Young Adults' Group

Growing In 2020

by Pastor Mark
January 09, 2020

The challenge to grow

Last Saturday at the combined fellowship groups meeting, Pastor Charles gave a challenging but enlightening word to all of us whether as pastors or as members of the different groups. The challenge that was given was for all of us to grow in 2020. We want to see growth as a vital focus for the year rather than going through another year without growing.

A correct understanding of a familiar text

“as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,” (1 Peter 2:2)

We were taught to rethink our understanding of the Apostle Peter’s words about growth. The wrong assumption is to think that this verse is about newborn Christians. The context does not support this limited application. There are a few things for us to consider.

1. A point of comparison

The Greek particle “hos” is translated as “as”. It is used as a point of comparison. The point of comparison is not so much about the babies but about growth. The Greek word “auzano” is a natural growth word. A baby will grow naturally as it feeds on milk. We are to grow as newborn babies grow. We are meant to grow naturally as we feed also. This is the correct point of comparison.

2. The pure milk of the word

Peter used the Greek word “logikon” which means “spiritual, logical”. Using “word” as a translation would limit “logikon”. This is a reference to the spiritual and logical things that helps us grow. It can be a reference to the Word of God. But it is not limited to the Lord’s Word. It is a reference to anything spiritual that helps us to grow. It could be an example, a book or a person. It is anything that inspires us to grow further in our faith. When we learn to feed on the spiritual, we would grow significantly.

3. For all to grow

This text is not limited only to newborn Christians. It is a reference to everyone. It is for the young people. It is also for us as young adults. We need to feed on the spiritual for us to keep growing. It is also meant for the elderly to apply so that they can continue to grow. Let us be challenged to apply this text to everyone.

4. Through tasting the grace of God

“if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” (1 Peter 2:3)

As we look back, we have tasted the graciousness of God. The grace of God has been given to us in so many ways. God has given His salvation, joy and more…all has been given through the grace of God. Let us be challenged to build upon this grace and keep growing.

Challenge to grow in 2020

As we look ahead to 2020, let it be our desire to want to grow. The Greek word “epipothesis” means to have a strong sense of longing to do that which is good. Here, it is applied to desire the spiritual, the logical. Let us all be inspired to grow in 2020. Let us be an encouragement to each other to grow from strength to strength. Let us not remain stagnant where we are for yet another year. Let go beyond ourselves…our own limitations. Let us ensure that 2020 would be a year of significant growth as we learn to feed on the spiritual and the logical things that would inspire us.

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