mmetts said:
Among unbelievers, I would definitely share with them DHK's doctrine of maturity in the Christian faith. Like raising a child in the way he should go.
Among believers, I would share more sharp doctrine. I have convictions about the lack of "newness" in DHK's brief exposition/summary on Christian maturity. Of course, you are correct DHK, exegetically. But when I read your post I felt as though it left out the Holy Spirit's work of making us new. I know DHK is not advocating works of men for salvation, but any doctrinal summary of sanctification during a Christian's walk needs more Romans 6! Much like the Philippians quote earlier which regarded the idea that it is God who works in us.
Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
The day that we are saved Christ, by the power of his Holy Spirit, comes and indwells the believer giving him the power to overcome temptation. Salvation is all of God. God saves us, and God keeps us. His grace is sufficient for us. Perhaps the most common theme spoke of in the NT associated with the believer after salvation is suffering. It is something we don't like to think of, but it is there, and the Holy Spirit gives grace to see us through.
Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
--It is not just God's will to believe in Christ, but also to suffer for him. Suffering is part of the Christian life.
Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
--Why the caveat put here? We are heirs
if we suffer with him. Again suffering is part and parcel of the Christian life.
Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
--Paul returned through all the cities wherein he had started churches, appointing pastors, exhorting the believers, and telling them that they
must suffer much tribulation to enter into the kingdom of God.
Again suffering is associated closely with salvation. They suffered as believers, after they were saved.
Paul suffered much. We know that from his own personal accounts. But how did he deal with it?
Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
--He had to reckon his body to be dead unto sin. He had to say no the carnal desires of his flesh every day--treat them as if they didn't exist. He knew he was in a spiritual battle, not a carnal one.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
--Every thought and imagination had to brought into captivity; unto the obedience of Jesus Christ. He would win the battle with his mind submitted to the Holy Spirit. He would crucify the flesh.
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
--A cross is an instrument of death. Christ, along with the two thieves were executed on crosses. They were crucified; put to death. It was the common form of execution. Paul says that he has put to death his carnal desires. He treats himself as if he were dead. Yet he lives. It is not "him" (Paul) that lives. It is Christ that lives in him. His life is totally surrendered to Christ. Every action and thought must be surrendered to him. Though he has a body of flesh, he doesn't live by the flesh (carnal desires), but by the faith of the son of God.
In 1Cor.15:31, he describes how this is an on-going battle for he says:
"I die daily."
--Every day he puts his body to death. It is not a one time act. Sanctification is an on-going process with the help of the Holy Spirit yielding oneself to Christ.
Jesus taught the same thing:
Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
--If you will follow Christ you must deny yourself--say no to those things that you want; you must take up your cross. Christ died on the cross--an instrument of death. Put the body to death. Say no to all your desires and fleshly desires and yes to the desires that Christ has for you. Do it daily. Then you are fit to follow Christ.
Luke 9:62--No man having put his hand and turning back is fit for the kingdom of God. Discipleship is not easy. It takes suffering. Suffering is always associated with the Christian life, as is perseverence. It doesn't mean you won't sin; or you won't fail. "A just man will fall seven times and get up again." (Prov.24:16).
It is difficult but it is the most rewarding and satisfying life one could ever find. "My grace is sufficient for you."
"I am come to give life and live more abundantly."
