Prove it

Following Jesus means being transformed—changing—progressively becoming more like Him. Dealing with the sin of lust is a good example of how this works. Anyone who has struggled and failed when it comes to lust and then later enters into victory over it knows what this is like.

A fascinating and important byproduct of this transforming process is that it “proves” God’s will.

Overcoming lust is a milepost on the way to enough spiritual maturity to serve as an officer in the local church. See 1 John 2:13-14:

13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

The young adult, fit for active service is the neaniskos, who has overcome the Wicked One, firmly. Not that there is never a struggle, but always capable of victory so as not to damage the reputation of Jesus and the church.

Spiritual development:

brephos (newborn) --> naypios (infant) --> paedion --> child able and willing to be disciplined ---> neaniskos (young adult, able to teach, evangelize)--> father (pateros, elder able to guide the church's direction, man of vision and spiritual experience)

IMHO

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