Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Feb/81

Contributor - Mrs. Henry Van Essen

Title - True Maturity in Christ

Topic - Women

The Board of Reformed Church Women states as its priority in our current Triennium '8 1 -'84, "Don't let the world squeeze you into its mold, but let God remold your minds from within, to the end that Reformed Church Women move towards the goal of true maturity in Christ" (Romans 12:2).

This is a very active statement. If we let God, then He will be working within us. He is active in remolding our minds. The re-molding or transforming of our lives into the likeness of Christ (Rom. 8:12) will help us to fulfill the purpose for which we were created, namely to glorify God.

This transformation does not happen overnight. Conformity to Christ is a lifelong process. It may happen with stops and starts, but if we study God's word diligently we will be changed. Paul explains it this way, "And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as if it were reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into His likeness from glory to glory, as from the Lord the Spirit" (II Corinthians 3:18).

The goal set forth states that we grow into true maturity in Christ. Bible study is vital for growth, both private bible study, as well as group bible study. As a group we share our faith and learn from each other as we explore. When we study together we may see truths that we individually could have missed. When we study God's word, we come face to face with Him and hear Him speak to us. What a joy and strength we receive when we realize that we are not alone in our struggle against sin, - that we can uphold one another in prayer, - that God reveals Himself to us through the working of His Spirit.

How thirsty are R.C.W. to study God's word together? I am thinking about the example of a thirsty person who comes to a well, but before she can drink she has to lower the bucket, fill it and draw the water. Just so God's word will satisfy a spiritually dry and thirsty person, but first she must draw out the truths from the Bible, guided by the Holy Spirit.

I have heard it said that the Bible is such a difficult book to understand. In exploring this a bit further it is usually the people who more or less hop and skip through the Bible trying to find a passage that fills their particular need.

Thinking about us, R.C.W. and our Bible study, we should try to get the most out of it. That requires work. (Drawing water from the well.) It is not really important whether we use the R.C.W. Bible study book or another source of Bible study, as long as we study systematically because systematic Bible study is important to fill our need and to -mature.

Good Bible study methods alone cannot guarantee a transformation. The Bible can only fully be understood when we let the Holy Spirit guide us. Our relationship with God, - our fellowship with him has to be right. It is sin that breaks down our fellowship with God. There is no room for His Spirit when there is sin in our hearts. Before we begin our Bible study, it is good to stop and confess to God any known sin, for "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanses us of all unrighteousness" (I John I . ). Then we can proceed to ask God to open our eyes and make us understand. The Holy Spirit will teach us the truth. Jesus pointed out that to know the truth we must be willing to obey the truth (John 1: 1 7). A woman who is willing to obey God will receive His instruction When we study together we do not just learn about God, but we want to let Him speak to us in a very personal way. We want Him to transform us into His likeness, and be better equipped to glorify Him.

So often it happens that we study the chapter for our Guild/Circle Bible study at the last moment (or not at all) and we say, it's too difficult, or I don't get anything out of it. Usually the person who leads the Bible study has benefitted most. Why? Naturally, because she puts so much work into it. To get the most out of the Bible study here are some practical points.

Read the Scripture passage(s) several times to become familiar with the overall context. Ask yourself some questions. For instance: Who - are the people involved? What - happened? Why - did it happen? What - is the purpose? Is there an example for me to follow?

Is there a sin for me to avoid? Is there a command for me to obey? Is there a promise for me to claim?

Then read the assigned chapter in your Bible study book. Read it again and underline that which is important to you. - Make notes or write down questions that you have. Go over the questions at the end of the chapter. Use your notebook. - In order to get the group to participate, the leader could assign some questions to different people. And very important, don't leave it till the last moment. Start early.

I wish you all much joy in studying together and pray that we may all grow toward true maturity in Christ.

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