01-16-2020, 02:30 PM
CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH
THE LIVING WATER {Jan ~June, 2020}
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Thursday, January 16, 2020
TOPIC: SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Read 1 Peter 2:1-12
1. Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
2. As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
3. If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
4. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
5. Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
7. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8. And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
9. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
10. Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
11. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
12. Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
MEMORISE: As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2)
EXPOSITION
Have you ever seen giants in life here on earth? Great and huge people in height, shape and stature? Looking at it from the spiritual perspective, one might be forced to ask, "Could it be that the spirit of these giants is even shorter than the shortest men around? Could it be that the reverse is the case in the spiritual realm?"
Just like the physical body, so is the spirit. It can eat, drink and grow (Isa. 55:1-2). But unlike the physical body, the spirit can appreciate or depreciate, depending on the diet you place it on. According to Apostle Peter, in 1 Peter 2:2, the physical body may need rice, beans, yam, burger, etc. to grow, but the only food the spirit needs to grow is the Word of God.
As Christians, spiritual growth is mandatory for us all. What kind of food or diet do you feed your spirit-man with? Being a pastor, preacher, evangelist, deacon, deaconess, choir master, usher, prayer warrior, or "spiritual tongues linguist", first class degree holder, Bible PhD holder, etc. Very good. For all of these are opportunities and gifts.
They do not automatically translate to spiritual growth and maturity. Take the example of Judas who had the great opportunity of first-hand tutelage under our Lord Himself. Was he really growing when he was with Him? What of Simon the sorcerer, as he walked with Evangelist Phillip and Apostle Peter. In fact, age in the church isn't an automatic ticket to maturity.
Spiritual growth is mandatory, hence must be sought after through:
(a) The Word: Joshua 1:8
(b) Prayers: 1 Thess. 5:17
© Fellowship: Heb. 10:25
(d) Humble service in His presence: 1 Cor. 12:27,28.
What do you feed your spirit with? As babe in Christ's hand and house, desire the spiritual milk of the WORD, that ye may grow by it towards maturity, and in aspiration of heaven. (cf. Eph. 4:12-14).
PRAYER POINTS
1. I receive the grace to grow spiritually unto maturity, in Jesus' name.
2. O Lord, let every power combating with my spiritual life be shattered, in Jesus' name.
3. Pray against the spirit of materialism causing churches to prioritise prosperity gospel over and against the true gospel of holiness in anticipation of reigning with God.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Genesis 33 - 34 & Matthew 16
Author: C.A.C. WORLDWIDE
Remain blessed!
THE LIVING WATER {Jan ~June, 2020}
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Thursday, January 16, 2020
TOPIC: SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Read 1 Peter 2:1-12
1. Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
2. As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
3. If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
4. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
5. Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
7. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8. And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
9. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
10. Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
11. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
12. Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
MEMORISE: As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2)
EXPOSITION
Have you ever seen giants in life here on earth? Great and huge people in height, shape and stature? Looking at it from the spiritual perspective, one might be forced to ask, "Could it be that the spirit of these giants is even shorter than the shortest men around? Could it be that the reverse is the case in the spiritual realm?"
Just like the physical body, so is the spirit. It can eat, drink and grow (Isa. 55:1-2). But unlike the physical body, the spirit can appreciate or depreciate, depending on the diet you place it on. According to Apostle Peter, in 1 Peter 2:2, the physical body may need rice, beans, yam, burger, etc. to grow, but the only food the spirit needs to grow is the Word of God.
As Christians, spiritual growth is mandatory for us all. What kind of food or diet do you feed your spirit-man with? Being a pastor, preacher, evangelist, deacon, deaconess, choir master, usher, prayer warrior, or "spiritual tongues linguist", first class degree holder, Bible PhD holder, etc. Very good. For all of these are opportunities and gifts.
They do not automatically translate to spiritual growth and maturity. Take the example of Judas who had the great opportunity of first-hand tutelage under our Lord Himself. Was he really growing when he was with Him? What of Simon the sorcerer, as he walked with Evangelist Phillip and Apostle Peter. In fact, age in the church isn't an automatic ticket to maturity.
Spiritual growth is mandatory, hence must be sought after through:
(a) The Word: Joshua 1:8
(b) Prayers: 1 Thess. 5:17
© Fellowship: Heb. 10:25
(d) Humble service in His presence: 1 Cor. 12:27,28.
What do you feed your spirit with? As babe in Christ's hand and house, desire the spiritual milk of the WORD, that ye may grow by it towards maturity, and in aspiration of heaven. (cf. Eph. 4:12-14).
PRAYER POINTS
1. I receive the grace to grow spiritually unto maturity, in Jesus' name.
2. O Lord, let every power combating with my spiritual life be shattered, in Jesus' name.
3. Pray against the spirit of materialism causing churches to prioritise prosperity gospel over and against the true gospel of holiness in anticipation of reigning with God.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Genesis 33 - 34 & Matthew 16
Author: C.A.C. WORLDWIDE
Remain blessed!