What does Jesus have to do with you? As Christians, do we wrestle with the Lord and long to follow him and grow to become more like him? Or do we not think much of this all-encompassing question that determines the life we live? The disciples of Jesus witnessed a myriad of signs and miracles performed by Jesus. Nonetheless, they experienced backsliding and even deserting Christ. In the same manner, today’s Christians also face the issue of spiritual immaturity resulting in backsliding rather than teaching others and being a source of encouragement (Heb. 5:12). What prevents the Christian from spiritual maturity and spiritual growth?
The wrong view of Christology is an enemy of spiritual growth. Everyone holds to their own understanding and view of who Jesus Christ is. But the matter is if the Christian holds a belief and knowledge of the biblical Jesus. In the immediate context of today’s text, the crowd was “amazed at the greatness of God” (v. 43) as Jesus demonstrates a miracle by casting out a demon from a boy. They were solely driven by the signs and wonders of Jesus but completely missing the purpose of why Jesus came down from heaven to die for sinners and be raised up.
Then Jesus responds to the crowd to shift the focus not on the miracle that was just performed, but that he will be “delivered into the hands of men” (v. 44). This is a stark warning by the Lord; that is, he must not merely be known as a miracle worker but the Savior who will save the lost (Lk. 19:10; Jn. 10:3). It is this biblical Jesus that is only able to forgive and transform the heart of any sinner. A false Jesus and any false teachings will never result in a sinner who is able to lay aside their old self and be renewed in the spirit of their minds (Eph. 4:20-23). The true and biblical Jesus relentlessly sanctifies and challenges all true believers to live in godliness in submission to Jesus’ lordship.
Crossless Christianity is an enemy of spiritual growth. Jesus’ message was in regard to his impending suffering and death on the cross. Why are Jesus and the cross crucial to the Christian? Without it, everyone will live life as if there is no judgment of God. And without the cross, we would not know the goodness of God and the sinfulness of man.
The cross is powerful to help any Christian’s growth and maturity. In history, there were many crucifixions, but one crucifixion is set apart from the rest. The sinless Son of Man was crucified. If he was sinless, why was he crucified on the cross? Every person sins leading to death, but Jesus took the place of those who would repent and believe in him (Heb. 2:9). If we understand the power of Christ’s death on the cross and heed his words, we will live a cross-centered life with true saving faith.
Sin is an enemy of spiritual growth. Sin is always an enemy of spiritual growth. God conceals so that the sinner cannot perceive the truth of God’s word. Sin is serious in the eyes of God, but many Christians do not take some sins as seriously in the name of “everyone does it”. A healthy relationship with the Lord is wrought by a life of repentance and growth in sanctification.
Cross-bearing is the will of God. Fear allows the Christian to deny the will of God. But the only way to grow spiritually is to submit to the Lord’s will which leads to ongoing sanctification. How we deal with the will of God in our walk determines our level of maturity.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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