy’s lies.

You can be a born-again believer for 20 years and never grow in the Lord. That’s a very sad thing and something that should not be taking place as much as it does today. If that’s you, it’s time to make an effort to get to know God better. As with Paul, it is my prayer that today you will start to grow more in the knowledge of His will and in all wisdom and understanding of the things of God.

Commentary

Ensure You’re Being Well Fed

Paul’s heart for those in his life was beautiful; a true reflection of the heart of Jesus. God raises up men who are to be under-shepherds, who are to teach and help grow the sheep under their care. This is why it is important to find a good, sound Bible teacher, who will take you through the entire Word of God.

While the Holy Spirit certainly opens up our spiritual eyes and ears, those pastors and teachers whom God has raised up are there to help you along in your spiritual development. If you don’t have a good Bible teacher in your life, it’s time you find one.

Sound teaching and proper understanding of Scripture is ever-so important. Not only does it allow you to fend off the twisted lies of the enemy, but also allows you to better evangelize your unbelieving family, friends, and neighbors. As world events take place, you can have the biblical knowledge to understand why.

Commentary

Build Each Other Up

We’re here for one another, as many members or parts of a single body. So let us help one another as we grow. Scripture teaches that it is the role of every Christ-follower to develop their personal relationship with God. To make use of the equipping, the knowledge, and wisdom that God has given you to help build up and admonish your fellow believers.

Some are certainly equipped by God for teaching and pastoring. However, a good word from a brother or sister in Christ can go a long way to build up another believer. The Lord positions and equips each of us to do just that, as He leads us.

Faith in Jesus is not a college course, where we sit and are taught by those who are so enlightened for hours on end. Instead, we’re to each be active, hands-on participants in our own spiritual development, seeking the Lord one on one, through study of His Word and prayer. Then applying that knowledge in our day-to-day fellowship and interactions. Your mission and mine is to help others draw closer to Jesus. Whether that be nudging someone closer to faith or building up a fellow believer.

Commentary

Be Ready & Willing

As you train spiritually, meaning spending adequate time in the Word, talking with God, seeking sound teaching, and living out your faith, there will be growth and increase in your knowledge and understanding of God.

In that desire for spiritual fitness, God equips you for the role that He has for you. As a follower of Jesus, you are to minister to those around you. By staying the course and growing, you will only improve in that ministry work.

The more mature you are in Jesus, the better you will be able to handle the ups and downs of life and to withstand the intensity of this spiritual battle that rages on until the day that Jesus sets foot upon this earth, to establish His Kingdom, along with us, His beloved bride.