Overcoming Worldly Perspectives in Spiritual Growth and Development
Overcoming Worldly Perspectives in Spiritual Growth and Development
The apostle Paul exhorts believers to "set their minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth" [1]. This directive is central to overcoming worldly perspectives in spiritual growth and development. According to the Protestant academic interpretation of 1 John 4:5, the world's viewpoint is characterized as "systematic evil, opposed to God" [3]. In contrast, spiritual maturity involves a deeper understanding of Christian truth and conduct that pleases the Lord [6].
Paul's prayer for the Colossians is that they may have a deeper understanding of God's will and be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding (Colossians 1:9-10) [6]. This understanding is not merely intellectual but is expressed in a life that is pleasing to God. The Tyndale House commentary on Philippians 3:15 notes that spiritual maturity involves sharing Paul's perspective that eternal things are most important in life [7].
The Nonconformist/Puritan tradition, as represented by Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 39:7, emphasizes the importance of turning one's eyes and heart heavenward when faced with the vanity and vexation of spirit that attend worldly comforts [4]. This perspective is echoed in the Presbyterian interpretation of Hebrews 11:3, which highlights the role of faith in understanding the world's creation by God [5].
In the view of the Protestant academic tradition, spiritual growth involves considering the purpose of spiritual gifts and not treating them as ends in themselves [2]. This perspective is in line with Paul's exhortation to the Corinthians to be "mature in understanding" such matters (1 Corinthians 14:20) [2]. By focusing on eternal things and cultivating a deeper understanding of God's will, believers can overcome worldly perspectives and develop a more mature and spiritually grounded outlook.
The biblical emphasis on setting one's mind on heavenly things is a recurring theme in the apostle Paul's writings. As believers mature in their faith, they are able to perceive the world from a different perspective, one that is shaped by their understanding of God's truth and their commitment to living a life that is pleasing to Him.
Sources
- Colossians “Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. -- Colossians 3:2”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 14:20: 14:20 To be mature in understanding such matters, one must consider the purpose of spiritual gifts and not treat them as ends in themselves for one’s own enjoyment.”
- 1 John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 John 4:5: 4:5 The world’s viewpoint is one of systematic evil, opposed to God (2:15-17).”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 39:7: The psalmist, having meditated on the shortness and uncertainty of life, and the vanity and vexation of spirit that attend all the comforts of life, here, in these verses, turns his eyes and heart heaven-ward. When there is no solid satisfaction to be had in the creature it is to be found in God, and in communion with him; and to him we should be driven by our disappointments in the world. David here expresses, I. His dependence on God, Psa 39:7. Seeing all is vanity, and man himself is so, 1. He despairs of a happiness in the things of the world, and disclaims al”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 11:3: we understand--We perceive with our spiritual intelligence the fact of the world's creation by God, though we see neither Him nor the act of creation as described in Gen. 1:1-31. The natural world could not, without revelation, teach us this truth, though it confirms the truth when apprehended by faith (Rom 1:20). Adam is passed over in silence here as to his faith, perhaps as being the first who fell and brought sin on us all; though it does not follow that he did not repent and believe the promise. worlds--literally, "ages"; all that exists in tim”
- Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 1:9: 1:9-10 Paul prays that God would grant his readers deeper understanding of the Good News and its full expression in their lives. Spiritual growth yields a clearer and deeper comprehension of Christian truth and conduct that pleases the Lord, through which a believer will have the endurance and patience to stand firm against evil (1:11).”
- Phil (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Phil 3:15: 3:15 Those who are spiritually mature (cp. 1 Cor 2:6; 3:1) will share Paul’s perspective that eternal things are most important in life (Phil 3:12-14; cp. 2 Cor 4:16-18).”