PERFECT AND FULL-GROWN
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God (Colossians 4:12).
The Apostle Paul, in the verse above, highlights God’s desire for us to grow into spiritual maturity. Epaphras, a servant of Christ, prayed fervently for the Christians in Colossae, asking the Lord to keep them perfect and complete in all the will of God. This prayer reflects God’s vision for His children; He wants us to be fully mature, complete, and fully established in His will.
The words “perfect,” Greek (teleios) and “complete,” Greek (pleroo) in this context are synonymous and often used interchangeably in the Scriptures to specifically refer to being full-grown or mature. They denote a state of spiritual maturity where one becomes a full-grown Christian.
Just as earthly parents raise their children with the hope that they grow up to become responsible adults, capable of making a difference in society, God also desires His children to grow spiritually. He doesn’t want us to remain as spiritual infants, reliant on others for everything. Instead, He nurtures us through His Word, trains us, and raises us to become mature Christians who can influence and help others.
2 Timothy 3:17 says, “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Maturity in Christ means reaching a level where you are grounded in the Word, able to discern God’s will, and fully equipped to carry out His purposes. James 1:4 says, “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” This is God’s will and desire for His children. Ephesians 4:13 (AMPC) says, “…until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ’s own perfection)….” Blessed be God!
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for your Word that guides and nurtures me to grow spiritually. I yield to your Spirit and embrace your training, knowing it’s your will for me to be perfect and filled with the exact knowledge of your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. I fulfil your purpose for my life without reproach, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
2 Timothy 3:16-17 AMPC
James 1:4 NIV, Ephesians 4:11-13 NKJV
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 13:31-38, John 14:1-14, 2 Kings 23-25
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 13:24-37, Numbers 31
