The abbreviation “FTT” is used in the medical practice in relation to child growth. A child referred to as FTT is one failing to thrive; i.e. the child’s physical growth will be below the expected level relative to age. This is not only found in physical growth of children but also in the spiritual growth of Christians. The ability of an individual to pursue a breakthrough and attain it is a function of growth and maturity in Christ. In the natural, babes are dependent on other people for every single thing they need. They are more susceptible to the elements of the world and we make sure they are warm, well covered up, not exposed to too much of the sun or even the wind. Guess what, it is exactly the same in spiritual maturity.
To understand this post you may need to read Galatians 3:23 – 4:7 (It’s a fairly long passage in relation to my posts). In this passage, In Galatians 4:1 Paul wrote, “Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;” It is normal for a baby Christian to behave as a babe. Everyone including God understands that there is a stage of growth where one is a babe. But here we are referring to those who have been babes from “everlasting to everlasting”. Notice the scripture says, “…as long as he is a child…” You can be a child for as long as you will until you begin to accept responsibility and grow unto maturity. We grow progressively from complete dependence, to independence and to interdependence. When we are babes, we are not different from servants and we have to request for everything and rely on others for provision.
Verse 3: “Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world.” I realize that certain commentaries interpret this verse in confusing ways. I like the fact that he puts our bondage in the past tense. He says we were in bondage to the elements (Greek: stoicheion = fundamental, basal) of the world (Greek: kosmos = ornament, decoration, adornment. Orderly arrangement, that is, decoration). We are no longer in that bondage as we have become mature sons of God! The elements of the kosmos are no longer the controlling factor. Thayer’s Greek Definitions lists “government” under kosmos. That is why we have been taught in Celebration Church that the government does not determine the direction of our lives. We live in a higher Kingdom, the Kingdom of God (Righteousness, Peace & Joy in the Holy Ghost).
Verses 4-7: “But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” Notice that he says “…because ye ARE sons (Greek: uihos). It is done already. We have already been adopted! The word translated “adoption of sons” is “uihothesia” which refers to the placing as a son; i.e. the recognition of a mature son as in the Jewish culture. He says, “Wherefore/Therefore thou are no more a servant, but a son…!” The sons have authority. They know who they are. They are raised that way. Raised unto royalty. They know they are the heirs. Heirs of God through Christ (Glory to God!).
When you have grown, you put behind you childish mentalities. You stop relying on other people for everything. You declare scriptures over yourself and you know they will come to pass. You know absolutely (Greek: ginōskō) the character of your father (1 John 2:13, 14). You stop talking as a child. 1 Corinthians 13:11 says, “When I was a child, I was speaking as a child, I was thinking as a child, I was reasoning as a child; but when I have become a man, I have put away the [things] of the child.” This is growing unto maturity: Putting away the things of the child, knowing absolutely the truth (for the truth will make you free).
In order for children to grow naturally, they need to eat. Spiritual children need food to grow. Their food is the word of God. The word renews the mind. It brings in the light of the truth. We have already been set free but it is the truth that will make us free. Growth is continuous. The moment you think you have finished growing in Christ is the moment you start dying in your spirit. Stay hungry and keep feeding. Desire more of God everyday. The more time you spend with anyone, the better you know them. Some think because they did Bible Knowledge at O’ level they know the word of God. Others think they learnt everything at theology school in college. You can’t learn all of God! Grow up!
Affirmation: I am God’s son of adoption. I am an heir of God in Christ. I am growing up in Christ everyday. The wisdom of God is operating in my life.
