Introduction
Faith is about beliefs that have a strong element of assumptions. Man’s knowledge and resources are limited. Much about life is accepted-assumed as true, unchallenged as a given on this basis of faith-belief or assumptions.
Faith is operative primarily in and for the moment or the present. The Bible says faith brings the intangible hope of something in the future into the present (Heb11:1).
This process, between faith and hope, makes an intangible hope into something more tangible (still intangible) to satisfy the present.
Hope is about a future goal. It represents man’s purpose, something, someone, or an outcome valued and worth pursuing. It presents man’s values.
There are many ways to express what love is all about. I am by no means competent in this department of love.
To support love’s connection to faith and hope, this post frames love being a decision drawing its strength from the resolve of the faith in the relationship and affection (emotional attachment) with the hope of a desired future arising from that relationship.
The above describes faith, hope, and love in general terms.
What is God’s focus or definition concerning these 3 pillars of the Christian faith (1Co13:13)?
Below is an attempt to support clarity in answering this question-
1. FAITH is about belief in the promise of the resurrection (1Pet1:3), the promise of His return (Heb10:37, 1Pet1:7), and the promise of the eternal rewards (Mat16:27, 1Co3:14, Heb10:35).
2. HOPE is about the hope in the resurrection (1Per1:3) realized by FAITH that does not put the believer to shame (Rom5:5).
3. LOVE is about loving the unseen Christ (1Pet1:8) realized by FAITH with joy unspeakable while enduring tribulations (1Pet1:6-7).
This post is partially extracted from the video link – https://youtu.be/lpiQdRd9DSc and blended with personal insights.
The video is about Getting into Word to produce disciples of Christ, Part 1.
The video draws attention to the traits of a disciple of Christ, where their focus is on the divine alignment and divine assignment.
The topic of discipleship is close to my heart for a few reasons. Firstly, making disciples is the great commission of Mat28.
Mat28:19 does not say to convert the unbeliever by saying the sinner’s prayer of Rom10:9-10 but to make disciples that observe the Lord’s commandments (Mat28:20).
This post is the 1st post of 3 posts.
To support this focus, the video posed the question – what is the critical issue facing the body of Christ (BoC)?
Spiritual maturity is the critical issue and need facing the BoC for the spiritual health of Christ-likeness. Spiritual maturity is not predicated on the age as a Christian or status in the 5-fold ministry.
The opposite of spiritual maturity is spiritual indifference or apathy. Spiritual apathy produces non-disciples believers and pseudo-disciple believers.
A non-disciple is indifferent and avoids the matters of God. Such a person calls on God and avoids the call of God. The pseudo-disciple lacks an adequate spiritual compass.
Spiritual maturity is not-
1. Spiritual knowledge is not spiritual maturity. A person can have much spiritual knowledge but lead a carnal life.
2. Spiritual zeal is not spiritual maturity.
3. Spiritual activism that leads to spiritual titles or valued positions is not spiritual maturity.
4. Spiritual giftedness is not spiritual maturity.
Spiritual maturity is about divine alignment and divine assignment as measured by the Word of God.
1. Divine alignment – About submission and obedience to God’s will by valuing the truth in His Word through revelations and spiritual awakening.
This alignment will take the view as created spiritual beings and not only physical beings.
2. Divine assignment – About living a life of repentance, meekness, and having a servant’s heart. By taking this view, we are carrying out earthly assignments with eternal value.
To expand on the challenges of spiritual apathy, the video draws from the Parable of the Sower expounded in post 2 out of 3, titled Discipleship and Spiritual Apathy.