MOVING ON TO MATURITY

 INTRODUCTION

One has to make a conscious effort to mature. Many of us who should be teaching and training others in the word are still spiritual babies in Christ still in need of spiritual milk instead of solid food.

How will you know if you are still a spiritual baby in the church?

1. Immature Christians are unwilling to commit themselves in any way to the vision of the local church.

2. They are not responsible for anyone or anything in the church

3. Immature Christians do not contribute much to church growth.

4. They do not know how to distinguish good from evil. Their counsel to other members brings bitterness, resentment and pain to the church.

5. They have difficulty in taking instruction from the leadership of the church. Undermining those put in leadership positions is normal with them.

6. "Spiritual butterflies" is a good description of immature Christians. They are always flirting from one church to another.

7. Every problem or challenge knocks them down. Murmuring and complaining about everything and nothing.

Scripture:

Heb 5:11-14

11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers,

you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

James1:19-25

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Application

1. What percentage of church members need to mature?

2. Are you immature, maturing, mature or stagnant?