How does 1 Corinthians 2:6 define "mature" in the Christian faith journey? Text at a Glance “Yet we do speak wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.” — 1 Corinthians 2:6 What “Mature” Does Not Mean • Not intellectual brilliance or advanced education • Not age, tenure in church, or leadership title • Not worldly influence, status, or applause Key Marks of Maturity in 1 Corinthians 2 • Receives God-given wisdom, not the passing ideas of the age (vv. 6–7) • Understands the hidden mystery of Christ crucified (v. 7) • Lives by revelation through the Spirit rather than human reasoning (vv. 10–13) • Discerns all things because he has “the mind of Christ” (v. 16) • Stands in contrast to “infants in Christ” who still walk by fleshly thinking (3:1–3) Growing Toward This Maturity 1. Yield continually to the Holy Spirit, who alone discloses God’s wisdom (v. 10). 2. Stay anchored in the message of the cross; it is “the power of God” (1:18). 3. Move from “milk” to “solid food” by consistent Scripture intake (Hebrews 5:12-14). 4. Practice obedience; truth becomes clearer when it is lived (John 7:17). 5. Engage in Christ-centered fellowship where iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17; Ephesians 4:15-16). Connecting Passages That Sharpen the Picture • Ephesians 4:13 — Maturity pursues “the fullness of Christ.” • Colossians 1:28 — Paul’s goal: present everyone “perfect in Christ.” • Philippians 3:15 — “All who are mature should think this way,” pressing on to know Christ. • Hebrews 6:1 — “Let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity.” • Galatians 5:22-25 — Fruit of the Spirit evidences a mature walk. Putting It Together In 1 Corinthians 2:6, “mature” describes believers who, by the Spirit’s illumination, grasp and live out the cross-centered wisdom of God. They think with the mind of Christ, reject the fading wisdom of the age, and bear fruit that shows steady growth toward His fulness. |
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