Becoming a Son That Pleases the FatherSample

TWO PHASES OF THE CHRISTIAN WALK (2)

Yesterday, we started looking at the two phases of the Christian walk. Let’s dive more into it today.

When a person who was previously a child of disobedience becomes born again and comes into the Body of Christ, he begins a relationship with the Father. This is the first phase of the Christian walk, and the Father expects a progression into the second phase of pleasing Him. Based on this understanding, the Church today is made up of two classes of people:

(1)Class one: Those who have entered into a relationship with the Father, but are not moving forward in that relationship; and

(2)Class two: Those who have entered into a relationship with the Father and are moving forward in that relationship to please the Father.

These two classes of believers in the Church represent the two phases of Christianity:

(i)Phase One: Stepping out of the world and stepping up into a relationship with the Father.

(ii)Phase Two: Stepping up further into pleasing the Father.

As a believer, what phase are you in now? How are you faring in your walk with God? Note the following differences between the two phases:

a.The first phase speaks of the family while the second speaks of service.

b.The first phase speaks of acceptance while the second speaks of approval. God can accept you without approving your life. Acceptance is free, but approval is not.

c.The first phase speaks of unconditional love while the second speaks of conditional reward. The Bible says, “For God so loved…” (Joh. 3:16). God wants to lavish His love on you when you come into Christ, but at this phase, His love does not involve your participation or involvement.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to live my life in a way that I will move from acceptance to divine approval in Jesus’ name. Amen!