There is a narrow road that leads to eternal life, but unfortunately most people prefer the comforts of traveling the broad road that leads to destruction, just as Jesus told the people in Matthew 7:13,14.
For those who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and are on that narrow road, God has a recorded program that tells the believer what He knew trillions of years ago. It is found in the Christian’s textbook, called the Bible.
The Lord has a pre-designed plan for the life of every believer. To know that plan, the Christian must have positive volition toward hearing, metabolizing and applying the truths of the Word of God, which is Bible doctrine, or the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16) Once the believer has decided to follow that plan, God will provide a prepared pastor/teacher to edify and encourage him to grow spiritually. By presenting historical background about circumstances that took place at the time scripture was written, and by systematically comparing scripture with scripture, the believer will be able to understand that the Bible does not contradict itself. “Precept upon precept; line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” (Isaiah 28:10) Also, through his knowledge of the original languages of scripture, that pastor/teacher will be able to explain and interpret (exegete) the Word of God.
Before we can learn the things of God, we must keep short accounts by naming our known sins to Him. We don't have to feel sorry for them, but just site them. “Only acknowledge your sin.” (Jeremiah 3:13a) The apostle John says, “If we confess (name) our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse (purify) us from all unrighteousness (unknown sins).” (1 John 1:9) When we do, we are said to be in fellowship with God and we are teachable.
It is important to understand that a mature believer can have positive volition toward Bible doctrine and still get into interlocking systems of arrogance if he fails to name his sins to God. Such was the case in the life of king David when he became involved with adultery and murder. All of those details are found in 1 Samuel chapter 11.
Arrogance and pride are synonymous terms. When a person becomes arrogant, he first justifies his wrong doing in his own mind. Then he deceives himself, and thinks there’s nothing wrong with his evil thoughts and actions. Finally, he becomes totally absorbed with himself, not caring about others, and he cannot be distinguished from an unbeliever.
A mature believer who falls into a pattern of arrogance will play the part of a hypocrite and pretend to be something he is not. He will hide his thoughts and speak flattering words for the purpose of impressing others, as he attempts to make himself look respectable. He will respect a depraved person without regarding that person’s integrity. If the carnal believer plays the role of a hypocrite long enough, his own thoughts and actions will also become depraved.
An immature believer can become apostate by abandoning the truth he has learned and going back into the cosmic system of thinking.
Spiritual growth for the believer in Jesus Christ depends upon his positive volition toward God’s Word. Then he must understand the importance of being in fellowship with God so that he may receive, metabolize and apply sound, doctrinal teaching. Only then will his life glorify the Lord. Without those necessary factors, the believer will remain a babe in Christ.
Layout and web work Wes Miller
10/17/2009
links to Lois Delnay's Children Bible Study
http://gettoknowyourbible.org/
http://loisdelnay.bravehost.com/index.html
