The admonition to think first and then act is wise and increases the probability that the results will be favorable. Some would rightly call this just having plain common sense, gained experience or previously learned information. From God’s perspective, knowledge acquired through learning the Word and its proper application is essential for spiritual growth in the individual who has placed their faith in Christ as their Savior. The consequences of failing to do that brings frustration, doubt, insecurity and presents a false path to living the spiritual life.

The Apostle Peter warned his audience … “be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position” (2 Peter 3:17 NIV). The apostle understood well the weakness inherent in the nature of man. Had he not denied the Lord on the eve of the crucifixion, though he had been a close follower of Jesus for three and a half years? Therefore, he encouraged believers with these words … “but grow [keep on growing] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18 NIV).

Peter was one of several apostolic writers who spoke of a walk that reflected personal knowledge of the Word of God. James devoted an entire epistle to the effective outworking of one’s faith in Christ motivated by wisdom gained from learning the Scriptures. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:6 NIV). It is then that James’ previous statement would become a reality in times of adversity … “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4 NIV).

The most extended discourses concerning spiritual growth are found in the letters of Paul to the churches in Ephesus and Colossae. He reminds Christians that … “you were dead in your trespasses and sins” (Eph 2:1 NIV). “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Eph 2:4-9 NIV).

The apostle then proceeded beyond the point of faith in Christ to that of living a life that is worthy of Christ. “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Eph 4:1-2 NIV). Those traits which were evident in the life of Christ were to be developed in the life of every Christian. Therefore, Paul wrote … “we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Col 1:9-14 NASB).