How does 1 Corinthians 14:20 connect with Ephesians 4:14 about maturity? Growing Up in Christ’s Classroom 1 Corinthians 14:20: “Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.” Connecting the Dots: 1 Corinthians 14:20 + Ephesians 4:14 • Ephesians 4:14 parallels the call: “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching…” • Both verses spotlight two sides of Christian growth: – Innocence toward evil (infants regarding malice) – Stability and discernment in doctrine (mature thinking) Childlike Innocence vs. Childish Instability • “Be infants in regard to evil” – Stay untainted, refuse fascination with sin (Romans 16:19). • “In your thinking be mature” – Cultivate solid, reasoned faith able to test everything (1 Thessalonians 5:21). • Ephesians 4:14 fleshes this out: maturity anchors believers so false teaching can’t toss them around like waves. Why Maturity Matters • Protects from deception (Colossians 2:8). • Equips believers to speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). • Enables steady, fruitful lives (Psalm 1:2-3). Picture of the Process 1. Start with pure spiritual milk (1 Peter 2:2). 2. Progress to solid food—deeper doctrine and obedient practice (Hebrews 5:12-14). 3. Grow into Christ, the Head, joined and held together (Ephesians 4:15-16). Maintaining Innocence without Naivety • Filter entertainment and information through Philippians 4:8. • Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9) to keep heart tender. • Stay alert to evil schemes while resisting them (2 Corinthians 2:11; James 4:7). Practical Steps Toward Mature Thinking • Daily Scripture intake and memorization (Joshua 1:8). • Active participation in a Bible-teaching church (Acts 2:42). • Serve with spiritual gifts—exercise builds strength (1 Corinthians 12:7). • Invite wise counsel; iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). • Practice discernment: compare every idea with God’s Word (Acts 17:11). End Goal Colossians 1:28 captures the heartbeat: “We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” The journey from spiritual infancy to Christ-like maturity unites 1 Corinthians 14:20 and Ephesians 4:14: innocent hearts, discerning minds, steadfast lives. |
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