Faith without religion.
Spiritual Maturity and the Holy Spirit
In a recent teaching, we explored the profound insights Jesus shared with His disciples about the Holy Spirit, as recorded in John 16. Jesus explained that the Spirit of truth would guide them into all truth, revealing things to come and glorifying Christ. This teaching underscores the importance of spiritual maturity, likening it to the growth from milk to solid food. Just as newborns require milk before they can handle more complex foods, believers must first be grounded in the foundational truths of the faith before delving into deeper spiritual wisdom.
The discussion also touched on the life of Charles Templeton, a former evangelist who turned away from Christianity. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of lacking a solid foundation in the basics of faith. Templeton’s journey highlights the necessity of being well-rooted in the “milk” of the word before tackling the “meat” of theological complexities.
Furthermore, Jesus’ words to His disciples about asking in His name reveal a shift in how they would relate to God. After His resurrection, they would no longer need to ask Jesus directly, but could approach the Father in His name, signifying a new level of intimacy and access to God. This teaching emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in revealing the nature of God and fostering a personal relationship with Him.
Ultimately, the message is clear: spiritual growth is a journey that requires patience, a solid foundation, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As believers mature in their faith, they are empowered to understand and embrace the deeper truths of God’s word, leading to a more profound and personal relationship with Him.