ITCZ 101 - Developing Expertise

The Christian vocabulary doesn't often include the word, "expertise." It's common to think of developing expertise for work, games or hobbies and yet as Christians, there are also many skills that we have that can be developed and mastered.

Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.

Expertise - Definition
Noun - expert skill or knowledge; expertness; know-how.
Verb - to study or investigate as an expert.

Expertise - Synonyms
ability, competence, facility, judgment, know-how, proficiency, prowess, savvy, skill

Admonitions To Actively Train

Paul instructs Timothy to, "train yourself to be godly." The word "train", from Strongs G3958, means "to exercise vigorously, in any way, either the body or the mind." We are instructed many times throughout the scriptures to develop our expertise in the Lord:

Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. - Hebrews 5:14 NLT 
Be transformed by the renewal of your mind - Romans 12:2 NLT
Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. - Ephesians 5:17 NLT
If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. - 1 Peter 3:15-16 NLT
But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the LORD who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the LORD, have spoken! - Jeremiah 9:24 NLT

Paul clearly taught Timothy to be expert at his work. 1st Timothy, chapter 4 is an admonition to get on top of his game and stay on top of his game.
Train yourself to be godly. "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it.
This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them.
... Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. - 1 Timothy 4:7-11, 14-16 NLT

It's A Process

If you agree that the Lord desires that we grow in Him and commands us to be expert at the work he gave us, start today.

Gifts come from the Holy Spirit. Skill and proficiency comes from working hard and learning to work smart. When you combine those together we become experts. We should learn to master the gifts and abilities God has given us. Through our development we can find obedience to the Lord and be the creation He intended us to be.

Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. - Hebrews 5:8-9 NLT

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Take Action!

How do I develop my expertise in the Lord?

The best way to discover what the Lord wants you to do, is to find out what He is doing! Once you know what His plan is your uniqueness and abilities will begin to make sense and you will discover exactly what you should be doing.

Here are some practical steps:
  • Ask the Lord to guide you in your expertise.
  • Read the Word of God.
  • Study the things you have questions about. Follow your curiosity about what the Lord is doing and study it. 
  • Ask a trusted Christian friend about your topic and see if they have resources to help you continue in your study.
  • Do what you learn. Faith grows and makes more sense once you take action.

Please, add your thoughts in the comment section.

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Concept >>> “Develop Your Expertise”
Next >>> "Curious Unto Salvation"


In The Cool Zone concept. Think like Jesus thinks.

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