It was so much fun today, laying the groundwork for our study in understanding the progression of maturing in Christ, first by obtaining the knowledge needed to grow in Christ — 1 Peter 2:2 — As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
Then, taking the understanding and applying it in our daily lives. Proverbs 9:10 — The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
It all starts with a holy reverence of God! From that reverence, everything else concerning your growth in Christ will fall into place.
Proverbs 1:2-4: To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
Proverbs 2:6: For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Finally, the goal of being conformed to Christ is to share that knowledge and understanding with younger brothers and sisters in Christ in wisdom, preparing them to do the work of the ministry, which is also known as fulfilling the great commission, making disciples, engaging in the ministry of reconciliation. It is what we are all called to do!
Ephesians 4:11-12 — And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
2 Corinthians 5:17-19 — Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.