At a point in our spiritual journey, we are referred to as babes. This signifies that there will be a period of growth. Spiritual growth is a target of all the ministries of the church. To this end, we strive. This was the encouragement to the Ephesian church by Paul in Ephesians 4. This will conclude the sermon series on change and launch the beginning of the next series on the Spiritual gifts in the body.
The Lord's work in our lives is a work to change us and sanctify us for a special work in this world. The change that takes place in our lives is meant to be a blessing to this world. That's why we are called saints - holy ones or separated ones.
One of the most prominent metaphors in scripture is the idea of God's cleansing. This was very important in the Old Testament, and there were many rituals centered on purifying that which was unclean. In the New Testament, there is likewise an issue of being spiritually cleansed and made pure.
Throughout scripture, we are reminded that the Holy Spirit lives in us, works in us and changes us. Through a brief survey of these reminders we need to come to grips with that, while we play a role in our change, the change in our lives should be credited to the work of the Holy Spirit in us.
God has made a commitment to His disciples to stick with them. As God's own workmanship, he is committed to fix, heal and restore that which is broken.
