"And I Put Away My Childish Ways"

Sermon Title: "And I Put Away My Childish Ways"

Scripture Reference:

1 Corinthians 13:11 - "When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put away childish things."

The Passion Translation Chapter 13

11 When I was a child, I spoke about childish matters, for I saw things like a child and reasoned like a child. But the day came when I matured, and I set aside my childish ways.

The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language Chapter 13

When I was an infant at my mother’s breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.

Introduction:

Begin by sharing the context of the scripture. Paul writes this in his famous chapter about love, describing the qualities of love and how it is the greatest gift of the Spirit.Discuss the importance of growth and maturity in different areas of life — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

1. The Characteristics of a Child

Childish Speech: Children often speak impulsively, driven by emotion rather than wisdom. Their words are honest but can also be self-centered or naive.Childish Thoughts: A child’s thinking is often limited by their lack of experience. They see the world in black and white, without understanding its complexities.Childish Reasoning: Children tend to react to their immediate wants and needs. Their reasoning is often focused on instant gratification rather than long-term consequences.

Application:

We can examine how we still carry these childish tendencies into our adult lives. Are we impulsive in our speech, naive in our thinking, or short-sighted in our reasoning?

2. The Call to Spiritual Maturity

Maturity as a Journey: Growing in faith is not an overnight transformation but a gradual journey of sanctification.Putting Away Childish Things: This is a conscious act, an intentional decision to leave behind our immature ways of thinking, speaking, and acting. It’s about surrendering our old habits and allowing God to shape us into the image of Christ.Living in Love: Paul places this verse in the context of a discussion on love, implying that spiritual maturity is characterized by love that is patient, kind, and selfless — in contrast to childish self-centeredness.

Application:

Reflect on the areas in your life where God is calling you to grow. Is it in your patience? Your ability to forgive? Your trust in God during difficult times?

3. The Transformation in Christ

A New Creation: In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul reminds us that in Christ, we are a new creation; the old has gone, and the new is here. This transformation is the essence of putting away our childish ways.Spiritual Fruit: Galatians 5:22-23 speaks of the fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the marks of a mature believer.A Process of Renewal: Romans 12:2 encourages us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

Application:

Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to transform you? Are you open to growth, or are you holding on to old, immature patterns because they feel comfortable?

Conclusion:

Share a personal story or a testimony of someone who has experienced transformation in their spiritual life.Invite the congregation to reflect on their own lives and consider what childish ways they need to put away.Lead a prayer for growth and maturity, asking God to help the congregation let go of their immature ways and embrace the new life in Christ.

Call to Action:

Encourage everyone to commit to one specific change they can make this week to demonstrate their spiritual growth. This might be forgiving someone they’ve held a grudge against, spending more time in prayer, or showing kindness in a challenging situation.

Closing Prayer:

Pray for the strength to put away childish ways and to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

This theme can resonate with many, as it speaks to the universal journey from immaturity to maturity, from self-centeredness to selflessness, and from an old way of life to a new life in Christ.