Revelation of the Word:
Revelation of the Word 23/07/2021 Admin
THEME: MATURITY IN SALVATION
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.”
INSIGHT
-Salvation was founded into the world through the love of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself as the propitiation for our sins. Spiritual growth can be evidenced by possessing gifts like the gift of prophecy, faith, helps, speaking in tongues, performing miracles etc., but maturity in salvation requires that we have love. Without love we are nothing and we cannot accomplish anything. Love covers a multitude of sins, which is also translated as human weaknesses that may elaborate personal differences or cause discrimination. Agape love as discussed here by Paul influences our mental orientation, relational connections and spiritual enhancement for the glory of God.
SUMMARY
A sounding brass or clanging cymbal both make or cause a loud resounding noise when struck. These are used as musical instruments that often yielded the same rhythm when played. The gift of tongues is therefore compared to these instruments if love is not applied, and the gift becomes ineffective. Maturity in salvation is a precipitate of spiritual growth. It first requires that we become obedient to the word of God, live uprightly and be dedicated to His call, as we work out our salvation with fear and trembling. As one received the gift of salvation, he/she exercises it through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Since salvation comes by grace through faith, we rely on the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit, as He trains us in the word. Secondly, salvation is founded through our faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, and to mature in it requires that we also grow in faith. If we have faith, we please God and He does His good work in us for the glory and honor of His name. Abraham obeyed God’s instructions by accepting to sacrifice his son Isaac, and by his faith it was accounted to him for righteousness. It is through faith that we are justified as we accomplish God’s good pleasure. Thirdly, maturity in salvation requires that we are separated from sin and the pleasures of this world, that cause fleshly lusts, lust of the eyes and pride of life (1 John 2:16). We are called to obey the word of God, rid ourselves of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind, like newborn babies, and crave for pure spiritual milk, so that we may grow up in salvation (1 Peter 2:1-3). Apostle Paul also notes that as babes mature and grow, there is need to rely on spiritual food as one becomes skillful in the word of righteousness. It is through spiritual feeding that one grows and become a teacher, and exercises that which is good (Hebrews 5:12-14). Fourthly, maturity in salvation requires that each one exercises Christ-like love in the society as opposed to self-centeredness that enables us to fully operate in our gifts and calling by the power of the Holy Spirit. Like a sounding brass and a clanging cymbal which are used to symbolize lack of love and fruitfulness when administering the gift of tongues, we achieve nothing if we have the gift of salvation but do not abide in Christ and His love.
PRAYER
Almighty and Everlasting Father we come before You today thanking You for taking us through the entire week by Your grace and favor. We enter Your gates with thanksgiving in our hearts and with praise. We repent for all the things we have done to displease You and humbly ask You to forgive us and wash us with Your precious blood merciful Savior. We humbly ask You to remove any form of unforgiveness, hatred and unbelief from our hearts, that we may love unconditionally. God You are love and have created us in Your image and likeness, help us to love You and one another as ourselves. Help us to love our enemies as ourselves. Grant each one of us, our family members, friends, colleagues and our entire nation the gift of salvation and help us to mature in it. We did not choose You but You chose us dear Jesus, we humbly ask You to mature us in Your salvation that we may operate in full potential for the glory and honor of Your name. Our Father who art in heaven; hallowed be Your name; Your Kingdom come; Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptations but deliver us from evil; for thine is the Kingdom the power and the glory; forever and ever. May You bless us Lord and keep us. Make Your face shine upon us and be gracious to us; God lift up Your countenance upon us and give us peace. Amen
Blessed Weekend
Further reading: 1 Corinthians 13:13, Songs of Solomon 8:7, John 15:9-12
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