Spiritual Maturity | Ephesians 4:11-16

Spiritual Maturity  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented   •  27:12
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INTRODUCTION:

In the previous verses of this same chapter Paul reminds us of the importance of unity in the Body of Christ and how to maintain that unity.

Read verses 1-8
Eph.4.1-8
Ephesians 4:1–8 ESV
1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”
VERSES 9 -10 REMIND US OF CHRIST VICTORY OVER THE POWERS OF DARKNESS!
OUR PASSAGE THIS MORNING HE REMINDS US HOW CHRIST HAS PROVIDE FOR THE CHURCH, THAT WE MAY GROW AND MATURE AS HIS REPRESENTATIVES IN THE EARTH!

I. SPIRITUAL MATURITY IS GOD’S DESIRE FOR EVERY BELIEVER.

Mt. 5.48
Matthew 5:48 ESV
48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Hebrews 6:1 ESV
1 Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

II. THE GOAL OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY IS TO MOLD US INTO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST.

Romans 8:29 ESV
29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Philippians 2:5 ESV
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
Colossians 2:6–7 ESV
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Hebrews 12:2 ESV
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.

III. SPIRITUAL MATURITY ALWAYS LEADS TO A CHANGED LIFE.

1. Spiritual Understanding

Colossians 2:1–3 ESV
1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

2. Spiritual Discernment of the will of God

Colossians 1:9–10 ESV
9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Romans 12:2 ESV
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

3. Spiritual Stability

Colossians 4:12 ESV
12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.
2 Peter 3:17–18 ESV
17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 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.

4. Spiritual Concern for Others

Romans 15:1 ESV
1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Galatians 6:1–2 ESV
1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

IV. SPIRITUAL MATURITY SHOULD BE THE GOAL OF EVERY BELIEVER.

Philippians 3:13–15 ESV
13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.
2 Corinthians 7:1 ESV
1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
1 Timothy 6:11 ESV
11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

CONCLUSION:

2 Corinthians 13:11 ESV
11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
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