Steps to Christ: Growing Up Into Christ (Chapter 7)

This is an aside, but if you are following along via the Youth Editionof Steps to Christ, I have just realized that some of the chaptersappear to be reprinted (unless my copy is just a misprint).  If anyonecan explain this to me, holla! 

So I am basing the rest of the agenda on the original manuscript.  Again you can find that version online by simply going to www.stepstochrist.us.

To begin with, this chapter identifies the simple reality that a personmust be born again (John 3) in order to become a child of God.  As aresult, we start walking with God as a baby/child.  The Bible clearlystates that “spiritual things are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians2:14) and as we grow both without and with Christ our discernmentexpands. 

This chapter could be entitled The Abiding Presence of Jesus, becausethat is the primary focus.  Once again Ellen over emphasizes theimportance of keeping our entire focus on Jesus and not on self.  Bybeholding Him, we will be changed! 

Here are some quotes that really jumped off the page for me:

The child cannot, by any anxiety or power of its own,add to its stature.  No more can you, by anxiety or effort of yourself,secure spiritual growth.

In the matchless gift of his Son, God has encircled the whole worldwith an atmosphere of grace, as real as the air which circulates aroundthe globe.  All who choose to breathe this life-giving atmosphere willlive, and grow up to the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus.

Many have an idea that they must do some part of the work alone. They have trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of sin, but now theyseek by their own efforts to live aright.  But every such effort mustfail. Jesus says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” Our growth ingrace, our joy, our usefulness,--all depend upon our union withChrist.  It is by communion with him, daily, hourly,--by abiding inhim,--that we are to grow in grace.  He is not only the author but thefinisher of our faith.  It is Christ first and last and always.  He isto be with us, not only at the beginning and the end of our course, butat every step of the way.

So you are not to look to yourself, not to let the mind dwell on self, but look to Christ.

This next quote is so important as we are growing up into Christ. The closer we get to Him, the more we will recognize the plans andstrategies that Satan uses.  Here she makes it plan how Satan functionsin our live and tell me if this is not true! 

It is Satan’s constant effort to keep the attentiondiverted from the Saviour, and thus prevent the union and communion ofthe soul with Christ.  The pleasures of the world, life’s cares andperplexities and sorrows, the faults of others, or your own faults andimperfections,--to any or all of these he will seek to divert themind.  Do not be misled by his devices.  Many who are reallyconscientious, and who desire to live for God, he too often leads todwell upon their own faults and weaknesses, and thus by separating themfrom Christ, he hopes to gain the victory.

When Christ took human nature upon him, he bound humanity to himself bya tie of love that can never be broken by any power save the choice ofman himself.

When Christ abides in the heart, the whole nature is transformed. Christ’s spirit, his love, softens the heart, subdues the soul, andraises the thoughts and desires toward God and heaven.

Jesus prayed for us, and he asked that we might be one with him,even as he is one with the Father.  What a union is this!  The Saviourhad said of himself, “The Son can do nothing of himself;” “the Fatherthat dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” Then if Christ is dwelling inour hearts, he will work in us “both to will and to do of his goodpleasure."* We shall work as he worked; we shall manifest the samespirit.  And thus, loving him and abiding in him, we shall “grow upinto him in all things, which is the head, even Christ” (Ephesians4:15). 

May we never forget that it is ALL ABOUT JESUS.  Growing up into Christis all about learning to trust Jesus with everything.  He will neverforce us to worship Him and obey Him, but by simply surrendering toHim, He will live out His life in us!  What a wonderous gift andopportunity we have to experience the very presence of God living inus!  May we not take it for granted. 

READ THIS CHAPTER!

Blessings from da bedroom,

Matthew