spiritual maturity verses

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

1. SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY
2. 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:

1. Selfishness Like babies, they care about themselves alone 2 Timothy 3:2a; Philippians 2:21.
2. They might be gifted but they lack the corresponding fruit of the Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:7.
3. They are often quick to speak, slow to hear Proverbs 12:18; James 1:19.
4. They are always complaining and murmuring 1 Corinthians 10:10.
5. They are very quick judge others and justify themselves John 8:7; Matthew 7:1.
6. They are unable endure sound doctrines 2 Timothy 4:3: loves to be pampered and listens to only what is soothing.
7. They are controlled by sights/emotions/feelings 2 Corinthians 4:18.
8. These always engage in envy, strife, heated arguments and disagreements James 3:14-16.
9. 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.

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

1. Characteristics Of A Spiritual Christian
2. 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:

1. What are the characteristics of a Spiritual Christian?
2. 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.