INITIATE:

The Bold Step of Christian Maturity

By Rev. Dr. Noel Monzon

spachurch.org

Intro: What if the mark of true Christian maturity isn’t just what you believe, but what you begin? We live in a world that waits—waits for apologies, waits for justice, waits for someone else to move first.

Today, we’ll explore FOUR TRUTHS about initiation as a hallmark of maturity.

I. INITIATION REFLECTS CHRIST’S HUMILITY

1. Mature believers initiate because Jesus did. He modeled meekness and humility in His redemptive mission. (Philippians 2:6-8).

2. In this passage, Paul described Jesus’ incarnation by leaving glory to initiate salvation.

3. Jesus didn’t wait for an invitation. He came, taught, healed, and died.

4. Note: Some might say, “Why should I go first when I’m not the wrong one?” Initiation isn’t about fairness but following Jesus, who bore our wrongs. (Matthew 5:44)

II. INITIATION OBEYS THE SPIRIT’S PROMPTING

1. Christian maturity is displayed by acting on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, not our feelings or fears. (Galatians 5:25)

2. In this verse, Paul urged believers to align with the Spirit’s lead. “Keep in step” implies active response, which is to move when the Spirit nudges, not stalling for comfort.

3. The Spirit whispers, apologize, give, speak truth, reach out, serve him, but feelings or pride stall us.

4. In a Spirit-led life, we will find ourselves visiting the lonely, confronting sin, sharing faith, and trusting the Spirit’s timing.

III. INITIATION MAKES PEACE AND RECONCILIATION

1. Initiation— or taking the Spirit-led first step, reflects Christ. A 2024 study found that 65% of Christians avoid conflict resolution due to fear (Barna).

2. Read Matthew 5:9. In this verse, Jesus called us “peacemakers,” not peace-waiters. He urged us to initiate reconciliation, service, and love, even when it costs us.

3. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus blessed those who actively made peace and not just kept it. God initiated peace in the world through Christ. (Romans 5:8)

4. Note: Some might object, “Why reconcile if they’ll just hurt me again?” Peacemaking trusts God’s justice, not human responses. Our role is to initiate. (Romans 12:18)

IV. INITIATION IMPACTS THE WORLD FOR GOD

1. By initiating, believers become agents of God’s kingdom. We spark the change that reflects His glory. (Matthew 5:16)

2. In this verse, Jesus urged being proactive in doing good deeds that shine, not hide. “Glorify your Father” shows the goal of initiation: to point others to God and impact lives by being a channel of God’s goodness and love.

3. Note: People might say, “My actions won’t make a difference; why bother?” God uses every obedient step. Our initiation plants seeds, and God waters them. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

4. Quote: Mother Teresa said, “We are not called to be successful, but faithful” (No Greater Love, 1997).

Life Application: This week, initiate like Christ. Pray for humility. Act on the Holy Spirit’s nudge. Matthew 5:9 calls us to make peace, not wait for it, in a world paralyzed by pride and fear.