Review:
We have briefly considered the meaning and importance of victorious Christian living in the negative as well as positive senses.
- Victorious Christian life is not a perfect, trouble-free life, but experiencing and enjoying all that God has planned for a believer in Christ.
Also, we saw two important reasons why we should consider this topic.
- Not only does God command His people to go over and occupy the promised land, but God’s purposes and working for His people are not just to deliver them from bondage but to take them to a place of rest and fruitfulness (Jos 1:1, 2)
TWO LEVELS OF SPIRITUAL LIFE
Just as in the case of the Israelites, God has saved us to enjoy a fruitful Christian life. However, often we do not reach that level. We take time to grow, bear fruit, and advance in spiritual life. A defeated and fruitless life is not what He intends from our lives. The following scripture passages will help us to see the difference.
1. Eph.1:3 cf. 2:6; 6:3: On earth vs. heavenly places
We have been seated in the heavenly places with all the spiritual blessings in Christ. In other words, we ought to live a heavenly life on earth!
2. Jn.10:10: Life vs. Abundant life
Christ’s goal for us is not just life, but abundant life - life that is active and visible. In spite of the claim of having the new birth, living as if dead is a contradiction.
3. Mt.11.28, 29: Rest received vs. Rest found
When one comes to Christ for salvation, the burden of sin is rolled away; his conscience gets peace and assurance. But as the days go by, he needs to find rest every day. Why is it so?
Because as soon as conversion occurs, a believer is made aware of the enemies both within and without, of which previously he knew nothing. Due to an ongoing attack from the world, flesh and devil, he finds himself on the battlefield. That makes him restless.
So he needs to find rest for his soul daily. This is possible only by mortifying the flesh, being under the yoke of Christ and learning from Him and resisting the enemies in the strength of the Lord.
4. Jn 4:14; 7:38: Thirst Quenched vs. River overflowing
At conversion, our spiritual thirst got quenched. But that is not enough. The Lord wants us to be channels of blessing to others by having an overflowing life. That means we are to not only enjoy peace and satisfaction, but be a blessing to others.
5. 1 Cor. 2:15-3:4:- Carnal vs. Spiritual
a. Carnal 1 Cor. 3:1-4: These are saints indeed but not in deed. They are walking by the flesh and living like little children with all their characteristics:
- Feeding upon milk — the basic things of the scripture.
- Fighting over simple things - neglecting valuable things, v. 3
- Not stable, tossed to and fro, frequently need somebody to help, wash and push, etc., Eph. 4:14
- Snare to others, defeated often, useless for the Lord, for others, even for themselves.
b. Spiritual. I Cor. 2.15: These receive things of the Spirit and are led by the Spirit.
- Feeding on the meat of the Word – deep truths. (Heb. 5:12-14).
- Grown up, matured and able to discern the perfect will of God.
- They find victory over the enemies.
The Lord wants us to be spiritual, not just be saved for namesake and walking according to the cravings of our fallen nature–flesh (Gal. 5:16 17). The spiritual ones enjoy true Christian life in its fullness. Such could possess and make their own of all that the Lord has promised them.
6. Heb. 5:12: Students vs. Teachers
A true believer is a student of God’s Word, but the Lord wants us to grow and be able to teach others also.
There are some, always studying but have no growth, no grade, and no pass. One boy said, ‘Teacher told me to study thoroughly, so I studied in the same standard for 3 years’!
7. 1 Cor. 6:19; Eph. 5:18: Spirit indwelt vs. Spirit filled
Every born-again believer experiences the indwelling of the Holy Spirit at conversion. But that is not enough; one needs to live in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. The evidence of Spirit-fullness is singing, praising, giving thanks to the Lord, exhorting others, submitting to others, etc. (Eph. 5:18–21).
8. John 1:12; Eph. 5:1: Children vs. Dear children
The divine operation of regeneration makes one the child of God, but to be a dear child, one needs to live a worthy life, imitating the Father and walking in love.
9. 1 John 2:3, 6: Knowing Christ vs. Abiding in Him
Apostle John classifies the dual state. Knowing Christ is the basic state of every believer but John asserts he needs to abide in Him. The evidence of this is the love of God perfected in Him and walking as the Lord walked. They not only keep the commandments of God but also the desires of God’s heart, even though not written explicitly.
10. 1 John 2:12–14: Little Children, Young Men, and Fathers
‘Little children’ are those who got saved recently, they do not know much doctrine, but they know their Father.
‘Young men’ are energetic and active. They are fighters and overcome the wicked one.
‘Fathers’: This advanced stage in Christian life is not achieved quickly or easily.
As in the physical realm, our heavenly Father wants us to move from spiritual infancy to maturity, however, it takes time and toil.
Conclusion
Thus, the two levels of Christian living are very much evident. Many born-again, redeemed believers still live at the infancy level, just like the wilderness life of the redeemed Israelites. God wants us to move forward, cross over and enjoy Canaan-like life. Why do we fail to reach this higher level of spiritual life? It is our failure, as in the case of the Israelites’ unbelief and rebellion.
So, living a victorious Christian life is to live in a higher level – a Canaan-like life. It is not just an option. It is God’s commandment and His plan for His people. Failure to reach this higher level is a loss for us as well as a dishonor to God. G&P
