I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed you are still not ready.
1 Corinthians 3:2
You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?
1 Corinthians 3:3
What is Spiritual Maturity
First, let’s look at what’s not!
- Spiritual maturity is not a matter of AGE
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Luke 2:52
“I don’t want to grow up, I am a Toys R Us kids.”
- Spiritual maturity is not a matter of APPEARANCE
Talk the Talk
Walk the Walk
- Spiritual maturity is not a matter of ACHIEVEMENT
Spiritual maturity is a matter of ATTITUDE and CHARACTER
“Character is what you are in the dark.”
- A spiritual mature person is positive under PRESSURE
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
James 1:2-3
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:4
“Do I have the right attitude as I approach the problems of life?”
“Count it all joy when you fall into various trials.”
A spiritual mature person is positive under pressure.
- A spiritual mature person is sensitive to the needs of PEOPLE
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.
James 2:8
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:2
“I can build churches, I can write theological articles, I can put out Christian CDs, I can give all my money for international mission work – but if I don’t have love – all I’m doing is tooting my own horn.
It really doesn’t amount to much – in fact it is worth nothing.”
The second test of spirituality maturity is how I treat other people.
- A spiritual mature person is master of his MOUTH
We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
James 3:2
‘Loose Lips Sink Ships’
“Sticks and stones may break my bones and words will hurt my feelings.”
“sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me”
Hearing something you like about someone you don’t.
Gossip
Tongue is like a rudder, a horse’s bit, a spark, a wild animal, and a spring.
I just say what’s on my mind!
“Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word (is) a gift.”
Ephesians 4:29
Managing your mouth is the third test of spiritual maturity.
- A spiritual mature person is a peacemaker not a TROUBLEMAKER
“Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves.”
James 4:1
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands.”
1 Thessalonians 4:11
- SELFISHNESS
B. JUDGEMENTALISM
Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.
James 4:11
There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
James 4:12
Being a peacemaker is the fourth test of being spiritually mature.
- A spiritual mature person is PATIENT
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.
James 5:7
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
James 5:8
Patience is the fifth mark or spiritual maturity.
- A spiritual mature person is PRAYERFUL
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
James 5:16
Elijah
those who are spiritually mature – understand the power of God.
If there are problems in your life – go to Him in prayer.
How do you handle your problems? Are you positive under pressure?
Are you sensitive to the needs of others around you?
Are you mastering your mouth – keeping control of what you say?
Are you a peacemaker rather than a troublemaker?
Are you patient and are you prayerful?