He Waxed

Maurice W. Jackson was the author if this piece which appeared in the October 29, 1972 edition of Reminders, which was published by the Moundsville Church of Christ in Moundsville, West Virginia. Paul C. Keller was the editor of the paper.

Handwritten notes on the copy of this paper that I have, indicate that my dad, John Steele, used this as the basis for a sermon he preached in Jerusalem, Ohio on November 12, 1972. At the end of this article, I have listed the additional scriptures my dad's notes indicate he used.

In Luke 1:80, the inspired writer presents in a few words a graphic picture of many years as respects John the Baptist. "The child grew, and waxed strong in spirit..." Waxed means to strengthen, make strong or to be made strong. The verse says of John that he, "waxed strong in spirit." This means that he developed spiritually toward an effective service for God. John made mental progress as a worker for the Lord.

It is not necessarily presumptuous for one today to say that he has grown and developed spiritually. Not only is it sad for one to have to admit that he has not grown spiritually, but such a failure is quite possibly a sin. The plain command in 2 Peter 3:18 is, "...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." What is even more pathetic is to see one who has reached adulthood physically, mentally and socially and is yet an infant spiritually when by reason of time he ought not be so!

Much is said in the Bible about spiritual infancy and maturity. The word teleios is found 14 times in the New Testament. It is rendered "perfect," meaning "full grown, mature;" "one who has reached the proper height of virtue and integrity" (Vine, Thayer). The very opposite is the word, "nepios," childish, untaught, unskilled. The word "perfect" does not mean sinless perfection. It is a word used to designate mature Christians. Those properly taught in the doctrine of Christ and serving faithfully.

It should be the desire and aim of every Christian to grow and mature spiritually. Having the right attitude toward things spiritual is the first step. A persistent and purposeful study of the Bible is a necessity. This involves time and work. Learn from the gospels Christ's manner in His associations with people and strive with diligence to follow His example (1 Peter 2:20-23; Acts 10:38).

There are a number of things that evidence spiritual growth. With these we should all be genuinely concerned.

1. Willingness to receive the meat of the word. 1 Corinthians 3:2-3 teaches us that this requires being free of jealousy and strife. Also, willingness to receive the meat of the word implies compliance with its requirements (Hebrews 5:13-14). Receiving the meat of the word will result in one being of full age in Christ; thus, free of malicious and bitter thoughts, words and actions (1 Corinthians 14:20-ff).

2. Possessing the ability to discern between good and evil. (Philippians 1:9-10) This enables one to distinguish between truth and error and prevents being led astray by false teachers. Sin is not always dressed in loud colors or displayed by a flashing neon sign. It is deceptive and the mature Christian is very mindful of this (Hebrews 3:13).

3. Keeping the tongue under control. James says the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. Then he made the observation, "Behold, how much wood is kindled by how small a fire" (James 3:5-6). In addition, the truth is stated in James 3:8 that the tongue is a, "restless (unruly) evil, it is full of deadly poison." It is not difficult to understand that if a Christian, "bridles not his tongue, this man's religion is in vain" (James 1:26). So then, he must work at keeping the bridle on the tongue, that he not stumble in word, that he may be a perfect (mature) man (James 3:2). Careful control of the tongue will promote careful control of the body or of one's words and actions. This evidences spiritual maturity.

Let's never become self-satisfied but work to, "wax strong in spirit."

Additional scriptures: Acts 10:38, 1 Corinthians 3:2-3, Hebrews 5:13-14, 1 Corinthians 14:20, Philippians 1:9-10 and Hebrews 3:13.