Growing in Faith: Embracing Spiritual Maturity Together

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, Crosspoint family. Today, I want to share a heartfelt thank you for your generosity, which has enabled us to support the launch of The Gathering in Naples. Your giving spirit is a testament to God's work through us, not just locally but globally. I also want to encourage you to consider attending our 8:30 or 11:30 services to make room for new guests at our most crowded service.

This week has been significant for my family as my daughter Allie turned three. Reflecting on her growth, I realized that while it's bittersweet to see her leave babyhood, it would be wrong to wish she never grows up. This ties into our discussion today about spiritual maturity, as Paul addresses the church in Corinth in 1 Corinthians 3. Paul emphasizes that healthy things grow, and spiritual maturity is essential for a fulfilling Christian life.

Paul categorizes humanity into those who belong to the world and those who belong to God. He criticizes the Corinthians for being "fleshy" or immature in their faith, still needing spiritual milk instead of solid food. This isn't a salvation issue but a maturity one. Paul rebukes them for their jealousy and quarrels, which are signs of their immaturity.

Paul's correction is rooted in love and a desire for the church to grow. He stresses that honesty is kindness, even when it doesn't feel good. He also highlights the importance of both positional and relational authority in giving and receiving feedback. Paul and Apollos serve as examples of humble service, emphasizing that it's God who makes things grow, not human effort.

Paul shifts metaphors to describe the church as God's building, with Jesus as the foundation. He warns that our work will be tested by fire, and only what is built on Christ will last. This isn't about earning salvation but about the rewards of faithful service. God's commandments are not hoops to jump through but guidelines for living life to the fullest.

Finally, Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are the temple of God, and the Spirit lives in them. This should foster unity and reverence among them. As a church, we must treat each other with the love and respect that God has for us, avoiding divisions over trivial matters.

### Key Takeaways

1. Generosity and Global Impact: Your generosity has enabled us to support the launch of The Gathering in Naples, demonstrating that God's work through Crosspoint extends beyond our local community. This is a powerful reminder that our actions can have a global impact, and we should continue to live generously. [01:20]

2. Spiritual Maturity: Just as a loving parent desires their child to grow and mature, God desires our spiritual growth. Paul’s message to the Corinthians highlights that spiritual maturity is essential for a fulfilling Christian life. We must move beyond spiritual infancy and embrace the deeper truths of our faith. [04:34]

3. Honesty as Kindness: Paul’s rebuke of the Corinthians is a form of loving correction. Honesty, even when it feels uncomfortable, is a kindness that fosters growth. We should be open to receiving and giving honest feedback within the context of loving relationships and appropriate authority. [12:17]

4. Humble Service: Paul and Apollos serve as examples of humble service, emphasizing that it is God who makes things grow. Our role is to faithfully do the work God has given us, without seeking personal recognition. This humility is crucial for effective ministry and personal spiritual growth. [19:55]

5. Unity and Reverence: Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are the temple of God, and the Spirit lives in them. This should foster unity and reverence among them. As a church, we must treat each other with the love and respect that God has for us, avoiding divisions over trivial matters. [31:23]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:20] - Generosity and Global Impact
[02:46] - Personal Reflection on Growth
[04:34] - Introduction to Spiritual Maturity
[06:02] - Two Categories of Humanity
[07:51] - Paul's Critique of Immaturity
[09:20] - The Importance of Maturity
[10:46] - Paul's Loving Correction
[12:17] - Honesty as Kindness
[14:03] - Signs of Immaturity
[15:36] - The Role of Feedback
[17:03] - Positional and Relational Authority
[19:55] - Humble Service
[21:31] - Building on the Right Foundation
[23:11] - Eternal and Earthly Rewards
[26:28] - God's Commandments for Full Life
[29:41] - Unity and Reverence in the Church
[31:23] - Final Encouragement and Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 3:1-17 (NIV)

### Observation Questions
1. What are the two categories of humanity that Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 2:14 and 3:1? How does he differentiate between them? [06:02]
2. According to Paul, what are the signs of spiritual immaturity among the Corinthians? [14:03]
3. How does Paul describe the role of himself and Apollos in the growth of the church? [19:55]
4. What metaphor does Paul use to describe the church, and what warning does he give about building on the foundation? [23:11]

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need for spiritual maturity in the church? How does this relate to his analogy of feeding with milk versus solid food? [09:20]
2. How does Paul’s concept of "honesty as kindness" challenge our modern understanding of feedback and correction? [15:36]
3. What does Paul mean when he says that our work will be tested by fire? How should this influence the way we approach our service and ministry? [23:11]
4. How does Paul’s reminder that the Corinthians are the temple of God impact their behavior and relationships within the church? [29:41]

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Are there areas where you feel you are still in spiritual infancy? What steps can you take to grow in spiritual maturity? [09:20]
2. Think about a time when you received honest feedback that was difficult to hear. How did it help you grow? How can you be more open to receiving and giving honest feedback within your church community? [15:36]
3. Paul and Apollos served humbly, recognizing that it is God who makes things grow. How can you practice humble service in your own life, focusing on God’s work rather than seeking personal recognition? [19:55]
4. Paul warns that our work will be tested by fire and only what is built on Christ will last. What are some ways you can ensure that your efforts and service are built on the foundation of Jesus? [23:11]
5. Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are the temple of God and that the Spirit lives in them. How can this truth foster unity and reverence in your interactions with fellow believers? [29:41]
6. Consider the divisions and quarrels that Paul addresses in the Corinthian church. Are there any similar issues in your own church community? How can you contribute to resolving them and promoting unity? [14:03]
7. Reflect on the idea that God’s commandments are guidelines for living life to the fullest. How can you shift your perspective to see God’s instructions as a loving guide rather than a set of rules? [28:07]

Devotional

Day 1: Generosity Extends God's Work Globally
Generosity is a powerful tool that God uses to extend His work beyond our immediate surroundings. When we give, we are not just supporting local initiatives but also enabling global missions. This is evident in the support for the launch of The Gathering in Naples, which was made possible through the generosity of the Crosspoint family. Our actions, driven by a giving spirit, can have far-reaching impacts that we may never fully realize. This is a testament to God's work through us, showing that our contributions can make a difference in the lives of people we may never meet.

Generosity is not just about financial giving; it encompasses our time, talents, and resources. When we live generously, we reflect God's character and His love for humanity. It is a call to live selflessly, putting the needs of others before our own. This kind of living not only blesses others but also brings fulfillment and joy to our own lives. As we continue to support global missions, let us remember that our generosity is a reflection of God's love and a powerful tool for advancing His kingdom. [01:20]

1 Corinthians 16:2 (ESV): "On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come."

Reflection: Think of a specific way you can extend generosity this week, whether through your time, talents, or resources. How can you make a global impact through your local actions?

Day 2: Embracing Spiritual Maturity
Just as a loving parent desires their child to grow and mature, God desires our spiritual growth. Paul’s message to the Corinthians highlights that spiritual maturity is essential for a fulfilling Christian life. He criticizes the Corinthians for being "fleshy" or immature in their faith, still needing spiritual milk instead of solid food. This isn't a salvation issue but a maturity one. Paul rebukes them for their jealousy and quarrels, which are signs of their immaturity.

Spiritual maturity involves moving beyond the basics of our faith and embracing deeper truths. It requires us to grow in our understanding of God's Word and to apply it to our lives. This growth is a lifelong journey, and it involves both learning and unlearning. As we mature spiritually, we become more like Christ, reflecting His character in our thoughts, words, and actions. Let us strive to grow in our faith, moving beyond spiritual infancy and embracing the deeper truths that God has for us. [04:34]

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 of your spiritual life where you feel you are still on "spiritual milk." What steps can you take this week to move towards "solid food" in that area?

Day 3: Honesty as a Form of Kindness
Paul’s rebuke of the Corinthians is a form of loving correction. Honesty, even when it feels uncomfortable, is a kindness that fosters growth. Paul’s correction is rooted in love and a desire for the church to grow. He stresses that honesty is kindness, even when it doesn't feel good. This kind of honesty is essential for spiritual growth and maturity.

In our relationships, both within the church and beyond, we must be willing to speak the truth in love. This means addressing issues and behaviors that hinder growth and unity. It also means being open to receiving honest feedback from others. When we approach honesty with a heart of love and a desire for growth, it becomes a powerful tool for transformation. Let us strive to be honest in our relationships, always seeking to build each other up in love. [12:17]

Ephesians 4:15 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."

Reflection: Think of a relationship where you need to practice honesty in love. How can you approach this person with kindness and a desire for mutual growth?

Day 4: The Importance of Humble Service
Paul and Apollos serve as examples of humble service, emphasizing that it is God who makes things grow. Our role is to faithfully do the work God has given us, without seeking personal recognition. This humility is crucial for effective ministry and personal spiritual growth. Paul highlights that it is not human effort but God who brings growth and fruitfulness.

Humble service means putting others before ourselves and recognizing that our efforts are part of a larger work that God is doing. It involves serving faithfully in the roles and tasks that God has given us, without seeking personal glory or recognition. When we serve with humility, we reflect the character of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. Let us strive to serve humbly, trusting that God will bring growth and fruitfulness in His time. [19:55]

1 Peter 5:5-6 (ESV): "Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you."

Reflection: Identify a specific area where you can serve humbly this week. How can you focus on serving others without seeking recognition or praise?

Day 5: Unity and Reverence in the Church
Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are the temple of God, and the Spirit lives in them. This should foster unity and reverence among them. As a church, we must treat each other with the love and respect that God has for us, avoiding divisions over trivial matters. Paul emphasizes that the church is God's building, with Jesus as the foundation, and that our work will be tested by fire.

Unity and reverence are essential for a healthy and thriving church. When we recognize that we are the temple of God and that His Spirit lives in us, it changes the way we treat each other. We are called to love and respect one another, avoiding divisions and conflicts over trivial matters. This unity and reverence reflect God's love and bring glory to Him. Let us strive to foster unity and reverence in our church, treating each other with the love and respect that God has for us. [31:23]

Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."

Reflection: Think of a recent conflict or division within your church community. How can you contribute to fostering unity and reverence in that situation?

Quotes

1. "I love what God is doing here. And there's so many things that happen here that we get to see, but I think it's important for us to be reminded that God is moving through Crosspoint, not just here, not just in Cape Coral, not just in this region, but all over the world. And so it was a really great reminder of that last week." [01:20] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Healthy things grow. All right? And so, we're going to be continuing in 1 Corinthians today. Ben kicked off this series for us a couple weeks ago, and then Jose shared with you guys last week. We're going to be in chapter three today, mostly, although there's one verse from chapter two that I want to read. All right? And I'm really excited to dive in. I need you guys to hang with me, because right in the beginning, like right away, before we even get into any, like, fun things, I'm going to talk about Greek, like, a little bit. Okay? And so, just hang tough. All right? You got this. All right? I will be as minimally boring as possible." [04:34] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We don't like feedback. I don't like feedback. I don't like critique. It doesn't feel good. But the older I get and the more I grow, the more I recognize I need it in my life because it's a tool that helps me grow. And yet we really struggle with that. I still really struggle with that. As much as I know there's those words, there are times where it's hard. It's difficult to receive that honest opinion. And first, I think that we should all recognize in our lives that we need to be willing to receive feedback. We need to be willing to listen to it. We need to be willing to seek to grow in those situations." [12:17] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Honesty is kindness. Because so often honesty doesn't feel like kindness, right? It feels like I'm being a little rude. It feels like, who am I to say anything, right? We've, we've really built our culture in so many ways with this desire for us to not have to receive feedback, for us to build up walls where nobody can tell us anything about what's happening in our lives. I mean, we, we really, in so many areas in our culture today, we don't even view truth as something that is real anymore. It's relative, right? My truth and their truth and your truth. And right, like it's a relative thing that that might be true for you. And through this, we have built walls in our culture where we don't have to deal with correction anymore, or we don't have to deal with somebody stepping in and being honest. And in some ways that's nice. It's comfortable. It helps my feelings not be hurt, but it also keeps me from growing." [15:36] (76 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We exist as a church here. In this city, not to make us famous, but to make Jesus famous. And so who does what around here doesn't matter. Who gets what recognition around here doesn't matter, right? That's not why we're doing this. That's not what we are about. We exist to do the job that God has given us. And he's gonna take care of it. He'll grow it, or he won't. It's his will. That's not my part. My part is to faithfully do what God has called us to do. And that's what we're doing. And that's what we're called me to do. And your part is to faithfully do what God has called you to do." [21:31] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "If we don't build the right way on the right foundation, it won't matter in the end. If we built to make us famous, if we build to get the right kind of attention, if we build for anything other than Jesus, and if we build on anything, other than Jesus, eventually it'll become really clear. And on the judgment day, it will be clear. God will make it clear. Did we build with Jesus, on Jesus? Because it is in Christ alone. It's only his goodness. And so we're going to try to continue to live that out here as a church." [24:50] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "We are saved only through the blood of Jesus. We are saved only because of what he has already done for us. Our salvation is in Christ by grace through faith. We do not earn it. And Paul's really clear as he teaches that, but we can be led astray when we take scripture out of context, right? And so for us, the reminder here, is that if we'll serve faithfully, God does reward that. Now, maybe not the way we think of it, like the yacht joke. But I think we also have this belief of like, all right, I'm going to serve and God's going to bless me in the ways that I see that." [26:28] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "God's instructions for us, God's commandments for us, they aren't hoops for us to jump through so that we can earn points with him. They are guidance and instructions for us so that we can get the most out of life, so that we can live life to the full. The commandments aren't just a bunch of rules. God likes rules. The commandments are rules because God says, hey, look, you want the most out of life? Don't lie to the people around you. Hey, you want the most out of life? Live in community. Hey, you want the most out of life? Love each other. Hey, you want the most out of life? Don't kill people, right? Hey, you want the most out of life? Live generously. Hey, you want to get the most out of life? Find your security in me instead of in, how much money's in your bank account. Hey, if you want the most out of life, here's how. And the heart of our God in these instructions is not a rule maker. It is a loving father." [28:07] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "You are the church. You are absolutely precious to God. If that's something that is difficult for you to understand, or if that is something that is difficult for you to believe that you couldn't imagine how you would be precious to God, I need you to hear me. You are precious to him. He loves you. He cares about you. He values you. He wants good things for you. But I need a reminder sometimes that not only is that true for me, but it's true for all of us. That we are all precious to God. That we have all been made holy and righteous, not by ourselves, but by Jesus. And we're to love each other and treat each other that way. With that kind of love and respect and honor." [33:17] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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