We are to be mature in understanding, our faith, grace, and knowledge. (1 Cor. 14:20; 16:13; 2 Pet. 3:18) Our senses are to be exercised. (Heb. 5:14) God does not expect you to be a baby forever. We are eternally God’s children, but not infants. As we grow up in our understanding we can serve more and swerve away from sin more. Our increased growth of our faith makes us stronger and immovable in Christ. As we grow in grace and knowledge we can better apply God’s word. When we exercise our senses to discern both good and evil we become very wise. That wisdom comes by the word and its application in our lives. (Col. 3:16) We are to grow up to be like Christ. (1 John 2:6) Do not be content with being an infant in Christ. There is a lot more to be enjoyed as a spiritual adult.
The world is provoked for different reasons. Anything from God’s word to good deeds for others to envy can cause wrath to be poured out (Jonah 3:10-4:1; Luke 15:20-28; Genesis 30:1, 2). What should provoke a New Testament Christian is quite different. Things like idol worship, inadequate treatment of others, turning from God, and dishonoring the house of God should cause indignation to swell up inside us (Exodus 32:19-22: 1 Samuel 20:33, 34; Matthew 21:12, 13; Acts 17:16, 17). This type of anger is justified (Mark 3:1-5). However, when this righteous indignation sets in, we will not forget who we are. We must be slow to anger (Nahum 1:3). It should not set in fast (Titus 1:7; Ephesians 4:6). We should be seeking to stir up love and good works no matter what (Hebrews 10:24, 25; 1 Corinthians 9:1, 2). We love the Lord so much it should bother us when He and His are mistreated. We need to handle things right and make sure we are never at fault for mistreat...
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