Spiritual Maturity

July 29th – Romans 7:24-25

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Romans 7:24-25

Sometimes no matter how hard we try, we find ourselves doing the wrong thing. Paul knew this struggle well, always feeling torn between his desire to do good and the pull of sin. Freedom in Christ means we are liberated from the power of sin, but it does not necessarily remove the desire to sin. This ongoing battle highlights our need for the fruit of the Spirit, which cultivates virtues like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control within us. Through the Holy Spirit, we gain strength to resist sinful desires and make choices that honor God. Paul’s acknowledgment of his struggle and gratitude for Christ’s deliverance reminds us that we are not alone in our battles. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can navigate this conflict, allowing God’s transformative power to work within us. As we grow in spiritual maturity, the fruit of the Spirit helps us to align our actions with our new identity in Christ, continually moving toward a life that reflects His love and righteousness.

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July 22nd – Ephesians 4:15

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Ephesians 4:15

One of the signs of spiritual maturity, is the ability to speak truth in love. To be honest and transparent with others, without the fear of rejection or retaliation. Especially when speaking our truth. But that’s as long as our motivations are pure, aiming to build others up rather than tearing them down. Speaking truth in love involves balancing honesty with compassion, ensuring our words are both truthful and kind. This Christ-like communication fosters growth and maturity within the body of believers, strengthening our relationships and unity. It requires courage and grace, both of which we find abundantly in our freedom in Christ. As we embrace this freedom, we become conduits of God’s truth, delivering it with the same love and gentleness that Christ demonstrates towards us. This approach not only heals and reconciles but also reflects the heart of God, guiding others towards His love and truth. In essence, freedom in Christ transforms our speech, making us ambassadors of His truth and love in every interaction.

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June 11th – James 1:2-3

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James 1:2-3

James challenges us to rejoice during times of trials. Say what!? This perspective seems counterintuitive, but trials offer unique opportunities for growth and a deeper relationship with God. They refine our character, shaping us to be more Christ-like and resilient. Through difficulties we learn to rely on God’s strength rather than our own, fostering a profound sense of trust and dependence on Him. This reliance builds perseverance, teaching us to endure and overcome, which in turn produces spiritual maturity. Embracing this perspective allows us to see trials not as obstacles, but as catalysts for inner transformation. They redirect our focus to what truly matters, our faith and God’s unfailing love. This shift in outlook allows us to find joy in trials knowing that God is actively working in us and through us, even in adversity. By facing trials with a mindset of growth, we find joy in the process of becoming more aligned with God’s will, bringing us closer to the fullness of life that He promises.

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February 27th – 1 Corinthians 13:11

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1 Corinthians 13:11

When dealing with immaturity, the standard response is, “Grow up!” That’s Paul’s response too. When we first receive Jesus as our Savior, we are mere babes. Children with childish views. But we aren’t to remain that way. And Paul tells us it’s time to grow up in our faith and relationship with God. The dictionary definition of growing up means to arrive at full stature or physical or mental maturity; to progress from childhood toward adulthood. A perfect description of the Christian walk. Each new day should be a step forward to moving closer to God and our transformation of becoming more like Jesus. And we can only do this when we leave behind our stubborn, foolish, childlike ways. One day when Jesus returns we will reach the “fullness of Christ.” But until then we are to continue growing, learning, and maturing in our faith.

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February 19th – 1 Peter 2:2

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1 Peter 2:2

Like babies who feed on the goodness of their mother’s milk, Christians likewise need to feed on the goodness of God’s pure, spiritual milk. For it is the milk of God’s Word which draws us close to the Lord. And through it, we grow and mature in our walk of faith. And that is God’s desire for our lives. To be continually feasting on the wisdom of the Bible. To yearn for His life giving nutrients that allow us to progress in grace, wisdom, and knowledge of the Lord. That’s why it’s so vital to spend time in God’s Word daily. For just like food fuels the body, the Scriptures fuel the soul. Equipping us daily to face whatever comes our way. How is your appetite? Are you starting each day empty and hungry? Or are you filling your mind body, and soul, with the perfect nutritional spiritual milk of the Gospel?

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February 17th – Jeremiah 12:2

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Jeremiah 12:2

This week we have focused on growing in the Lord and in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, pressing on to maturity in our walk with Him. When we hear His Word, we choose to believe it or not. And we choose whether or not to act on it. Jesus says that once we accept Him as Lord and Savior, we should be growing and producing fruit, wanting to share Jesus with others. God’s love for us is a redeeming love (Ransoming; procuring deliverance from captivity, capture, bondage, sin, distress or liability to suffer, by the payment of an equivalent.-1828 Webster Dictionary) and others should be able to see it in our lives. So we need to ask ourselves is God really Lord of our life? Do we know the right words to say but do not really believe it in our hearts. Are we the same person during the week that we profess to be in church on Sunday? And most importantly, can others see His fruit in our lives?

Blessings,

Lyn

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