Introduction
In
our walk with Christ, spiritual growth is imperative for us to live in a
victorious, fulfilling Christian life. The
Spiritual Feeding or Eating Chain shows in detail how we take in,
internalize, and ultimately live out the Word of God. Joy of Freedom Online Ministry
believes that understanding this chain will help believers delve deeper into
their personal relationship with God and experience real freedom in Christ.
The
chain begins with knowledge of God in the Bible and proceeds through steps
involving our mind, heart, and will. Each step builds upon the last one,
resulting in transformation and a yielded life. Let us take a look at each link
in this chain in detail.
1. Knowledge of God in the Bible
The
foundation of spiritual feeding begins with the Word of God. The Bible is the
ultimate source of divine truth and revelation about God's character, will, and
promises.
Key Points:
- Scripture as Spiritual
Food: Just like physical food sustains the body, the
Bible sustains the spirit. Matthew 4:4
reminds us, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that
proceeds from the mouth of God."
- God's Revelation:
God makes His nature, love and plan for man known through the Scripture. This
will equip us for every good work—2
Timothy 3:16-17
Application:
- Commit to reading and studying the Bible every day.
- Use devotionals, study guides, and commentaries to go deeper.
- Approach the Scripture prayerfully and ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten you.
2. Known – From Information to
Recognition
Knowing
God, in the fullness of what it is, is more than mental; it encompasses
recognition of His voice, His ways, and the reality of His presence in our
life.
Key Points:
- Personal
Relationship: The intellect becomes personal only
when we see not a distant deity, but Abba Father. John 10:27, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and
they follow me."
Illustration:
Think
of reading a recipe versus tasting the dish. Knowledge without experience is
incomplete. Similarly, knowing God requires more than just reading about Him-it
requires experiencing Him.
Application
- Think about God's Word and meditate on what it means.
- Write in your journal about your own experiences of God's faithfulness and guidance.
3. Understood-Grasping the Depth of
God's Word
Understanding
is the bridge between knowing and believing. It means more than grasping the
principles, context, and implications of God's Word.
Key Points:
- The Work of the Holy
Spirit: True knowledge comes by the Spirit's teaching (John 16:13). He enlightens us to
understand spiritual truth.
- Wisdom:
It enables us to discern God's will and make wise choices (Romans 12:2)
Example:
If
a seed is planted in shallow soil it will not develop deep roots. Neither does
shallow understanding bring strong faith. The Word is able to take root in our
hearts through diligent study and reflection.
Application:
- Discuss the Bible and share each other's experiences to gain clarity and insight.
- Request wisdom and an understanding heart (James 1:5).
4. Believed – To trust God's Word
Believing
is more than merely assenting to a truth of God. It means trusting with the
whole heart. This step takes faith – choosing to stand on God's promises even
when the circumstances don't agree.
Key Points:
- Faith in Action:
Hebrews 11:6 says, "Without
faith, it is impossible to please God." Belief initiates action on God's
Word.
- Combating Doubt:
Belief stabilizes our confidence in God's goodness and sovereignty
Illustration:
Consider
a bridge. One can know and understand the structure of a bridge, but walking
across it is an act of trust. Believing is stepping out in faith.
Application:
- Memorize and declare God's promises over your life.
- Share testimonies of how God has been faithful to you.
5. Yielded To – Surrendering to God’s
Will
The
final step in the chain is yielding. This is where the Word transforms our
lives as we submit to God’s authority and obey His commands.
Key Points:
- Living Sacrifice:
Romans 12:1 calls us to present our
bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. Yielding involves total
surrender.
- Obedience as Worship:
Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15). The greatest acts of love and trust are founded upon
obedience.
Illustration:
Just
like a potter molds clay into his desired shape, so in yielding ourselves to
God, He makes us vessels for His praise.
Application:
- Exercise present-day obedience unto the Lord; it does matter how hard.
- Surrender areas of your life that you’ve held back, trusting God’s plan.
The Word Sinks in More Deeply
As
you go down the chain—knowing, understanding, believing, and yielding—the Word
of God settles down into your heart. That is the process that changes you as it
says in Hebrews 4:12: "For the
word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it
penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the
thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Practical Steps to Strengthen Your
Spiritual Feeding
- Set Aside Time Daily:
There is no growth in the spirit without consistency. Set aside time each day
to read, meditate, and pray.
- Create a Spiritual
Journal: Write down what God reveals to you during your
study and how you plan to apply it.
- Engage in Fellowship:
Join a community of believers for encouragement and accountability.
- Fast and Pray:
Use fasting as a way to focus on God and seek His guidance.
Conclusion
The
Spiritual Feeding or Eating Chain is a beautiful way to describe the maturing
of believers in their walk with God. It starts with knowledge of God's Word and
culminates in a life wholly yielded to Him. Joy of Freedom Online Ministry
encourages you to commit to this process, trusting that as you feed on God's
Word, you will experience the freedom, joy, and purpose He has for your life.
May
we all grow deeper in knowledge, understanding, belief, and surrender to God?
May His Word transform us into vessels of His glory?
