January 25, 2026

Growing Up — Maturity in Christ by the Spirit

Key Texts:

Ephesians 4:13–15; Galatians 5:22–25; 2 Peter 3:18; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 12:1–2

Big Idea:

God’s goal is not just that believers grow—but that they grow up into Christ, displaying Spirit-formed maturity in everyday life.

Introduction

Growth Has a Direction

Growth is not just change—it is movement toward something.

Spiritual growth has a target: Christlikeness.

God does not want perpetual spiritual children.

“Until we all attain… to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” (Eph 4:13)

Ephesians 4:13 ESV

13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,

I. God Defines Spiritual Maturity

Text: Ephesians 4:13–15

Ephesians 4:13–15 ESV

13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

Maturity is measured by resemblance to Christ, not age or activity.

Mature believers:

Are stable in doctrine

Speak truth in love

Grow in every way into Christ

Key distinction:

Activity ≠ maturity

Knowledge ≠ Christlikeness

II. Maturity Is Evidenced by Character, Not Just Competence

Text: Galatians 5:22–23

Galatians 5:22–23 ESV

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

The fruit of the Spirit is the visible evidence of maturity.

Fruit grows naturally when we keep in step with the Spirit.

The Spirit produces what effort alone cannot.

Emphasis:

You cannot fake fruit.

Fruit takes time.

Fruit reveals health.

III. Growing Up Requires Ongoing Intentionality

Text: 2 Peter 3:18

2 Peter 3:18 ESV

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Growth is commanded, not optional.

Believers must actively pursue grace and knowledge.

Spiritual maturity requires daily choices.

Practical means:

Scripture

Prayer

Repentance

Christian community

IV. Maturity Is a Life of Spirit-Led Self-Denial

Text: Galatians 5:24–25

Galatians 5:24–25 ESV

24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

Mature believers walk by the Spirit, not by the flesh.

Growth includes putting old desires to death.

Freedom in Christ leads to obedience, not indulgence.

V. God Is Faithful to Complete the Work He Started

Text: Philippians 1:6

Philippians 1:6 ESV

6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Growth may feel slow, uneven, or hidden.

God finishes what He begins.

Assurance fuels perseverance.

VI. Maturity Fixes Its Eyes on Jesus

Text: Hebrews 12:1–2

Hebrews 12:1–2 ESV

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Growth requires focus.

Jesus is both the model and source of maturity.

Looking to Christ sustains endurance.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

Where has God already grown you?

Where are you resisting growth?

Is the fruit of the Spirit increasingly visible in your life?

What step would mark intentional pursuit of maturity this week?

CONCLUSION

Sermon 1: Walk by faith

Sermon 2: Grow deep

Sermon 3: Grow up

Final encouragement:

God is not finished with you.

Keep walking.

Keep growing.

Keep your eyes on Christ.