Embracing Spiritual Maturity: Growing Beyond Infancy in Faith
Summary
In our journey through 1 Corinthians 3, we are reminded of the importance of spiritual maturity. The Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church, which was struggling with immaturity, likening them to infants in Christ. This immaturity was evident in their jealousy, strife, and division, which are signs of a church not firing on all cylinders. Paul emphasizes that while leaders like himself and Apollos play roles in planting and watering, it is God who gives the growth. This serves as a powerful reminder that our spiritual development is a partnership with God, requiring our active participation and His divine intervention.
The concept of "Peter Pan Syndrome" is introduced to illustrate how some Christians resist growing up spiritually, preferring to remain in a state of spiritual infancy. This reluctance to mature can hinder the blessings and opportunities that come with a deeper relationship with God. Just as in physical life, where maturity brings responsibility and new opportunities, spiritual maturity opens doors to greater blessings and a more profound experience of God's presence.
Paul's exhortation to the Corinthians is a call to leave behind stunted spirituality and embrace growth. This involves moving from spiritual milk to solid food, which means developing a deeper understanding of God's Word and applying it to our lives. It also means taking responsibility for our spiritual growth, rather than relying on others to constantly guide us.
As a church, we must examine areas of immaturity, such as lack of involvement in ministry, giving, and community. These are indicators that we need to grow collectively as a body of believers. Spiritual maturity is not just an individual pursuit but a corporate responsibility. We are called to be God's fellow workers, contributing to His kingdom work in tangible ways.
Ultimately, breaking free from spiritual immaturity requires a change in our appetites and affinities. We must desire the deeper things of God and be willing to learn from various sources, recognizing that all who serve in the church are part of the same team. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's mission and become active participants in His work.
Key Takeaways:
1. Spiritual Maturity Requires Active Participation: Spiritual growth is a partnership with God, where we must actively engage in our development by moving from spiritual milk to solid food, deepening our understanding of God's Word, and applying it to our lives. [10:25]
2. Peter Pan Syndrome in Christianity: Just as some resist growing up in life, many Christians prefer to remain in spiritual infancy, missing out on the blessings and opportunities that come with maturity. This reluctance hinders our ability to take on the responsibilities of mature Christianity. [09:45]
3. Signs of Immaturity in the Church: Jealousy, strife, and division are indicators of spiritual immaturity. As a church, we must examine these areas and strive for unity and growth, recognizing that our collective maturity impacts our effectiveness in God's kingdom work. [19:31]
4. The Role of Community in Spiritual Growth: Less than half of the church is involved in ministry or community, highlighting a need for greater engagement. Spiritual maturity is not just an individual pursuit but a corporate responsibility, requiring us to contribute to the body of Christ. [27:06]
5. Aligning with God's Mission: Breaking free from spiritual immaturity involves changing our appetites and affinities, desiring the deeper things of God, and recognizing that all who serve in the church are part of the same team. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's mission and become active participants in His work. [33:14]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:59] - Introduction to 1 Corinthians 3
[01:53] - Spiritual Infancy in the Church
[02:38] - Prayer for Growth and Maturity
[03:27] - The Call to Spiritual Maturity
[04:18] - Responding to Natural and Personal Storms
[05:51] - Testimony of Faith Amidst Trials
[06:45] - The Challenge of Growing Up
[07:33] - Peter Pan Syndrome Explained
[08:58] - Cultural Impact of Peter Pan Syndrome
[09:45] - Peter Pan Christians in the Church
[10:25] - The Call to Grow Up Spiritually
[11:47] - Breaking Free from Stunted Spirituality
[12:37] - Biblical Call to Maturity
[14:04] - Signs of Spiritual Maturity
[16:10] - Self-Examination of Spiritual Growth
[19:31] - Recognizing Immaturity in the Church
[27:06] - Corporate Responsibility for Growth
[28:37] - God as the Source of Growth
[30:06] - The Role of God's Word in Maturity
[31:41] - Leaning into God's Mission
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Spiritual Maturity in 1 Corinthians 3
Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Observation Questions:
1. What specific behaviors does Paul identify as signs of immaturity in the Corinthian church? [01:53]
2. How does Paul describe the roles of himself and Apollos in the spiritual growth of the Corinthians? [01:53]
3. What metaphor does Paul use to explain the process of spiritual growth, and who is ultimately responsible for it? [01:53]
4. What does Paul mean when he refers to the Corinthians as "infants in Christ"? [01:53]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "Peter Pan Syndrome" relate to spiritual immaturity in the church? [09:45]
2. Why might some Christians resist moving from spiritual milk to solid food, according to the sermon? [10:25]
3. What are the implications of spiritual immaturity for the church as a whole, based on Paul's message? [19:31]
4. How does Paul suggest believers can break free from spiritual immaturity and align with God's mission? [33:14]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Are there areas where you might be resisting growth, similar to the "Peter Pan Syndrome"? What steps can you take to move forward? [09:45]
2. Consider the role of jealousy and strife in your life. How can you work towards unity and maturity in your relationships within the church? [19:31]
3. How involved are you in your church community? Identify one way you can increase your engagement in ministry or small groups. [27:06]
4. What specific changes can you make in your daily routine to transition from spiritual milk to solid food? Consider setting a goal for deeper Bible study or prayer. [10:25]
5. Think about your current appetites and affinities. Are there any that need to change to align more closely with God's mission? What practical steps can you take this week? [33:14]
6. How can you contribute to the collective maturity of your church? Identify one area where you can serve or support others in their spiritual growth. [27:06]
7. Reflect on a recent trial or challenge in your life. How did it reveal your level of spiritual maturity, and what did you learn from it? [30:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Spiritual Growth as a Divine Partnership
Spiritual growth is a collaborative journey between individuals and God. It requires active engagement from believers, moving beyond the basics of faith to a deeper understanding and application of God's Word. This growth is not automatic; it involves intentional effort and a willingness to mature spiritually. As believers transition from spiritual milk to solid food, they become more equipped to handle life's challenges and contribute meaningfully to God's kingdom. This process is a partnership where God provides the growth, but believers must actively participate in their spiritual development. [10:25]
1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (ESV): "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to move from spiritual milk to solid food in your faith journey?
Day 2: Overcoming Spiritual Peter Pan Syndrome
Many Christians struggle with "Peter Pan Syndrome," a reluctance to grow up spiritually. This resistance keeps them in a state of spiritual infancy, missing out on the blessings and responsibilities that come with maturity. Just as in life, where maturity brings new opportunities, spiritual growth opens doors to a deeper relationship with God. Overcoming this syndrome involves a conscious decision to embrace spiritual growth, allowing God to transform and mature us. By doing so, we can fully experience the richness of God's presence and the opportunities He provides. [09:45]
Hebrews 5:12-14 (ESV): "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."
Reflection: Identify one area in your spiritual life where you have resisted growth. What practical steps can you take to overcome this resistance today?
Day 3: Recognizing and Addressing Church Immaturity
Jealousy, strife, and division are signs of spiritual immaturity within a church. These issues hinder the church's effectiveness in fulfilling God's mission. As a community of believers, it is crucial to examine these areas and strive for unity and growth. Spiritual maturity is not just an individual pursuit but a collective responsibility. By addressing immaturity, the church can become a more effective instrument in God's kingdom work, fostering an environment where believers can grow and thrive together. [19:31]
Ephesians 4:14-16 (ESV): "So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
Reflection: How can you contribute to fostering unity and growth in your church community this week?
Day 4: The Role of Community in Spiritual Growth
Spiritual maturity is not solely an individual endeavor; it requires active participation in the church community. Less than half of the church is often involved in ministry or community activities, highlighting a need for greater engagement. By contributing to the body of Christ, believers not only grow individually but also help the church mature collectively. This involvement is a corporate responsibility, where each member plays a vital role in the church's mission and growth. [27:06]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: What specific gift or talent can you offer to your church community to help it grow and mature?
Day 5: Aligning with God's Mission
Breaking free from spiritual immaturity involves changing our appetites and affinities, desiring the deeper things of God. Recognizing that all who serve in the church are part of the same team helps align believers with God's mission. By doing so, they become active participants in His work, contributing to the church's growth and effectiveness. This alignment requires a shift in focus, prioritizing God's mission over personal preferences and desires. [33:14]
Colossians 3:1-3 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: What changes can you make in your daily life to better align with God's mission and become an active participant in His work?
Quotes
1) "Now why do I bring all that up? Because it is my belief that in the church of America today, there's a lot of Peter Pan Christians. You've come to a saving knowledge of Jesus and you've been called by the scriptures to grow and mature in your faith. But you wanna live in Neverland. You wanna spiritually stay as a child. And though the Bible continually, as it will, today calls you to grow in your faith, you are content with remaining in infancy, spiritual infancy because it then renders you unable to take on the responsibilities of mature Christianity. This Peter Pan Syndrome is what Paul is talking about to the Corinthian church. He's telling the church today it is time to grow up. And that's a word that all of us need to hear." [10:25] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Maturity is looking more and more, each and every day, more like Jesus and the longer we stay in infancy, the less we show the world that we're followers of his. Another scripture puts it this way in the book of Hebrews. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need to have someone teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, kind of what it's been talked about in First Corinthians three, not solid food. For everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness since they are a child, but solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained. How does growth happen in your life? You train it." [14:04] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Does someone have to look after you spiritually to tell you to pick up your Bible, to pray, to get to church? To spend time alone with the Lord? To center your thoughts and your decisions on the Lord? Does someone have to implore you over and over again? In my family, we raised three children, and in their infancy and their immaturity, we had to make sure, eat your food, put on clothes, clean clothes, take a bath, do your homework. Now our children are moving on to maturity, and I'm glad by the grace of God we're not having those conversations in their 20s, because that would be altogether unbecoming. We will have failed in our role." [16:10] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "A second sign of immaturity is a surface-level faith. He says that these individuals should be on solid food, and they're on spiritual milk. We'll talk about that in detail in a moment, but just see what happens. And so, let me ask you this morning, I want you to ask yourself, are you spiritually immature? What have you grown in your relationship with Jesus Christ from a month ago, six months ago, a year ago? What new truths do you know about your Savior? What new truths do you know from His Word? What new step of faith have you taken? How have you been stretched? What sin did you deal with then? What sin did you deal with then? What sin did you deal with then? What sin did you deal with then? That maybe you're now finding victory over now." [22:36] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "I want you to recognize the heart that's behind it. Paul says twice in the text, notice, and I would underline it as you take notes, that he says twice in the text, you're not ready for it. In verse two, he says, you're not ready for it, and then later in the text, he says, you're not ready for it again, and so he's telling you something. Well, what are you not ready for? What you're not ready for is the blessing, and the goodness, and the grace, and the fellowship that comes with walking closely with your God, and so what Paul is saying, what I'm reiterating to you today, what God is wanting to communicate to his people is, I love you so much. I love you so much that I want you to grow in your relationship with me, because growing in your relationship with me brings all new opportunities." [24:08] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "What could God be saying of our church that we're not ready for? What could a deeper walk and a deeper relationship with God as a church? What new ministry or kingdom initiative could God have for us? Where God would show us that we are going to see exceedingly abundantly more than we could ever ask for or imagine. But because we're immature, because we're focused in ourselves, we miss out on that great blessing. Well, right away, it's easy to say, well, village is a, it's a mature church. And in some ways, yeah, we might be. But there are some real areas of immaturity in this church. And as a pastor, I want to share corporately some areas of, of immaturity in this church." [25:41] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "I like what Paul says in first Corinthians chapter 13, when he says, when I was a child, I spoke like a child. I thought like a child. I reasoned like a child. But when I became a man, I gave up childish things. We're going to have to give up some things. If we want to be spiritually mature in Christ, we're going to have to change our patterns. We're going to have to change our attitude about Christ to do so. Two things are going to need to change. Write this down. Number one, your appetite. You're going to go from spiritual milk to solid food." [28:37] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "We must allow the word of God to confront us, to disturb our security, to undermine our complacency, and to overthrow our patterns of thoughts and behavior. Let's leave that there. That is a four-point to-do list of what should happen when you open the word. When you come to church, when you hear a sermon, does it confront you? Literally, does it alarm you? This morning I was awakened by an alarm. My slumber was taken from me. It was taken from me because the alarm wouldn't shut up. And so I had to wake up. The word of God in the mature's life doesn't stop echoing in our ears and we are confronted by it." [30:06] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9) "What role do you have? What place do you have in God's kingdom work? What are you doing? He says, God is farming a field, in verse 9, and building a building. What part of that process can you say, a matter of fact, I'm doing this? It doesn't have to be in the church, but I am furthering the kingdom of God in this tangible way. You could be praying and saying, I've dedicated myself to praying for this. It could be, I'm giving to this. I'm serving in this way. What tangible place? Immature people are unconcerned about the bigger picture. They're most concerned about themselves. Paul says, stop being infants and stop moving to adulthood. God's doing a work. What part are we going to play?" [34:43] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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