How can we grow from "infants in Christ" to mature believers? Infants in Christ: Recognizing the Starting Point • “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly— as infants in Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:1) • Paul loves the Corinthians enough to tell them the truth: spiritual infancy is real, but it is never meant to be permanent. • Awareness of our stage is the first step toward deliberate growth. Feeding on the Word: From Milk to Solid Food • “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready.” (1 Corinthians 3:2) • “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” (1 Peter 2:2) • “Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14) Ways to move from milk to meat: – Read whole books of the Bible, not just verses. – Memorize and meditate on Scripture (Psalm 119:11). – Study doctrine—God’s attributes, salvation, the church, last things. Obedience in Everyday Choices • “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22) • Infants are fed; adults learn to feed themselves and others. Every act of obedience strengthens spiritual muscles. • Replace worldly habits with godly ones: forgive (Ephesians 4:32), speak truth (Ephesians 4:25), pursue purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Growing Through Fellowship • “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Maturity is a community project: – Submit to shepherding (Hebrews 13:17). – Engage in mutual encouragement and accountability. – Observe and imitate seasoned believers (Philippians 3:17). Serving with Spiritual Gifts • “To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7) • Serving moves believers from consumer to contributor: – Identify gifts through prayer, Scripture, and feedback. – Serve consistently in the local church. – Expect growth as God stretches capacity (1 Peter 4:10-11). Pruning the Flesh, Bearing the Spirit’s Fruit • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Daily repentance removes what hinders growth (Hebrews 12:1). • “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23) Watch for increasing fruit as proof of maturing character. Equipped for Every Good Work • “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful… so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) • Complete equipment means competence in doctrine, discernment, and dependence on the Lord. Keeping Eyes on Christ’s Return • “We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” (Colossians 1:28) • Hope in Christ’s appearing motivates holiness (1 John 3:2-3). • Maturity anticipates hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23) Summary Path from Infant to Mature 1. Consume Scripture daily with increasing depth. 2. Obey promptly in practical life. 3. Commit to local-church fellowship and accountability. 4. Exercise spiritual gifts in service. 5. Cultivate Spirit-produced character. 6. Live in expectation of Christ’s return. God supplies the milk, the meat, the fellow believers, and the Spirit; our part is eager, humble participation in His gracious growth plan. |
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