Bible Question: Spiritual maturity? I have a 2 part question. Does God mature us more through our knowledge of His word, or through circumstances? Which is more of a sign of Christian maturity; knowledge of God's word or love for others? |
Bible Answer: Proverbs 1:4 states one of the puposes of the book is "konwledge and discernment in the young". The reason is that the Harlot of Folly wants to lure him away, as with the simple/naive. Then in verse 7, we read "The fear of Lord is the beginning of knowledge" Then in 2 Peter 1:5-8, God says, "Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." So knowledge is a stepping stone. We need to apply it in our daily life. We will be able to handle circumstances, which will soldify our circumstances. Love for others is only part of the way, if you are talking about the brotherly type. beva, I hope that helps. Searcher |