Jesus is the “the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by [him] (John 14:6). So, to be trained in the ways of God, all Ministers must in the unity of the faith, acquire knowledge of the son of God, and mature to the same measure of the stature of Christ. (Ephesians 4:13). How can God’s Servants acquire spiritual maturity that is based both in the knowledge of the son of God and on a Christlike stature? This could be done by steadfastness in the doctrine of Christ and developing a Christlike character and by righteous living.
2.1. STEADFASTNESS IN THE DOCTRINE CHRIST
Ministers must be steadfast and resolute in the doctrine and faith of Christ. Steadfast ministers will not behave like “children [who are] tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the [trickery] of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive”. (Ephesians 4:14). In other words, God’s ministers should be so knowledgeable about the teaching and example of Jesus Christ that they are not easily swayed by false teachings and cunning and crafty schemes that may be designed to deceive them.
Also, Servants of God who are spiritually mature in the doctrine and who exemplify the life of Christ, would not walk in the vanity of their minds as do the unbelievers who are alienated from the life of God, blind in their hearts and practice all impurity with greediness. (Ephesians 4:17-18).
But “[Ministers] that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh and all affections of lusts”. (Galatians 5:24). To develop spiritually therefore, they should renounce the hidden things of dishonesty, avoid walking in craftiness, or and handling the word of God deceitfully; and must maintain a clear conscious in the sight of God by revelation of the truth. (2 Corinthians 4:1-2).
2.2. DEVELOPING A CHRISTLIKE CHARACTER
Ministers should develop a Christlike character to secure their calling and election. We can do this according to the divine power which God has given us in all things concerning life and godliness through the knowledge of Jesus Christ. That by this divine power, we may obtain his “divine nature” and escape the corruption that is in the world through lusts. (2 Peter1:3-4 & 10).
God’s Servants can develop Christ’s “divine nature” if, in addition to their faith, they diligently seek and develop spiritual attributes including: virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity. These qualities should be inspired by the Holy Ghost and unfeigned love. (2 Peter 1:5-7; 2 Corinthians 6:6). “For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ”. (2 Peter 1:8).
One who lacks the qualities of the divine nature is spiritually “blind” to the ways of God; and is not aware that he was delivered from his old sins. But he that develops these qualities “shall never fail”; but have abundant grace to enter the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:9-11).
2.3. RIGHTEOUS LIVING BY GRACE
Ministers who are learned of Christ and have heard him, and have been taught by him, should speak the truth in love that they may grow in him. They should therefore put off the previous conversation and old life style, which was corrupt by deceitful lusts. And with a renewed spirit of mind they should “put on the new man which [is created] after God in righteousness and true holiness”. (Ephesians 4:15; 4:22-24).
Righteous living can be attained if we do not “give place to the devil” and are mindful to be in obedience and not grieve the Holy Spirit of truth, Who is our guide [Ephesians 4:27 & 30; John 14:26 and 16:13-14]. This means that God’s Servants should only entertain good communication that will edify and minister grace to the hearers. (Ephesians 4:29). They should put away lying, all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking with malice. And if one is angry, should not let the sun go down on your anger (Ephesians 4:25-26).
Spiritually mature Servants of God should rather be gentle-hearted and forgiving, even as God has forgiven us for Christ’s sake. (Ephesians 4:25-32). Such was the example of David when he spared King Saul of Israel even though Saul was seeking to slay him. David said he would not slay Saul, the anointed of God. (1 Samuel 24:15). This caused King Saul to say to David “Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil”. (1 Samuel 24:17).
3. TEMPTATION AND SPIRITUAL MATURITY
