Growing Up Spiritually: From Infancy to Maturity

Summary

In 1 Corinthians chapter 3, Paul addresses the spiritual immaturity of the Corinthian church, likening them to infants who have not yet grown into the maturity expected of them. This passage challenges us to reflect on our own spiritual growth and maturity. Just as children are expected to hit developmental milestones, so too are we called to grow in our faith. Paul points out that the Corinthians are still acting like spiritual infants, clinging to divisions and worldly wisdom rather than maturing in their faith. He emphasizes that true wisdom comes from God, not from human eloquence or division over leaders like Paul or Apollos.

Paul's message is a call to self-examination. Are we content with spiritual milk, or are we seeking the solid food of deeper understanding and maturity in Christ? Spiritual growth requires moving beyond the basics and developing a robust appetite for God's Word and sound doctrine. It involves a shift in attitudes from self-centeredness to serving others, and a recognition that our actions should reflect our spiritual maturity. Paul reminds us that in the kingdom of God, there is a diversity of roles but a unity of mission. We are all fellow workers in God's field, and it is God who ultimately gives the growth.

This passage challenges us to assess our spiritual maturity and to strive for growth, not for the sake of checking off a list, but to become more like Christ. It calls us to examine our appetites, attitudes, actions, and awareness, and to seek a deeper relationship with God. As we grow, we are reminded that it is not about us, but about glorifying God and serving others in love and humility.

Key Takeaways:

1. Spiritual Growth and Maturity: Just as children are expected to grow and mature, so are we in our spiritual lives. Paul challenges us to move beyond spiritual infancy and seek deeper understanding and maturity in Christ. This involves developing a robust appetite for God's Word and sound doctrine, moving from milk to solid food. [04:40]

2. Attitudes and Self-Centeredness: Spiritual maturity requires a shift in attitudes from self-centeredness to serving others. Paul highlights the importance of moving from jealousy and strife to fervently serving the Lord and others. This shift reflects a mature faith that prioritizes others over self. [30:03]

3. Actions Reflecting Maturity: Our actions reveal our spiritual maturity or lack thereof. Paul calls us to grow up in our actions, moving away from tribalism and division to unity and love. This involves serving others and working together for the common mission of glorifying God. [36:19]

4. Unity in Diversity: In the kingdom of God, there is a diversity of roles but a unity of mission. Paul emphasizes that we are all fellow workers in God's field, and it is God who gives the growth. This unity in diversity reflects the beauty of the body of Christ working together for His glory. [45:08]

5. Humility and Dependence on God: True spiritual maturity involves humility and recognizing our dependence on God. Paul reminds us that it is not about us, but about God who causes the growth. This humility allows us to serve in His strength and for His glory, recognizing that apart from Him, we are nothing. [47:32]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:51] - Innocence of Children
- [02:57] - Spiritual Benchmarks
- [03:44] - Stunted Spiritual Growth
- [04:40] - Call to Maturity
- [05:32] - Receptiveness to Admonishment
- [06:11] - Context of 1 Corinthians
- [06:53] - Divisions in the Church
- [07:31] - Wisdom of God vs. Worldly Wisdom
- [08:25] - Natural vs. Spiritual Person
- [08:57] - Spiritual Infancy
- [09:41] - Prayer for Understanding
- [10:33] - Carnal Christian Debate
- [11:27] - Acting Your Spiritual Age
- [12:34] - Appropriate Spiritual Immaturity
- [13:24] - Desire for Growth
- [14:03] - Hebrews 5: Spiritual Maturity
- [15:16] - Immaturity and Lack of Understanding
- [15:54] - Maturity Through Practice
- [16:37] - Spiritual Maturity and Perfection in Christ
- [17:56] - Sanctification Issue
- [18:45] - Challenge to Assess Spiritual Maturity
- [19:30] - Growing Up in Appetites
- [20:20] - Discontentment with Milk
- [21:01] - Elementary Doctrines
- [21:38] - Spiritual Diet and Growth
- [22:59] - Spiritual Anorexia
- [24:22] - Personal Bible Engagement
- [25:37] - Spiritual Appetite Assessment
- [27:19] - Discipline with Direction
- [28:01] - Purposeful Spiritual Growth
- [28:43] - Desire for Christlikeness
- [29:24] - Growing Up in Attitudes
- [30:03] - Jealousy and Strife
- [30:44] - Self-Centeredness vs. Serving Others
- [31:12] - Personal Preference and Spiritual Infancy
- [31:49] - Fervor for Self vs. Others
- [32:21] - Infants and Self-Focus
- [32:53] - Jealousy and Spiritual Infancy
- [33:36] - Fervor for Serving Others
- [34:09] - Maturity in Attitudes
- [34:41] - Growing Up in Actions
- [36:19] - Strife and Quarreling
- [36:52] - Tribalism and Division
- [37:27] - Love and Humility
- [38:32] - Unity in Diversity
- [39:13] - Paul's Address on Division
- [39:52] - Growing Up in Awareness
- [40:31] - Understanding Kingdom Roles
- [41:10] - Servants in God's Service
- [41:50] - Unity of Mission
- [42:22] - Significance of Roles
- [42:52] - Elevating God Over Leaders
- [43:24] - Seeking God for Growth
- [43:54] - Diversity of Ministry
- [44:29] - Unity in Mission
- [45:08] - Complementing Each Other
- [45:37] - Oneness in Purpose
- [46:11] - Humility in Service
- [46:44] - God's Role in Growth
- [47:32] - Freedom in Serving God
- [48:11] - Apart from God, We Are Nothing
- [48:45] - Encouragement to Grow
- [49:24] - Ephesians 4: Building Up in Love
- [50:20] - Need for Each Other
- [50:43] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
- Hebrews 5:12-14

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Observation Questions:

1. In 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, what specific behaviors does Paul identify as evidence of spiritual immaturity among the Corinthians? [08:57]

2. How does Paul describe the roles of himself and Apollos in the growth of the Corinthian church, according to 1 Corinthians 3:5-9? [41:10]

3. What does Hebrews 5:12-14 say about the difference between spiritual milk and solid food, and how does this relate to spiritual maturity? [14:03]

4. According to the sermon, what are some signs that someone might be spiritually stagnant or immature? [18:45]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why does Paul emphasize the need for unity in the church, and how does he suggest this can be achieved despite diverse roles? [45:08]

2. How does the concept of spiritual milk versus solid food in Hebrews 5:12-14 help us understand the expectations for spiritual growth? [14:03]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the dangers of self-centeredness and how it can hinder spiritual maturity? [31:12]

4. How does the sermon interpret the role of humility in recognizing our dependence on God for spiritual growth? [47:32]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current spiritual diet. Are you content with spiritual milk, or are you seeking the solid food of deeper understanding? What steps can you take to enhance your spiritual growth this week? [20:20]

2. Consider your attitudes and actions within your church community. Are there areas where self-centeredness might be affecting your relationships or service? How can you shift your focus to serving others? [34:09]

3. Think about a recent situation where you experienced or witnessed division within a group. How can you apply Paul's teachings on unity and diversity to promote harmony in similar situations? [45:37]

4. Identify one area in your life where you feel spiritually stagnant. What practical steps can you take to reignite your passion for growth and maturity in Christ? [19:30]

5. How can you cultivate a spirit of humility in your daily life, recognizing your dependence on God for growth and maturity? What specific actions can you take to serve others in love and humility this week? [47:32]

6. Reflect on your spiritual practices. Are they driven by a genuine desire to grow in Christlikeness, or have they become routine? How can you infuse purpose and direction into your spiritual disciplines? [28:43]

7. Consider the diversity of roles within your church or community. How can you contribute to the unity of mission, complementing others in their roles while fulfilling your own? [45:37]

Devotional

Day 1: Growing Beyond Spiritual Infancy
Paul's message in 1 Corinthians 3 challenges believers to move beyond spiritual infancy and seek deeper understanding and maturity in Christ. Just as children are expected to grow and mature, so are we in our spiritual lives. This growth involves developing a robust appetite for God's Word and sound doctrine, moving from milk to solid food. Spiritual maturity is not about checking off a list of accomplishments but about becoming more like Christ. It requires a commitment to personal growth and a desire to deepen one's relationship with God. [04:40]

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: What specific steps can you take this week to move from spiritual milk to solid food in your faith journey?

Day 2: Shifting from Self-Centeredness to Service
Spiritual maturity requires a shift in attitudes from self-centeredness to serving others. Paul highlights the importance of moving from jealousy and strife to fervently serving the Lord and others. This shift reflects a mature faith that prioritizes others over self. It involves recognizing that our actions should reflect our spiritual maturity and that we are called to serve others in love and humility. By focusing on serving others, we align ourselves with the mission of glorifying God and building His kingdom. [30:03]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Identify one person in your life whom you can serve selflessly this week. How can you prioritize their needs above your own?

Day 3: Actions Reflecting Spiritual Maturity
Our actions reveal our spiritual maturity or lack thereof. Paul calls us to grow up in our actions, moving away from tribalism and division to unity and love. This involves serving others and working together for the common mission of glorifying God. Spiritual maturity is demonstrated through actions that reflect love, humility, and a commitment to unity within the body of Christ. By focusing on actions that promote unity and love, we contribute to the growth and health of the church. [36:19]

Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV): "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Reflection: What is one action you can take today to promote unity and love within your church community?

Day 4: Embracing Unity in Diversity
In the kingdom of God, there is a diversity of roles but a unity of mission. Paul emphasizes that we are all fellow workers in God's field, and it is God who gives the growth. This unity in diversity reflects the beauty of the body of Christ working together for His glory. Each believer has a unique role to play, and together, we complement each other in fulfilling God's mission. Embracing this diversity allows us to appreciate the different gifts and perspectives within the church. [45:08]

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone."

Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts to contribute to the unity and mission of your church?

Day 5: Humility and Dependence on God
True spiritual maturity involves humility and recognizing our dependence on God. Paul reminds us that it is not about us, but about God who causes the growth. This humility allows us to serve in His strength and for His glory, recognizing that apart from Him, we are nothing. By depending on God, we acknowledge that our efforts are only fruitful when empowered by His Spirit. This dependence fosters a deeper relationship with God and a greater reliance on His guidance and provision. [47:32]

John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to rely more on God's strength and guidance? How can you practice humility in this area today?

Quotes

1) "Spiritually speaking, there are those who get stunted in their growth. And in our passage this morning, in 1 Corinthians chapter 3, Paul is, he's looking at this church in Corinth. And he's basically saying, you're not hitting those benchmarks. Right, some of those things that, that might be expected to see in an infant, in a child. I would, I would expect to see. I would expect to see you growing out of those things. But you're remaining in them. You're still acting like a spiritual infant. And when it comes to our faith, like our physical development, we are called to continue to mature. To continue to grow up. And the problem comes in when sometimes we, we get stunted in it. And the growth begins to slow down. And it's not happening the way that it ought to be." [04:40] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "As brothers in Christ, as those who profess to be a follower of Jesus Christ, you are not acting your age. Anyone have that conversation as you were growing up? It's time to act your age, right? Maybe one time more than I wish to admit. When mom would say, hey, you're 14, start acting like a 14-year-old, not a 4-year-old. Okay, and that's what Paul is doing with them here. He's saying, listen, you ought to be more mature than you are. But you're continuing to struggle, right? And so he calls them in verse 1. He says, I can only refer to you as infants in Christ." [12:34] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "The desire is that all of us would take a look at our own hearts, that all of us would take a look at our own walk in the faith, say, are we growing, right? Are we exhibiting the spiritual maturity that should be expected of us at our spiritual age, right? That's what Paul wants to get us into. It's really what Hebrews chapter 5 says, right? We got it on the screen. It says, 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. He says, you need milk, not solid food. For everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he's 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." [14:03] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "It's time to grow up in our appetites. It's in the natural development for a baby. You've watched it happen. If not with your own kids, you've watched it happen with videos and stuff online. You're holding a little baby, and mom or dad, whoever's holding them, brings that bite up to their mouth. And what does the child do? They follow it with an open mouth, waiting, wanting to bite. And there's almost a disappointment. When they don't get that bite in their own mouth. And they're like, wait a second. I want in on that. Part of the development out of infancy is a discontentment with just the milk. I'm saying milk's great. It has its role. But at some point, we mature out of that. And a diet of milk alone is not going to bring the nutrients. It's not going to sustain you. It's not going to give you all that you need to continue to grow." [20:20] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "When it comes to these things, I quoted Donald Whitney. If you've ever read his book, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, I quoted it at a men's retreat. And the first words that he starts the book with is, discipline without direction is drudgery. And like those first words like hit me like a ton of bricks because what we'll do is we'll do exactly what we're talking about right now. We'll say, we ought to be digging into the word more. And we never talk about why. We just say you got to do it. And then you're going to go home and you're going to go on the YouVersion Bible app and you're going to download a huge Bible reading plan. You're going to be like, I'm going to do this every day. And for about four days, you're going to be faithful at it. And day five, you're going to miss it. Day six, you're going to miss it. And then day 12, you're like, I don't even know what I was doing anymore." [28:01] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "It's time to grow up in our attitudes. Right? Verse 3 says, You're not ready yet. You're still in the flesh or of the flesh. Right? He doesn't say you are the flesh. You're just acting like it. For while there is jealousy and strife. He uses these two things. Jealousy and strife among you. Are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? And these two things, jealousy and strife, or you might have things like envy and quarreling or whatever the words are in your translation. These two things that he brings up, one of them speaks to an internal, personal, spiritual immaturity and the other one speaks to more of an external immaturity and they're both related. They're like two sides of the same coin. They go hand in hand with each other." [30:03] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "The world thrives on these things today. It's just where we are living. And so we need to examine this and say, well, where are we really at when it comes to these? We're not called as Christians to this hostile tribalism. We are called to growing up in maturity. And you know what tears down tribalism? Is love and humility. To serve somebody else. To love. To listen to somebody else. To understand somebody else. To care deeply enough about someone else. The Corinthians were dealing with their own tribalism. Many of the commentators and scholars that look at this issue of the Paul and Apollos, we think of it more of like, I just like that guy and they like this guy. And they're like, really? It seems like what was going on was much deeper." [39:13] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "There is a diversity of ministry that happens and that's a good thing. In the kingdom of God, it's a great thing that we're not all doing the same deal. There's a diversity of ministry, but amidst that, Paul highlights that there is a unity of mission. We're all on the same team, right? So we're not here this morning in all the different roles that people are serving and trying to compete with each other. We're here to try to complement each other. From the moment people are walking in the doors to the moment people are leaving and every experience that we have in between, we're on the same team, right? We're all doing different things, but the mission's the same. That's where he's like, he who plants, he who waters are one, right? We're not competing with one another. We are unified in our mission of making God known. We are unified in our mission of developing disciples. We are unified in our mission of discovering disciples." [45:37] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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