Growing Up Great

Defining Spiritual Maturity

Maturity as a process

Ephesians 3:1–12 KJV 1900

1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

Ephesians 4:11 KJV 1900

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Ephesians 4:10–12 KJV 1900

10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

God uses gifts

Ephe

Maturity says that

++We are equipped

++We are ready

God uses gifts

++We have what it takes

Maturity is marked

++By Confidence

++By Competence

++By Courage

The Christian Life will challenge you

++Personally

++Physically

++Intellectually

To overcome these challenges help would be needed.

God gave gifts

++Apostles

++Prophest

++Evangelist

++Pastors

++Teachers

There purpose would bring the power of the ages.

Ephesians 4:13–15 KJV 1900

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

See also ; ; ; ;

What was their function

++They were to do the work

++Until we come

The must preach the word

++Until we come

They must teach the word

++Till we come

There work would remain incomplete

Till we come

They would be like parents

++They provide instruction

++The model good behavior

++The correct bad behavior

Why?

++to bring children into Maturity

++to help them understand there purpose

++To lead them to success

Seeds and plants

Luke 8:14–15 KJV 1900

14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. 15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

See also

The apostles worked and prayed for growth in believers

2 Corinthians 13:9 KJV 1900

9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.

See also ;

Dimensions of spiritual growth

In faith

2 Corinthians 10:15–16 KJV 1900

15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.

See also

In knowledge

2 Peter 3:18 KJV 1900

18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

See also ; ; ; ;

In love

1 Thessalonians 4:10 KJV 1900

10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

See also ; ;

Growth comes from God

Colossians 2:19 KJV 1900

19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

See also ; ;

Growth comes through discipleship

Putting away the sinful self

1 Peter 2:1 KJV 1900

1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

See also ; ; ; ;

Moving on from basic teaching

Hebrews 6:1–2 KJV 1900

1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

See also

Maturing in thinking

1 Corinthians 14:20 KJV 1900

20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

See also

Persevering in faith

James 1:4 KJV 1900

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

See also ; ;

Contributing to growth in the church by exercising gifts

Ephesians 4:11–12 KJV 1900

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

See also ;

Examples of spiritual growth in some of God’s servants

;

See also ;

The growth of the kingdom of God

God promises that his kingdom will grow

Colossians 1:6 KJV 1900

6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

See also ;

The early church experienced rapid numerical growth

Acts 4:4 KJV 1900

4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

See also ; ; ; ; ; ; ;