Sunday School Lesson 23
Spiritual Maturity
MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,” – Hebrews 6:1
BIBLE PASSAGE:Hebrews 5:12-14
INTRODUCTION: After salvation, every believer is expected to begin the process of spiritual growth. Just like a baby grows from living on ordinary milk to some light solid meal and eventually to cracking real bones at adulthood, a Christian must grow from just taking the milk of the word (1 Peter 2:2) to a spiritual bone-cracker (Hebrews 6:1). It is not correct to claim that the Spirit of God lives in you without any effect on your lifestyle. Spiritual maturity is achieved through becoming more like Jesus Christ.
LESSON OUTLINES
- Characteristics Of A Spiritual Christian
- Signs Of Spiritual Maturity
1. CHARACTERISTICS OF A SPIRITUAL CHRISTIAN
A spiritual Christian lives as a son and not as a slave (Romans 8:14-16, Luke 8:21). He is led by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16, 18, Ephesians 5:2, 15) and bears the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23, Psalm 92:13-14). He is mindful of spiritual things (Romans 8:5; Philippians 2:5). He is free from the law (Romans 8:2, John 8:32) and its condemnation (Romans 8:1, Luke 6:37). He has mortified the deeds of the flesh (Colossians 3:5-9, Galatians 5:20). He is divinely guided and has spiritual insight (1 Corinthians 2:10-13, 15).
2. SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY
Maturing believers possess some of these indicators: An appetite for ‘strong meat, i.e. love for deeper doctrines (Hebrews 5:12-14). Unyieldingness to personal offence, (Philippians 1:15-18). A conscience informed by Scripture, not opinions (Romans 14:1-3). A sense of humility when used by God in ministry (1 Timothy 3:6; 2 Corinthians 4:7). A tendency to give credit for spiritual growth to God, not people (1 Corinthians 3:4-7).
CONCLUSION: Becoming spiritual is Christ’s aim for the Church. We should all strive towards spiritual maturity, so as to be ready for the coming of Christ.
QUESTIONS:
- What are the characteristics of a Spiritual Christian?
- What are the signs of spiritual maturity?
FURTHER READING:
Monday: John 5:24 (KJV)
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
Tuesday: Romans 8:2 (KJV)
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Wednesday: John 3:18 (KJV)
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Thursday: Romans 8:34 (KJV)
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Friday: Colossians 3:1-2 (KJV)
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Saturday Philippians 2:5 (KJV)
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Sunday: 1 John 2:6 (KJV)
6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.