The Usual Christian Life Is not the Normal Christian Life

Part of God’s plan is to strengthen you spiritually and use you to strengthen others in their faith (Acts 15:36, 41). It is necessary. “So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers” (Acts 16:5 NIV).

Strengthening others requires proven character and a certain level of Christian maturity. In at most four years, Timothy attained that level.

Spiritual immaturity usually reflects a lack of effort. It is easy to grow old without growing up spiritually.

“In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!” (Hebrews 5:12 NIV). Unfortunately, the usual Christian life is not normal.

To grasp the normal Christian life, I recommend working through my free eBook, His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength (https://www.christiangrowthresources.com/his-power-for-your-weakness). Then, use it to strengthen others.

Paul took the gospel to those who had never heard it. He did not expect unbelievers to take the initiative. He went to them. So must you.

That is the normal Christian life. Most unbelievers will not come to church to hear about Christ. You must take Christ to them in both word and deed.

You are God’s instrument in your sphere of influence. You will not be perfect on this side of glory, but you must illustrate the gospel’s power to change lives.

Others must trust you before they listen to you. You build trust by showing them Christ’s love in a practical way. You do that best by meeting unmet needs in their lives.

Paul concentrated on receptive people. In every synagogue, many God-fearing Gentiles were open to the message.

Your greatest influence is on your friends, relatives, and associates. Who among them is most open to spiritual things? What need can you meet to demonstrate Jesus’ love?

Be tenacious yet gracious. You will face opposition. Do not give up or become obnoxious.

Satan tried to disrupt Paul’s ministry. He used a demon-possessed girl who followed Paul, crying, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved” (Acts 16:17 NIV).

It sounded good. But she distracted people from Paul’s message. Opposition increased when he cast the demon out of her (Acts 16:18).

Paul and Silas did not give up after they were beaten with rods and thrown into prison. Later, after being kicked out of town, they remained gracious.

Your job is to share God’s way of salvation graciously but tenaciously. Pass the gospel, please! Be the gospel, too!

Then, help those who receive Christ to grow in their faith. That is the normal Christian life. What is your takeaway?

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God has empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free, evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship e-book. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead 6,090 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 15,150 people. I invite you to explore and use it in your setting.  

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