MEMORY VERSE:“For yet canal: for whereas themes among you envwing, and s and divisions, are ye not canal, and walk as men?” 1 Corinthians 3:3
BIBLE PASSAGE: Hebrews 5:12-14
INTRODUCTION
Spiritual maturity is a conscious decision a believer in Christ takes to leave the longings for continuous “milk or baby steps in faith” and grow into the full stature of Christ in all ways. This involves feeding on “strong meats of Christian doctrines” and living for Christ alone. Every believer is expected to grow in grace daily Ephesians 4:13.
OUTLINE
- SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY
- JOURNEY TO SPIRITUAL MATURITY
SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY
The following are some of the signs that a believer in Christ is not growing in the faith as expected by God:
- Selfishness Like babies, they care about themselves alone 2 Timothy 3:2a; Philippians 2:21.
- They might be gifted but they lack the corresponding fruit of the Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:7.
- They are often quick to speak, slow to hear Proverbs 12:18; James 1:19.
- They are always complaining and murmuring 1 Corinthians 10:10.
- They are very quick judge others and justify themselves John 8:7; Matthew 7:1.
- They are unable endure sound doctrines 2 Timothy 4:3: loves to be pampered and listens to only what is soothing.
- They are controlled by sights/emotions/feelings 2 Corinthians 4:18.
- These always engage in envy, strife, heated arguments and disagreements James 3:14-16.
- They gets upset over petty things Proverbs 19:11 10. They love the world’s values more than God’s standards 1 John 2:15-17.
JOURNEY TO SPIRITUAL MATURITY
The journey to spiritual maturity begins with a deliberate walk with the Holy Spirit Romans 8:4, 14. It involves feeding intensely on the word of God Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15 and doing what the word says James 1:25. Also, there must be visible manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-24.
The spiritual mature believer walks in forgiveness towards all Colossians 3:13; they submit to corrections and instructions Proverbs 1:8; 4:13. They manage their emotions and live beyond their feelings Proverbs 16:32; they have integrity in all things and are not conformed to the world’s standards Job 27:5; Proverbs 20:7. These believers do away with strife Proverbs 20:3; are humble Proverbs 22:4; James 4:6; put on the righteousness of Christ so as to produce pure fruits always Ephesians 4:24.
CONCLUSION
Although spiritual maturity is a journey, we must never remain on the same level; we must make noticeable progress in our Christian walk.
FURTHER READINGS: SUN: 1 Cor. 10:24. MON: Prov. 17:14. TUE: Lk. 1:52. WED: 2 Cor. 3:18. THUR: Phil. 3:10. FRI: Eph. 2:10. SAT: Job. 13:15.