Copyright © 2014 J. Neely. All rights reserved.
You must be in fellowship prior to your Bible study, so that the spiritual information you receive can become a source, of blessing to your soul and produce spiritual growth.
Romans 1:12
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12 That [de] [touto] is [esti], that I may be
comforted together [sumparakaleo] with [en] you [humin] by [dia] [en] the mutual [allelon] faith [pistis] both [te] of you [humon] and [kai] me [emou]. KJV-Interlinear
12 that is,
that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the
other's faith, both yours and mine. NASB
Mutual faith, as stated requires a mature spiritual level of growth, in order to have a more meaningful relationship. Two infants cannot engage in a meaningful spiritual relationship. An adult and an infant have a rather limited and one sided spiritual relationship. But mature adults are capable of engaging in a meaningful spiritual relationship.
‘That is,’ is a reference to the spiritual gift mentioned in the previous verse. And, it is defined here as the comfort afforded to all through everyone's mutual faith. Faith that has been developed as only faith can be developed, through doctrine that is learned through instruction, and inculcated into the soul of the hearer.
Immature believers generally focus on themselves, seeking attention, stumbling along within their daily lives, blurting out statements that are immature by their nature.
Mature adults, have the mastery of knowledge and understanding, even experience, that guides them away from the silliness of life, and makes their company thoroughly enjoyable.
And here Paul, very simply teaches us the obvious. People with similar levels of maturity and understanding, will have better communication and relationships than those who are far apart in their mental or spiritual growth.
And again, this world is full of contrasts in mental and physical growth and abilities. Nearly all of which make relationship interactions difficult or awkward. Especially those attitudes that focus on ‘me’ first, or people who make an issue of ‘self.’
But, in the spiritual realm, where everyone has advanced in their spiritual life, then any and all worldly obstacles are easily overcome.
Whether rich or poor, talented or not, the spiritual realm develops tolerance and understanding the recognition of ones role as God has defined it, not as the world has defined it. And therefore bias, and arrogance, and boasting, and inordinate ambition or competition, and such things are cancelled, and social interactions are far more pleasant.
Just one more reason for you to grow up in your spiritual life, so that others can be better able to tolerate you!
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End Of Lesson
Study to show thyself approved (mature) unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing (studying/discerning), the Word of truth.
