A Healthy Regard for the Word

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

One way for a Christ follower to overcome spiritual struggles and/or recurring sins is to apply biblical principles to specific situations. Maybe you didn’t know that because you haven’t matured in the Word yet. Or, sadly, you may know biblical teaching and ignore its counsel. In either case, you get the same result.

Jesus consistently used the Word and set an example for us to follow in this matter. When tempted, He repelled Satan’s attacks by quoting specific passages of Scripture that applied to the specific temptations (read about it in Matthew 4:1-11). From that account we learn that He knew the Word, believed the Word, and refused to compromise principles in the Word. That’s the pattern we should follow.

Using figurative language, John wrote about three levels of spiritual maturity: fathers, young men, and children (1 John 2:13-14).

To the new Christ followers he wrote, “I write to you, little children, because you have known the Father.” They know who their heavenly Father is and that they belong to Him. However, they aren’t yet mature in faith.

To the more mature Christ followers he wrote, “I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the Word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.” These Christ followers are vibrant and healthy because the Word abides in them - has found its home in them. I’ll say it like this, “They recognize Satan’s agenda and reject it.”

To the most mature Christ followers he wrote, “I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning.” These are the “faithful” who have a mature, vital relationship with God, developed through prolonged times in prayer and the Word. 

Where do you see yourself here: a spiritual baby, a spiritual young man, or a mature, spiritual father? Are you progressing to the next level? You will if you keep learning from the Word and applying its principles in your life. That is how to live in victory.

I have treasured Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11