Growing In Stature (3)
The Jesus Example (2)
ANOTHER inescapable concomitant of a strong spirit is being filled with WISDOM and GRACE. "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with man" (Lk 2:50)
Jesus increased in WISDOM. This is the use of the SpiritWord to chart the course of life through the turbulence, pains, and sufferings of Divine dealings and to come out a better, polished and refined vessel of honour unto God. As wisdom increases, stature with God increases. Together with stature comes FAVOUR with God and man. That was the way with Christ, our example. That is the way it has to be with
His church. No controversy. No exception. That is the narrow way. Because of His stature, He was able to deal with principalities and powers. The Bible says, "He disarmed them, triumphing over them …" (Col 2:15). He became the stronger one that overcame the strongman, took away his armour, and divided his spoils (Matt 12:29).
Wisdom is very crucial to the obtaining of Stature with
God. It is important to the extent that it builds the seven (7) pillars of Christian life (Prov 9:1-6). These pillars are as follows: Strong Spirit, Denial of Self, Crucifixion of Flesh, Dying to the World, Renewal of Mind, Transformation of life and Conformity to Christ.
Each one of these pillars would be tested for obedience and therein lies the pains and the sufferings that mature us and build stature in our lives.
From all the above scriptures, let me put forward a definition of spiritual stature. “It is the position of FAVOUR with God, and therefore with man, that God brings us into in response to our yieldedness and obedience to Divine dealings in our lives, as wisdom lays the seven (7) pillars of Christian life, at which time God finds us trustworthy and faithful for His grace, to finish specified aspects of Kingdom purposes." In conclusion, the men and women that are relevant to God's purpose in this Hour are not just anointed men and women. God is looking for people of stature; People who have been dealt with by God; People that God has made; People that have been moulded in the hands of the porter; People that have experience with God. This is the difference between David and Saul, Moses and Aaron. They have been broken and put together again. They have been cooked until they are done. And sweet aroma of their lives rises up to God and reaches out to men. Before such people, the hosts of darkness tremble. These are the people who have developed themselves. They will dismantle the authority and the strongholds of darkness over their cities and nations and they will establish the authority of the gospel over the nations. It is only then spoils are divided and the divided spoils are led through discipleship programme that turns them into effective followers of Christ. Join us for the MIDNIGHT CRY on DOVE TV (DSTV channel 349, GOTV channel 83 and Startimes channel 464) every Thursday at 7pm and on Rock City 101.9 FM every Sunday at 9pm. For more information please call 08037253604 or 07034495177. Bro. Kunle Adigun, Friends of the Bridegroom International Ministries (FOBIM)