THE MARK OF a MATURE BELIEVER

 
THE MARK OF a MATURE BELIEVER
by David Wilkerson

The mark of a mature believer is a refusal to be "tossed to and fro
... with every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14). Such believers
cannot be manipulated by any teacher. They do not need to run
around, because they are feasting in green pastures, growing up
in Christ. They have learned Christ. They will not be captivated
by music, friends, personalities or miracles, but by a hunger for
the pure Word.

Paul said, "That they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior
in all things" (Titus 2:10). What is Christ's doctrine? The grace
of God teaches us that "denying ungodliness and worldly lusts,
we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present
world (Titus 2:11-12). The doctrine of Christ will conform you
to the image of Christ. It will expose every hidden sin and every
evil longing.

Is your teacher rebuking with authority, speaking and exhorting
you to forsake sin and lay down all idols as instructed in Titus 2?
Are you learning to hate sin passionately? Or do you leave church,
still not deeply convicted? The message of the doctrine of Christ
is, "Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit,
perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1).

Many write to us saying that their pastors tell them, "I'm not here
to preach against sin; I'm here to lift up Jesus." Or, "You´ll hear
none of that condemnation preaching from this pulpit! I'm here to
lift the fear and depression off my people." Even Pentecostal
preachers have two extremes. Some scream a hard, legalistic
gospel without love, merely of works; others preach against sin
like cowards, taking it all back in the same message.

The doctrine of Christ is a doctrine of godliness and holiness. "If
any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words,
even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which
is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting
about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife,
railings, evil surmisings" (1 Timothy 6:3-4).

The preaching of Christ's doctrine will bless, strengthen and
encourage you, but it will also convict you so deeply you cannot
sit under it and still cling to a secret sin.

-Source-

http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/node/23048

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