STEPS TO SPIRITUAL MATURITY

1 Corinthians 13:11

When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.

Ephesians 4:11-13

 11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

SCRIPTURES

 Phil. 2:12-13

12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Gal. 5:22-24

Rom. 12:1, 2

Introduction

i)Is there a need for SPIRITUAL GROWTH?

ii)Which will be beneficial, STAGNATION OR GROWTH?

iii)How can one CONTINUE growing into SPIRITUAL MATURITY?

iv)Is it automatic for Christians to grow into maturity after they received Jesus as their Lord and Saviour?

v)Does the number of years you have been in the faith equal your maturity?

Join me look into God's word to get a clear understanding of how we can GROW INTO SPIRITUAL MATIRITY.

I want to suggest the following steps

1. Spending QUALITY time with the Lord Jesus Christ DAILY.

SCRIPTURES

Joshua 1:7-9, Psalm 1:2; 8:3-4; 19:4; 119:148

This is a time you communicate with the Lord just as you did or still do with your earthly parents. Communing with God on a daily basis should not be taken for granted. It is the key to spiritual growth.

AN EXAMPLE

a. If possible chose a place where disturbance is minimal, let your siblings, spouse know you are going into the Lord's presence.

b. Take along a bible,
possibly a parallel bible, bible dictionary, a marker and your note book in which you write down scriptures you want to meditate on. Do not forget your pen.

If you have all these on your tablet, wonderful?

This will prevent us from moving up and down to look for this or that.

c. Chose a time of the day or night you can maintain regularly. Soon the HOLY SPIRIT, your body clock and family will be reminding you of your commitment to God's word this hour should you forget.

d. Prayer, studying the word, meditation and then prayer could be the format. Remember prayer is two way communication, when you speak with God wait on Him he will speak to you.

This fellowship soon will become the most powerful tool in your armory.

2. Nourishment To Our Spirit Man

SCRIPTURES

1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18; Matthew 4:4; Eph. 4:15; Matt. 5:6

Hebrews 5:11-14; Acts 17:11; Psalm 1:1, 2; Josh 1:8

To continue to grow into spiritual maturity, we will need something a little more than the elementary principle above. We need to STUDY the bible to be able to understand its truth so that we can practice them. Spiritually we cannot grow without feeding on God's Word.

Why do we have to find more time study the word?

a. REVELATION

In it God reveals himself and His purposes for His people, John 5:39

b. PRUNING FOR EXPECTED GROWTH, 2 Tim 3:16-17

1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. John 15:1-2

c. ENCOURAGEMENT 1John 5:14-16

1 Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2 I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Saviour through your apostles.

3 First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the Day of Judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 2 Peter 3:1-8

d. DIRECTION AND GUIDANCE

16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. Isaiah 42: 16

e. SPIRITUAL WARFARE

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Eph 6: 10-18

3. Attend Church Meetings. Rom 12:5

Our emphasis is your local church. The programs are designed to help you grow into maturity. Your full participation will not only equip and strengthen you but will also bless other members.

The church is to grow you into a matured Christian, equip you for evangelism which is God's heart cry, teach you spiritual warfare and also make sure you are preparing to meet your maker in heaven.

The church is not the building, it is you, me and other members that make up the church. Church has a leadership structure with the sole aim of preparing the church for the bridegroom, Jesus Christ.

Your commitment, enthusiasm and obedience to church can and will make a positive impact on the church as a whole.

 Heb 10: 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

4. What Are You Growing Into? Gal 5:19-23

Let’s go through this simple check list

Take this test to check your spiritual nourishment.

How much time do you spend............... daily

- praying

- studying the word

- watching TV?

- exercising

- reading the news papers

- doing office work

- whats-apping/ texting or receiving/making calls

- eating

- evangelism

- in church

- on entertainment

Based on the above, which are you nourishing most?

Your spirit

Your soul

Or your body?

ASSIGNMENT

Do a similar check list, but this time concentrate on how much money you spend or give during these activities.

5. You Must Desire To Grow Spiritually

SCRIPTURES

1 Peter 2:2; 1 Peter 2:21

Philippians 3:12-14

There is a price to be paid for everything. You must be willing to pay the price for your spiritual growth. Your desire, hunger and commitment to this goal will determine how far you go in the faith.

 It is important to have believers who will encourage us to grow surrounding us always. Otherwise we may occasionally lose this drive and become indifferent. Do all you can to maintain your zeal and quest to know more leading to spiritual maturity. Stagnation then follows leading to retrogression.

6. Repeat Till You Become Proficient

A. This is essential to developing yourself spiritually

Actors, athletes and many other disciplines & know that to develope their skill will require continual repetition. This is also true if we want to get to the cutting- edge of ministry. We must spend more time learning, rehearsing or practicing to improve.

SCRIPTURES:

1 Cor. 14:12; 2 Tim 2:15

1 Cor. 9:25

EXAMPLE:

To become proficient in teaching we must practice this art again and again.

Teach yourself. When alone imagine your students are before you and begin to teach them. Teach at home, your work place, Teach at bible studies on Sundays and when you have cell meetings.

Avail yourself to teach again and again and again. Make time to teach no matter your schedule or how you may feel.

Same applies to PRAYER, BIBLE READING, SINGING/ LEADING WORSHIP, PLAYING ANY EQUIPMENT, DANCING, USHERING, EVANGELISM, GIVING AND OPERATING IN THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT.

The more you practice the easier it will be for you to grow in spiritual things and be used more effectively.

Remember to DISCOVER, DEVELOP AND USE, IF POSSIBLE ON A DAILY BASIS

7. Growth Is a Process

SCRIPTURES

2 Peter 1:5-9

Rom 5:3-5

Growth takes time, sometimes too long. Therefore you must be patient and keep on practicing, and building yourself up. Spiritual maturity is a growing process and requires time and conscious effort. It is different from an emotional outburst, or a onetime experience. It is something which will become part of you in all your ways.

8. Difficult Times Shall Come

SCRIPTURES

James 1:2-4; 5:7

Deut 8:2

Here we talking about when you are rebuked, get discouraged, make mistakes, hear negative comments, or when it seems the brethren are impatient with you or do not understand you.

King David had challenging times when he became king. How did he come out of it as a celebrated king and not a battered king?

9. Refreshing Times

SCRIPTURES

Psalm 37:18-19, 24, 25

Prov. 16:7; 11:25

When your input is needed at nearly every gathering in the church, getting the auditorium ready for service, bible study, the main service, offering, follow up, and more.

When all are blessed by your presence and giftings. All are taking about how you have imparted their lives and are proud to be connected to you.

It appears prayers are being answered, promotions, pay rise, spouse, cars, accommodation, building projects and qualifications are all going your way.

You have become sensitive to the Holy Spirit and he is blessing you with divine revelations. Your spiritual gifts are blossoming. Your love for prayer and the word is growing daily.

10. Conclusion

In the Christian’s life there must be a steady moral advance; it must not be just periodic visitations of the power of God, followed by “chronic inactivity.”

Many problems result when Christians fail to grow.

They may;

1. Backslide

2. Become a nuisance in church

3. Become stumbling blocks

4. Become indifferent

5. Discourage other members

6. Attend service irregularly

7. Fight others who are maturing

8. Become Insolent

9. Walk in Envy jealousy and strife

10. Withhold their contribution, in any form, from the church

In other words the fruits of the flesh begins to dominate. There are no “spiritual plateaus”. May you never say, “I am now okay, there is no need for growth anymore.”

To stop growing in Christ is to stagnate, stagnation will lead to decay then the stench from the rot will not only bring you negative attention but will also bring depression and shame.

Gal 5:19-26

19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.