Be a disciple (2)
A crucial part of discipleship is recognizing the ‘what’ is being done and why it is so. The word disciple as we have earlier touched on is from the Greek word Mathetes, which means a PULPIL. This is synonymous with being a learner, a student. The way Peter addresses spiritual growth makes it evident that the highest pursuit of a disciple is growth– to learn, to know and to follow.
1 Peter 2:2;
2 “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”
Milk here is synonymous with the knowledge of God’s word. Peter says this is how you grow. The emphasis on knowledge is unmissable.
Discipleship doesn’t give room to assumptions. Everything must be taught; How to think, what to think about, how to speak and what is to be spoken, our conduct as prescribed by the word, walking in love, dealing with offences, preaching the gospel and so much more. It’s like a full course that lasts an entire lifetime. No one graduates from the school of discipleship because growth never stops. The moment growth stops, one can easily spot lukewarmness and stuntedness.
Peter again addresses this:
2 Peter 3:18;
18 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”
Grow up! Grow in knowledge and don’t stop. The earlier verse (2 Peter 3:17) readily explains that there is no middle ground in Spiritual growth.
2 Peter 3:17
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.
Peter warns of the danger of not continuing to grow. This is because spiritual growth is not ambiguous; it’s a deliberate choice. It’s either a man is growing or going down. Steadfastness hinges on being grounded in the word, which safeguards a man from falling.
In essence, spiritual growth isn’t agnostic, it is definite. A man is either growing or going down. Falling from steadfastness is a possibility when one isn’t being taught that which is true from the word.
Take a moment to reevaluate and answer these questions: Am I growing in my faith? Have I submitted to discipleship? If not, the time to start is now! Go for growth and be consistent with it.
Daily Bible Reading Plan:
Bible Reading – Deuteronomy 7
TEACHING OF THE DAY
The New Testament Ministry (3)