Never Stop Growing in the Lord

Today’s Bible Reading:  Leviticus 15-17; Acts 18

Topic: Spiritual Maturity

SCRIPTURE:  Acts 18:24-28

²⁴ Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. ²⁵ He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. ²⁶ He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.

²⁷ When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. ²⁸ For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. (Acts 18:24-28 NIV)

OBSERVATION:

This passage tells us about a disciple of Jesus named Apollos; an educated man with considerable gifts of oratory and didactics. However, as effective and zealous as he was for the Lord, we find that his education and spiritual experience was incomplete. I love the humble and gracious way Priscilla and Aquilla chose to help Apollos gain further maturity in the Lord—they invited him to their home. They didn’t engage him in open debate; they didn’t belittle him for his limited experience, for as yet, “he knew only the baptism of John.” No, but they graciously and gently, “explained to him the way of God more adequately.”

APPLICATION:

The example of Apollos here teaches us that we are to boldly step out and use the gifts God has given us while at the same time, never stop learning, never stop maturing intellectually AND spiritually—never stop growing in the Lord.

PRAYER:

Lord, may I exhibit boldness with humility. May I not hesitate to use the gifts you have given me, and as I do, may I ever keep learning and growing in my experience as a disciple of Jesus. For Your glory. Amen.  -AP