Embracing the Journey of Spiritual Maturity

Summary

Spiritual maturity is a journey that every believer embarks upon from the moment they accept Christ. It is not a destination but a continuous process of growth and transformation. Just as a newborn baby is dependent and self-centered, new believers often start their spiritual journey with similar traits. However, God's desire is for us to grow beyond this initial stage of immaturity. Reflecting on my own spiritual journey, I can see areas where I once struggled with resentment, fear, and lack of discipline. These are common struggles that many face, but through maturity, we learn to trust God and let go of these hindrances.

One significant area of immaturity that the Apostle Paul addresses is jealousy. Jealousy can manifest in various ways within the church, such as envy over leadership roles, giftedness, or recognition. This internal struggle often leads to external conflicts and strife. Paul reminds us that we are not to live in jealousy but to strive for spiritual maturity. In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul emphasizes that spiritual maturity matters because immature Christians often engage in fleshly fights. These fights distract us from our true mission and unity in Christ.

Mature Christians, on the other hand, serve God selflessly. They understand that their purpose is not to seek personal gain but to serve others and advance God's kingdom. This selfless service is a sign of maturity and reflects the heart of Christ. We are called to be servants, working together for the common goal of glorifying God. Paul uses the analogy of planting and watering to illustrate that while we may have different roles, it is God who gives the growth. We are God's fellow workers, His field, and His building. As such, we must be committed to growing in maturity, allowing God to work in and through us.

To grow in maturity, we need an ongoing diet of biblical teaching, time with other mature Christians, and God's irreplaceable gift of growth. These elements are essential for our spiritual development and enable us to fulfill the assignments God has for us. As we grow, we must remember that we are not fighting against each other but alongside God, building His kingdom. Let us act our age, embrace maturity, and pursue the good fight of faith.

Key Takeaways:

1. Spiritual Maturity is a Journey: Spiritual maturity is not a destination but a continuous journey of growth. Just as a baby grows and matures, so must we in our spiritual walk. This process involves overcoming immaturity, such as resentment and fear, and learning to trust God fully. [02:22]

2. Jealousy Hinders Growth: Jealousy is a sign of spiritual immaturity and can lead to conflicts within the church. It distracts us from our mission and unity in Christ. We must strive to overcome jealousy and pursue spiritual maturity, focusing on serving God and others selflessly. [07:53]

3. Serve God Selflessly: Mature Christians serve God selflessly, understanding that their purpose is to advance His kingdom rather than seeking personal gain. This selfless service reflects the heart of Christ and is a sign of spiritual maturity. [24:09]

4. Unity in Diversity: While we may have different roles and gifts, we are all servants of God, working together for His glory. Our unity in diversity is essential for building God's kingdom and fulfilling His purposes. [28:50]

5. Essential Elements for Growth: To grow in spiritual maturity, we need an ongoing diet of biblical teaching, time with other mature Christians, and God's irreplaceable gift of growth. These elements are crucial for our development and enable us to fulfill God's assignments for us. [33:39]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [02:22] - Spiritual Immaturity and Growth
- [07:53] - The Danger of Jealousy
- [12:26] - Baby Christians and Fleshly Fights
- [19:05] - Unity in the Church
- [24:09] - Serving God Selflessly
- [27:18] - Our Identity as Servants
- [28:50] - Unity in Diversity
- [30:30] - God's Role in Our Growth
- [32:09] - We Are God's Fellow Workers
- [33:39] - Essential Elements for Growth
- [35:35] - God's Building Project
- [36:59] - Building Each Other Up
- [37:34] - A New Vision for the Church
- [38:28] - Embracing Maturity

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

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Observation Questions:

1. What analogy does Paul use in 1 Corinthians 3 to describe the roles of believers in God's work? How does this analogy help us understand our part in spiritual growth? [28:50]

2. According to the sermon, what are some signs of spiritual immaturity that Paul addresses in the Corinthian church? [12:26]

3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between jealousy and spiritual immaturity? [07:53]

4. What does the sermon suggest is the ultimate purpose of mature Christians serving God selflessly? [24:09]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the analogy of planting and watering in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 illustrate the concept of teamwork in the church? What does this suggest about the importance of different roles within the church community? [28:50]

2. In what ways does jealousy manifest within a church setting, according to the sermon? How can this hinder the church's mission and unity? [07:53]

3. The sermon mentions that mature Christians serve God selflessly. What might be some challenges or obstacles to serving selflessly, and how can they be overcome? [24:09]

4. How does the sermon suggest believers can grow in spiritual maturity? What are the essential elements mentioned, and why are they important? [33:39]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Are there areas of immaturity, such as resentment or fear, that you need to address? What steps can you take to overcome these hindrances? [02:22]

2. Jealousy can be a subtle but powerful force. Have you experienced jealousy within your church community? How did it affect your relationships and service? What practical steps can you take to overcome jealousy and promote unity? [07:53]

3. Serving God selflessly is a mark of spiritual maturity. Identify a specific way you can serve others in your church or community this week without seeking recognition or personal gain. [24:09]

4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of unity in diversity. How can you contribute to fostering a spirit of unity within your church, especially among those with different gifts and roles? [28:50]

5. Consider your current spiritual diet. Are you regularly engaging with biblical teaching and spending time with mature Christians? What changes can you make to ensure you are growing in these areas? [33:39]

6. The sermon encourages us to act our age and embrace maturity. What does acting your spiritual age look like for you personally? How can you pursue the good fight of faith in your daily life? [38:28]

7. Reflect on the concept of being God's fellow worker, field, and building. How does this perspective change the way you view your role in God's kingdom? What specific actions can you take to align with this calling? [32:09]

Devotional

Day 1: Spiritual Growth is a Lifelong Journey
Spiritual maturity is not a destination but a continuous journey of growth and transformation. Just as a newborn baby is dependent and self-centered, new believers often start their spiritual journey with similar traits. However, God's desire is for us to grow beyond this initial stage of immaturity. This process involves overcoming immaturity, such as resentment and fear, and learning to trust God fully. As believers mature, they learn to let go of these hindrances and embrace a deeper relationship with God. This journey requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to be transformed by God's grace. [02:22]

"For this reason, since the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." (Colossians 1:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel spiritually immature? How can you invite God to help you grow in this area today?

Day 2: Jealousy as a Barrier to Unity
Jealousy is a sign of spiritual immaturity and can lead to conflicts within the church. It distracts us from our mission and unity in Christ. Jealousy can manifest in various ways, such as envy over leadership roles, giftedness, or recognition. This internal struggle often leads to external conflicts and strife. To pursue spiritual maturity, believers must strive to overcome jealousy and focus on serving God and others selflessly. By doing so, they can maintain unity within the church and fulfill their true mission in Christ. [07:53]

"For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." (James 3:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a situation where jealousy has affected your relationships. How can you seek God's wisdom to overcome this jealousy and promote unity?

Day 3: Selfless Service Reflects Christ's Heart
Mature Christians serve God selflessly, understanding that their purpose is to advance His kingdom rather than seeking personal gain. This selfless service is a sign of spiritual maturity and reflects the heart of Christ. Believers are called to be servants, working together for the common goal of glorifying God. By serving others selflessly, they demonstrate the love and compassion of Christ to the world. This selfless attitude is essential for building God's kingdom and fulfilling His purposes. [24:09]

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one way you can serve someone selflessly this week. How can this act of service reflect the heart of Christ to those around you?

Day 4: Embracing Unity in Diversity
While believers may have different roles and gifts, they are all servants of God, working together for His glory. This unity in diversity is essential for building God's kingdom and fulfilling His purposes. The Apostle Paul uses the analogy of planting and watering to illustrate that while individuals may have different roles, it is God who gives the growth. By embracing their unique gifts and working together, believers can achieve the common goal of glorifying God and advancing His kingdom. [28:50]

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your unique gifts and how they contribute to the body of Christ. How can you use these gifts to promote unity and serve God's kingdom?

Day 5: Essential Elements for Spiritual Growth
To grow in spiritual maturity, believers need an ongoing diet of biblical teaching, time with other mature Christians, and God's irreplaceable gift of growth. These elements are crucial for spiritual development and enable believers to fulfill God's assignments for them. By immersing themselves in God's Word, seeking fellowship with other mature Christians, and relying on God's grace, believers can grow in their faith and become more effective in their service to God. [33:39]

"Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good." (1 Peter 2:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure you are receiving a balanced spiritual diet? How can you incorporate more biblical teaching and fellowship into your daily routine?

Quotes

1) "Immaturity is a stark. Parting point. Not a destination. Immaturity is somewhere that every Christian the moment that they become a believer they start out at a place of spiritual immaturity. But God's heart is that they wouldn't stay there. You may have seen this demonstrated within the life of a little baby and you and I ever been able to welcome a little baby home you bring that little baby in your home and you're. Squishing the. Little cheeks and and you're wondering how to their toes get that small those are so cute I've got a picture here of one of my babies when they come home here's Hattie grace not too long after she was born and we brought her home and what a joy it is to have a little baby at home and I gave all my kids a chance to be on the screen I said." [02:22] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "Jealousy is the idea that hey somebody else has got something and I think I should have it so I want it and it starts from an internal perspective you've got that welling up within your heart that jealousy and then it comes out into fights it comes out into strife it comes out into striving to see who can get a hold of this thing the apostle Paul wants us to know hey you're not supposed to be jealous maybe you've been jealous about within the church. About some leadership roles maybe you've said okay somebody else is in charge of this ministry and I've been here longer than them so I think I should be in charge actually you may have had that sort of a jealousy maybe it's a jealousy of a giftedness think man I wish I could sing like that it's difficult for me to to sing I used to be able to sing like that I used to be able to play like that and you're struggling with that jealousy maybe it's a jealousy of a giftedness." [07:53] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "Why does spiritual maturity matter why do I have to grow up why do I have to act my age our sermon title this morning is act your age I could have called it stop being a big baby but I just decided to go with act your age the question is why do I have to grow up some kids ask that why do I have to take care of my own food. Why do I have to learn how to do my own laundry why do I have to get a job why do I have to do this or that today we're asking why does spiritual maturity matter let's pray and ask for God to speak to us and our time together God we thank you that you called us to be together to be a part of this body of Christ Lord we thank you for saving us." [09:50] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "Spiritual maturity matters because baby Christians pursue fleshly fights baby Christians those people who are very immature in their faith they may still fall into some of the old patterns some of the old ways of life when I illustrated this way I told you we got to go up to the men's retreat this last weekend it was a great time you get upstairs. Get up there you can see the stars really well the Milky Way without you know the light pollution that we have here and those beautiful got to get out on on the boats and out on the water and have great times of worship and teaching and one night it got to almost about 10 o'clock at night might have been nine and they said all right it's time for dodgeball yes all the men come to the gym for dodgeball and so we got to go up to the men's retreat." [12:26] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "Mature Christians serve God selflessly. People who are mature in their walk with Jesus say, hey, I'm not in it for me. I'm going to serve. For many of us, parenthood is a lot like that. Serving our kids selflessly. Not say thank you. They may not have much to offer you back, but we serve selflessly. It's a sign of maturity. I was really encouraged this last week to hear about a handful of ladies from our church who took initiative and said, we've heard about the devastation that's taken place in North Carolina, and we want to load up a truck. So I've got a picture here, some people from our church. I know a number of you from our church family went and brought some supplies and things that are needed there in North Carolina." [25:44] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "We are all servants of the one true God. Amen? We're all together seeking to be unified as God's one church, not to fight against each other, not to play favorites, but we've got one goal in mind. It's the kingdom of God, his glory and his renown being made known here in Aurora, in Fox Valley, and all around the world. Amen? Amen. We're called to be servants with one goal, and just like we heard last week, it's because we all have, quote, the mind of Christ. That's how we all get on the same page, is if we match our minds to Jesus, then all our minds are going to match together, and we're going to find unity in that way." [28:50] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "We are God's fellow workers. Did you ever have your mom or your dad say, hey, we got a project. Would you come help me today? You're like, yeah, mom, I'm not good at a whole lot of things, but I'm here to help you. All right, well, would you hold this light while I work on this right here? Hey, could you water these flowers for 30 seconds each? Hey, come along with me. I've got a project for us to do together. God has invited us to be his fellow workers for the assignment he's given to us. What a gift it is to be God's. What a gift it is to be able to do his work. In that regard, I've got a question for you. Number one, are you God's? And number two, are you doing God's work? Are you God's? And if you are, are you doing God's work?" [32:09] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "You are God's field. You are the place that the master farmer wants to see growth. Over this last week, as many of us know very well in the Midwest, it's time to go harvest all the corn and everything. Anybody else's allergy has been going crazy? As all that dust is going through the air, you're like, my goodness, it just went through five boxes of Kleenex and three bottles of nasal spray, okay? But all the farmers know, okay, at the beginning, I planted the seeds. And I've been waiting, and I'm coming back to the field with a combine, expecting to see growth. And Paul says, you are God's field, the place God's expecting. He's expecting to see maturity. He's expecting to see growth happening in your life." [33:39] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9) "We are God's building. Throughout the rest of our epistle, we're going to keep hearing, and especially next week, we're going to hear about God, the master builder, calls us his building. That's why we're called to be his building. We're called to build each other up. And we've got a big work project going on here, a big building project. I'm not talking about the parking lot that we renovated a few years back. I'm talking about each one of you. Each one of us is a building project. God is at work in us. And here's the thing about a building project. Sometime you come in there and there's some demolition because you look and you say, hey, this stuff over here, that doesn't belong in the master plan for you." [36:15] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

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