What other scriptures emphasize the importance of spiritual growth and maturity? Opening Snapshot—1 Corinthians 3:1 “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ.” Paul’s blunt words set the tone: life in Jesus is meant to move from infancy to adulthood. Scripture, taken at full face value, repeats this call for growth again and again. New Testament Echoes of the Same Call • Hebrews 5:12-14—milk vs. solid food; maturity learns to “distinguish good from evil.” • Hebrews 6:1—“let us leave the elementary teachings… and go on to maturity.” • Ephesians 4:13-15—growth “to the full measure of the stature of Christ,” no longer “infants, tossed about.” • Colossians 1:28-29—goal: “present everyone perfect in Christ… labor, striving with all His energy.” • 2 Peter 1:5-8—add virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love; these keep us “effective and productive.” • 2 Peter 3:18—“grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” • Philippians 3:13-15—press on, “all of us who are mature should embrace this.” • 1 Peter 2:2—“crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” • James 1:2-4—trials shape believers until they are “mature and complete, not lacking anything.” • Romans 12:2—mind renewed, life transformed; proof of “the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” • Galatians 5:22-23—Spirit-produced fruit marks a grown-up believer. • 1 John 2:12-14—children, young men, fathers: distinct stages of knowing God and overcoming evil. Old Testament Roots of the Growth Theme • Psalm 1:2-3—delighting in God’s law makes a person like a tree “yielding its fruit in season.” • Proverbs 4:18—“path of the righteous… shining brighter and brighter until midday.” • Isaiah 40:31—waiting on the LORD renews strength for ever-increasing endurance. Snapshot of a Mature Disciple (pulled from the verses above) – Steady in doctrine, not swayed by fads (Ephesians 4). – Discerns good and evil (Hebrews 5). – Exhibits expanding Christ-like character (2 Peter 1; Galatians 5). – Perseveres through testing (James 1; Isaiah 40). – Actively serves and builds up others (Colossians 1; Ephesians 4). – Maintains a growing intimacy with Christ (Philippians 3; 2 Peter 3). Practices That Feed Growth • Daily intake of Scripture—solid food replaces milk. • Prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit—fruit develops within, not by self-effort alone. • Regular fellowship—body life supplies accountability and encouragement. • Obedient application—truth acted on becomes character. • Embracing trials—God’s appointed gym for endurance and maturity. Spiritual infancy may be natural at first, but remaining there is not. Scripture’s consistent, literal voice urges every believer to grow up into Christ, until faith becomes full-grown, fruitful, and firmly rooted for His glory. |
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