Spiritual Growth and the Power of Understanding
Until we come into true understanding of God’s Word, our Christian walk will lack power, depth, and fruitfulness. The Bible makes it clear: “The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130).
📖 Understanding Determines Manifestation
God responds to us according to our level of understanding. Revelation, not emotion, is what produces results in the Kingdom of God. Without spiritual understanding, Christianity becomes routine, ineffective, and unprofitable.
Four Stages of Christian Maturity
1. Babes in Christ
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2).
A spiritual babe is primarily concerned with comfort, provision, and self. They cry for everything and accept anything, unable to discern between truth and deception. They are vulnerable to false doctrines and easily swayed by appearances.
✅ It’s okay to start as a babe—but it’s dangerous to remain one.
❌ Babes are often ignorant of spiritual realities and susceptible to error.
2. Children in the Faith
“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine…” (Ephesians 4:14).
Children in the faith are unstable and easily influenced. They chase after signs, titles, and sensationalism without discernment. They may still indulge in unwholesome talk (Ephesians 5:4) and worldly amusements.
✳️ Growth from this stage requires understanding—not just exposure to teachings but comprehension of spiritual truth.
🧠 It takes understanding to move from immaturity to stability.
3. Young Men (Mature Believers)
“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter…” (Hebrews 11:24).
At this stage, faith becomes a lifestyle. You are no longer governed by opinions or trends, but by conviction in God’s Word. Mature believers choose eternal value over temporary comfort and are willing to suffer for Christ’s sake (Philippians 1:29).
🔥 Maturity is marked by discipline, discernment, and bold faith.
🛡️ You don’t just believe the Word—you live by it.
4. Fathers/Elders in the Spirit
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33).
“Brethren, be not children in understanding… but in understanding be men” (1 Corinthians 14:20).
Spiritual elders are those who have been trained by the Word and are now focused on advancing the Kingdom. Their priorities shift from self to service, from seeking blessings to becoming a blessing.
🎯 They understand the righteousness of Christ and live with eternity in view.
👑 They embody maturity, stability, and wisdom in Christ.
Why Understanding Matters
- “Give me understanding, and I shall live…” (Psalm 119:144)
- “The man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead” (Proverbs 21:16)
Spiritual understanding is the difference between existing and truly living in Christ. Without it, a believer is like one in a spiritual coma—present but powerless.
The Goal: Christ in You
Grow in the Word, and let understanding reveal your identity in Christ(1 Corinthians 1:30)
- Christ my righteousness
- Christ my sanctification
- Christ my wisdom
- Christ in my flesh and bones (Ephesians 5:30)
When understanding dawns, identity is established, and dominion is released.
🤲🏼 A Prayer for Understanding
🙏🏽 Father, open the eyes of my understanding.
🙏🏽 Grant me insight that I may live and walk in the fullness of Christ.
🙏🏽 As I partake of the communion tonight, cause Your Word to come alive in me through understanding.
🪙 Final Thought: Understanding Is the Currency of Dominion
Daniel reigned in Babylon, Media, and Persia because of the spirit of understanding and excellence (Daniel 5:12; 6:3). The same grace is available to you. Seek understanding, and you will reign in life through Christ.
“With all thy getting, get understanding.” – Proverbs 4:7