Category: spiritual immaturity

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #38

Friday, June 26, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

The Corinthians had used (faulty) humanistic standards to appraise and question Paul’s apostleship or ministry, so the Holy Spirit in him responded: “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1-5). Paul was not the least intimidated that these spiritual children had criticized him, for he knew the Lord would evaluate his service and reward him accordingly.

Instead of pointing out Paul’s alleged “faults,” the Corinthians were to make note of the following: “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). As an athlete (runner, boxer/wrestler, and so on) prudently diets, exercises, and trains to be physically fit to compete and win, so Paul made sure he walked according to the principles of grace (what he preached). Any careless conduct would result in him being a “castaway,” his Christian service unapproved of (rejected by) God.

Here, the Corinthians (and we) would do well to follow Paul….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #31

Thursday, June 18, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

The elementary grace-living Book of Romans, Paul’s first epistle or formal doctrinal letter in the layout of Scripture (Romans to Philemon), opens with, “For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me” (Romans 1:11,12). In order to be spiritually “established,” our feet firmly fixed on a sure foundation, being “comforted together” (strengthened) with our Apostle by having “mutual faith” (share his Bible understanding), we should study all 16 chapters of Romans.

Romans chapters 1–5 are justification, the Gospel of the Grace of God (Paul’s Gospel), how to have a right standing before God (forgiveness of sins); chapters 6–8 are sanctification, practical Christian living, how to have victory over sin every day; chapters 9–11 are dispensation, the nation Israel’s past and present and future statuses (we are not Israel, and God is not finished with Israel); chapters 12–16 are application, using grace principles in specific life situations and circumstances.

A doxology (praise of God) forms the conclusion of Romans, how saints are to be “stablished,” stabilized or kept from wavering: “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:…” (Romans 16:25,26). The first step in spiritual stability is trusting Paul’s Gospel of 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, the second stage is acknowledging Jesus Christ as Paul uniquely preached or presented Him, and the third step is understanding all of the Bible (“the scriptures of the prophets”) in light of Pauline revelation.

Denominationalism does none of these, so it fosters spiritual immaturity and thereby reinforces darkness, blindness, and ignorance….

Continue #10

Friday, May 15, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

For over a decade in my denominational system, I was comfortable in ignorance and childishness (the death of my Christian life)… but that all changed when two faithful brethren gave me the Bible verses I needed to recover myself out of the snare of the Devil (the revival of my Christian life). For almost 20 years now, I have striven to pass on to others what saved me from spiritual kindergarten, that any poor souls willing to listen and believe may come unto the knowledge of the truth as well.

“Continue” distinguishes between the Christian life surviving (it working as God intended) and the Christian life dying (it separated from its function). Those who “depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrine of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1) have no one to blame but themselves. They did not remain with the Dispensation of the Grace of God the resurrected, ascended, and glorified Lord Jesus Christ delivered them through the Apostle Paul’s ministry of Romans to Philemon. Having the completed Bible canon and the indwelling Holy Spirit to teach us, we have no excuse whatsoever for being unaware, immature, or deceived.

“Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:15,16). To “meditate” is “to revolve in the mind, think deeply about, care for, attend to carefully.” Stated another way, Timothy is to contemplate what he has been given in the epistle of 1 Timothy (and 2 Timothy, its companion). Along with the two Timothy Books, Titus and Philemon form the four Pauline pastoral epistles—the handbooks of the local church. Pastors and teachers would do well to concentrate on those four formal doctrinal letters, that they minimize what the Devil does in their assemblies and among their congregants. They should give themselves wholly (completely, entirely) to these words of God’s grace. Let us do likewise, brethren, also depending less and less on man’s intellect and man’s ability. 🙂

Zealously Affected #33

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

Dear friend, share dispensational Bible study with others. I have done it for nearly two decades now. Typical responses are silence, astonishment, or puzzled facial expressions. Others are franker, such as issuing aggressive outbursts of, “You remind me of a know-it-all!” or “Our denomination may be manmade, but you need to be in church here anyway!”

Long ago, I had a Christian relative scream in my face when he realized he was using a corrupt Bible version; his emotions had become uncontrollable, and no logic was present. Also in my early ministry, I was escorted out of one church building because I was sharing verses contradictory to the theological system promoted there. Four Bible teachers debated me outside the door, their arguments being more ignorance and sarcasm than substantial. Studying at college, I saw and heard a professor (an “educated” man) act and speak in a most thoughtless way. His emotions were dominant as he rattled (ranted) on and on about how he hated Christianity and Christians because of his terrible experiences with “church.” That tantrum is still quite vivid in my mind 19 years later.

We can give a hearty “Amen!” to the words of a stranger who said it best on an online forum I was scanning not too long ago: “Most are ignorant and just want to stay that way. [It] lets their hatred and emotions override logic and actual research efforts.” Here is an individual who is not fooled. Ignorance, especially deliberate ignorance, is excused because emotionalism is incapable of evaluating ideas, policies, or conduct. As long as we are comfortable suffering emotional revolt and emotional tyranny, we have neither a hope nor a prayer in the world of escaping the fantasy world of “feelings.”

How essential it is that we—without delay—turn from darkness to light, from blindness to sight, from wrong to right….

Zealously Affected #32

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

I have seen it in my own life, and I am certain you have experienced it too. A solitary emotional episode can ruin a well-thought-out plan. The result is utterly disastrous! Ruminate on this, dear friend. Father God devised the local church to be a place where His people fellowship around each other as they are filled with the life of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Oh, but the flesh controlled the reckless Galatian assemblies of today’s Scripture! Adam alive and well in and through them, they were spiritual cannibals gobbling up each other in their selfishness, childishness, and pettiness! “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another” (Galatians 5:15). If they were disposed to attack themselves, Paul doubtless expected they would easily consider him a rival too (Galatians 4:16)!

“You are not going to tell us who we can invite to speak at our Bible conference!” A group of professing “grace” Christians told me those words when I informed them of how their favorite teacher was false. By the way, this was the very assembly to which I had ministered for the prior five years. They wanted the lie, and, following God’s example, I decisively handed them over to it (Romans 1:24,26,28). That was their own fault, neither my fault nor God’s. Unfortunately, they not only lacked spiritual sense but also refused it, and would therefore threaten my own spiritual health if I did not get away from them. “Be not deceived: evil communications [friendships, companionships, associates] corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Since they were more emotional than they were scriptural and dispensational, I promptly cut off fellowship with them. Last I heard of them, they were further from the truth than ever… and their false teacher was still there, teaching worse doctrine.

If our doctrine is not that which demonstrates the life of Jesus Christ, we have no reason to assemble—no matter how good it “feels” or how emotionally attached we are to the teacher or pastor….

Zealously Affected #27

Thursday, March 19, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Writing through King Solomon, God the Holy Spirit knew the significance of godly parenting. Children are naturally emotionally and mentally unstable (“tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine;” Ephesians 4:14). Hence, there must be a constant input of sound Bible doctrine beginning at the earliest possible period for them to grow and develop into people who reach a state of steadiness, soundness, and spirituality (led and controlled by the Holy Spirit). Fathers play an especially integral role here: “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture [careful, protective instruction/training and encouragement] and admonition [urging by stern warning or firm reprimanding] of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

Since mental development in humans does not peak until the 20s or 30s and emotional maturity reaches its pinnacle in the 30s or 40s, how precarious it is for parents to let their children be exposed to a bombardment of unhealthy choices. Again, minors surfing the internet are viewing and hearing every type of filthy and false information—perhaps with parental consent (!). It is absolutely impossible to understand the rapidity of the dissemination of such propaganda, lies spreading to billions in mere seconds, minutes, or hours, and “zealously affecting” them. How exciting it is to adopt this “new” view and experiment with that “new” practice! Since it changes shapes, precious few have the discernment to realize sin is still sin.

They have no real-life experience, no clue as to whom they are or what they want to do, and no sense of what they ought to be doing. Nevertheless, with emotions running recklessly and thoughts jumbled thoroughly, children for many years have posted online texts and videos to “guide” their peers regarding sex, gender, marriage, pregnancy, parenting, politics, and myriads of other major issues, leading to yet another whole generation of instability. Friends, our sin has found us out indeed….

Zealously Affected #18

Sunday, March 8, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

“If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant” (1 Corinthians 14:37,38). The context is abuse of spiritual gifts, chapters 12–14. Despite all their supposed “Holy Ghost” experiences—including speaking in tongues—the Corinthians failed to conform to the Pauline standard of 1 Corinthians. Hence, the Apostle in his epistle (formal doctrinal letter) warned (“take heed,” watch out or be careful) about the hazard of building “wood, hay, stubble” (spiritual garbage) into the inner man (1 Corinthians 3:9-17).

Presently, our churches are rife with “supernatural experiences” akin to the heathenism, immaturity, emotionalism, and ignorance of Corinth. They would profit immensely if they received the reproof of Corinthians and started again with (foundational) Romans. Feel-good experiences are not enough; what matters most is the quality of the information offered or proclaimed. Indeed, the general public is gullible. Unfortunately, even the “Christian” general public seldom fares any better. There is a prevailing myth that, if something is “supernatural,” God must be responsible for it. Evidently, they do not believe Satan works in the spirit realm too. Only utter fools assume the Devil does not counterfeit God’s work: after all, he craves the credit and worship God alone deserves.

Matthew 7:21-23 relates to us how experiences, preaching, and other activities that feel good and seem godly can actually be just the opposite (satanic)! “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

Thus, we repeat. Let us guard ourselves from domineering emotions….

Saints, please remember this work of the ministry requires monthly financial support to operate (Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:16-17; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Those who prefer electronic giving can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Anyone who wishes to donate by regular mail can visit https://333wordsofgrace.org/contact-us-mailing-address-for-donations/ for details. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! Unfortunately, since our ministry audience is so large and our ministry staff is so small, I can no longer personally respond to everyone. Thanks so much for understanding in this regard. 🙂

Heir by Position, Pauper by Practice #25

Thursday, January 29, 2026

“Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ” (Galatians 4:7 KJV).

Saints, we in Christ are spiritual winners and heirs by position, but we can choose to be spiritual losers and paupers by practice!

While transitioning from denominational doctrine to dispensational Bible study, I heard a grace preacher deliver a sermon wherein he remarked, “You do not have to live like a spiritual pauper!” Having matured in sound Bible doctrine all these years later, I understand precisely what he meant. Whereas I was quite eager to hear and believe the verses he was teaching, a great many have responded the same way Paul expected the Galatians would: “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16). Instead of stumbling in Romans, or Corinthians, or Galatians, we can go beyond the basic principles of grace and stand as mature, adult sons of God (the rest of Paul’s epistles). Let us not get angry at those people who expose our denominations for the malarkey and silliness that they really are!

“And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9-11). “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;…” (Colossians 1:9-11). We would do well to believe these grace truths in our heart, for they are our “renewed mind” and “reasonable [sensible, logical] service” (Romans 12:1,2)!

Saints, we in Christ are spiritual winners and heirs by position, but (never, ever, EVER forget!) we can choose to be spiritual losers and paupers by practice (and that will be our fault, not God’s)!

-FINIS!-

Heir by Position, Pauper by Practice #24

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

“Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ” (Galatians 4:7 KJV).

Saints, we in Christ are spiritual winners and heirs by position, but we can choose to be spiritual losers and paupers by practice!

It truly is a pity—a real shame—that billions of church members, pastors, and teachers actually have no clue concerning God’s will for them. This is not God’s fault! Rather, they have decided to squander their time with nonsense and ignorance instead of opening the Holy Bible to “study… rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). It is not God’s problem when they overlook the answers He has already written in response to anticipated questions.

Here is God’s will! First Timothy 2:4-7: “[God our Saviour] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not; ) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.” God wants lost people to be “saved” (place their faith in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as sufficient payment for their sins). His will for Christians is they “come unto the knowledge of the truth” (learn why He delivered them from those sins and kept them out of Hell and the Lake of Fire): He purposes to fill them with His Son’s life (not rehabilitate the Adamic life). “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith…” (Ephesians 3:17).

Our inheritance from Father God encompasses not only this temporary earthly life, but reaches into the endless ages to come and all the way into the heavenly places (our eternal destiny, our ultimate inheritance [Ephesians 1:9-11; Ephesians 2:6,7]). As we learn via dispensational Bible study, how marvelous it is that He is forming the Church the Body of Christ with believing Jews and believing Gentiles of Paul’s ministry (Ephesians 2:11-22), a group of former bitter enemies who were hopeless and helpless and Hell-bound, an entity He kept secret until Paul’s salvation and commissioning (Ephesians 3:1-11). We are not sinners, but saints, so let us think and walk according to that.

We (finally!) summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

Heir by Position, Pauper by Practice #23

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

“Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ” (Galatians 4:7 KJV).

Saints, we in Christ are spiritual winners and heirs by position, but we can choose to be spiritual losers and paupers by practice!

Courtesy of spiritual immaturity—people not letting the Bible define its own vocabulary—there is great misunderstanding about adoption in the Holy Scriptures. Adoption here is not taking a child from his biological family and legally placing him into a foster family: it is not God removing a lost person from Adam and putting him into Christ. Rather, adoption in the Bible is the father declaring his biological son to be mature, full-grown, or an adult (see Galatians 4:1-7). It is someone who has already been trained in the curriculum and can therefore make wise decisions without having to be led by the hand like a little child (cf. Galatians 3:22-26).

Father God has pronounced us Christians as His adopted sons positionally, for the indwelling Holy Spirit enlightens and empowers us to work in the family business of exalting Jesus Christ (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:5-7). He would like to pronounce us believers as His adopted sons practically, though this cannot come to fruition unless we choose to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:19)—and this is mature Grace, not immature Law (Galatians 5:16-26). Alas, like Christendom now, the Galatian saints did not walk according to Romans truth. The Christian life will not operate on the basis of ignorance because it cannot operate on the basis of ignorance. We must have a clear understanding of grace living, Romans to Philemon—and precious, precious, precious few souls ever do (this is not God’s fault!).

Thankfully, at the resurrection or redemption of our body, God will ultimately declare us His sons practically (the “adoption” of Romans 8:23 and Ephesians 1:5). Again, adoption is not simply being the sons of God by position, but by practice too. Here is spiritual maturity, being acknowledged as full-grown sons. We do not have to wait until Heaven to grow up: we can grow up now! This is what the Galatians needed to understand in today’s Scripture, and it is what we need to learn even now….