Stages of Growth in Christ (crucial to know)

[Episkopos]

Why are so many believers stuck in the initial phase of the Christian walk? Is it because of unwillingness, or a lack of knowledge about how to proceed....or both? In this episode we will begin to uncover the stages of growth in Christ and their importance, as it is laid out in the Bible.

 

[Laurina]

Why are so many believers stuck in the initial phase of the Christian walk? Is it because of unwillingness, or a lack of knowledge about how to proceed....or both? In this episode we will begin to uncover the stages of growth in Christ and their importance, as it is laid out in the Bible.

Matt. 13:52
"Then said He unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which brings forth out of his treasure things new and old."

 

[Laurina]

Why are so many believers stuck in the initial phase of the Christian walk? Is it because of unwillingness, or a lack of knowledge about how to proceed....or both? In this episode we will begin to uncover the stages of growth in Christ and their importance, as it is laid out in the Bible.

For those who don't take the time to listen to the video here is an AI summary:


This episode of the Spiritual Christianity Podcast emphasizes the crucial importance of understanding the stages of growth in Christ (0:00). Many believers, according to the host J.F. Morin, remain stuck in the initial phase of their Christian walk, either due to unwillingness or a lack of knowledge (0:32-0:51). The podcast aims to explain how God has designed this step-by-step growth process, which is often not taught in modern churches (0:40).

The core concept revolves around different "gates" or "gears" that represent stages of spiritual advancement (4:52). The host likens this to a car with multiple gears and ranges, explaining that there are two main "ranges" in the Christian walk:

The Lower Walk (Human Righteousness): This first range represents what humans can achieve through their own efforts, characterized by obedience, faithfulness, humility, and the fear of the Lord (6:50-7:02, 11:30-11:51). It involves stages of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding (20:00-20:14). The speaker stresses that while people can achieve righteousness on this level, it's not enough to reach the highest spiritual gears (17:31-17:37).

The Higher Walk (Divine Grace through Faith): This second range is achieved through Christ, by grace through faith, and leads to holiness and walking in the Kingdom of God (7:04-7:14, 16:18-16:22). This path is not something that can be achieved by human means alone; it is a gift from God (8:56-9:02, 18:54-18:59).


The video highlights that while God can grant a "sample" of the highest spiritual level even to a "fool" (someone lacking wisdom in the lower walk), it is crucial to actively progress through the lower stages to maintain and keep the spiritual gifts received (18:10-18:37, 43:07-43:37). The host warns that many Christians risk rejection on Judgment Day because they neglect the lower walk of obedience and character development, focusing solely on the "power of Christ" without corresponding works (22:02-22:40, 24:54-25:45).

Ultimately, the podcast argues that understanding and diligently pursuing both the lower walk of righteousness and the higher walk of holiness is essential for true spiritual advancement and fulfilling God's will (53:12-54:13). The speaker promises to lay out a more detailed "chart" or "map" of this spiritual growth in the next episode (50:52-50:57).

 

[Episkopos]

For those who don't take the time to listen to the video here is an AI summary:


This episode of the Spiritual Christianity Podcast emphasizes the crucial importance of understanding the stages of growth in Christ (0:00). Many believers, according to the host J.F. Morin, remain stuck in the initial phase of their Christian walk, either due to unwillingness or a lack of knowledge (0:32-0:51). The podcast aims to explain how God has designed this step-by-step growth process, which is often not taught in modern churches (0:40).

The core concept revolves around different "gates" or "gears" that represent stages of spiritual advancement (4:52). The host likens this to a car with multiple gears and ranges, explaining that there are two main "ranges" in the Christian walk:

The Lower Walk (Human Righteousness): This first range represents what humans can achieve through their own efforts, characterized by obedience, faithfulness, humility, and the fear of the Lord (6:50-7:02, 11:30-11:51). It involves stages of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding (20:00-20:14). The speaker stresses that while people can achieve righteousness on this level, it's not enough to reach the highest spiritual gears (17:31-17:37).

The Higher Walk (Divine Grace through Faith): This second range is achieved through Christ, by grace through faith, and leads to holiness and walking in the Kingdom of God (7:04-7:14, 16:18-16:22). This path is not something that can be achieved by human means alone; it is a gift from God (8:56-9:02, 18:54-18:59).


The video highlights that while God can grant a "sample" of the highest spiritual level even to a "fool" (someone lacking wisdom in the lower walk), it is crucial to actively progress through the lower stages to maintain and keep the spiritual gifts received (18:10-18:37, 43:07-43:37). The host warns that many Christians risk rejection on Judgment Day because they neglect the lower walk of obedience and character development, focusing solely on the "power of Christ" without corresponding works (22:02-22:40, 24:54-25:45).

Ultimately, the podcast argues that understanding and diligently pursuing both the lower walk of righteousness and the higher walk of holiness is essential for true spiritual advancement and fulfilling God's will (53:12-54:13). The speaker promises to lay out a more detailed "chart" or "map" of this spiritual growth in the next episode (50:52-50:57).

Pretty close. A few minor inaccuracies.

 

[Wrangler]

Why are so many believers stuck in the initial phase of the Christian walk?

I believe the answer is very simple; they're just not that into it. They are nominal or social Christians only.

They pay lip service to believing out of a sense that is what is expected and they don't go any deeper. Like styles of clothing, they shed it at the surface of their being. It's at the same level of importance for them to cheer for the local sports team in the playoffs at a party but they don't know a single player or statistic and the rest of the time, they couldn't care less.

Take heart. Most people are superficial and stupid, generally speaking. It's not just about religion that they are this way. Let me give you an example of a stupid and superficial custom in America; asking someone, "How are you?" While it is the deepest of questions, most don't wait for an answer - nor do they want an answer. A good friend in college 3.5 decades ago even told me not to answer it when she asked. She talked to me about this AS IF I did not understand the superficial custom. I rejected it. I kept the burden on her, telling her that if she doesn't want to know, don't ask. She couldn't help herself. Variants of your question:

• Why are so many not taking their ongoing education seriously by not getting a free book every month from the library?
• What are so many residents of local parks not using it to the full? (only 3% use it regularly).
• Knowing the importance of diet and exercise, why are most people overweight and rarely exercise?
• Why are so many living lives of quiet desperation, lonely but never doing what it takes to develop and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships?
• Knowing the importance of saving for retirement, why do so many retire broke?

Virtue signaling. Bill Maher went Ape $hit recently over the pressure to wear a pin that referenced a criminal killed in Minnesota for obstructing ICE officers as a sign of "support." (Last year the pressure was to wear a Ukraine pin.) Others put symbols of this virtue signaling on their social media signature. Wearing these pins - or a cross - accomplish nothing. It's all about fitting in, conforming to social norms. Most are not going to live a self-actualized life on ANY level - intellectually, physically, morally, financially, aspirationally, relationally and yes, even spiritually.

It is for this reason that our Lord commanded us not to throw pearls before swine; most people aren't buying what we're selling. They just want to go home, drink beer, watch sports, laugh at commercials and joke about bodily functions.

 

[ShineTheLight]

Why are so many believers stuck in the initial phase of the Christian walk?

Do you know this thing called easy believism? That's one (but not the only) reason why people are stuck in the phase they are in.