Lesson 24: SPIRITUAL MATURITY

MEMORY VERSE- “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God” Hebrews 6:1
LESSON TEXT-Hebrews 5: 11-14

INTRODUCTION

Spiritual maturity involves change from the inside out, brought about by the Spirit of God impacting every area of a person’s life. We are developing the habits, skills, and character of a maturing disciple while providing accountability in the context of grace and love. Immaturity Maturity It is clear that the author of Hebrews is frustrated and disappointed with people’s ability to understand spiritual truth. Spiritual maturity depends upon in-depth understanding of God’s word.

LESSON OUTLINE

1. DANGERS OF SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY
2. HOW TO GROW INTO MATURITY
3. CHOICES OF MATURITY

LESSON CONTENT

1. DANGERS OF SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY
   ·Immaturity is not by age alone. Heb. 5:12
   ·Immaturity has clear features
   o Inability to learn and retain spiritual things. The Scripture says of these people, Heb. 5: 11-12b.
   o Inability to instruct others or themselves-Heb. 5: 12,Matt. 28: 16-20, 2 Tim. 2: 1-2.
   ·Inability to discern good from evil. Heb. 5: 14, Eph. 4:14,
   o Some are emotionally gullible, emotionally immature.Eph.4:14a
   o Some are vulnerable to false prophets and sin. Gal. 1:6
   o Some are totally dependent on their teacher, Heb. 5:12,1 Cor.3:1-4.
   ·Inability to control childish reactions. 1 Cor. 3:3
   ·Inability to take solid food. Heb. 6: 1-3
2. HOW TO GROW INTO MATURITY
   Everything the Christian becomes or accomplishes for the kingdom of God is only because of God’s grace and power.
   God is ultimately responsible for all spiritual growth.Isa.61:11, 1 Cor. 3:7-9, 1 Cor. 15:10, Rom. 8:29. While God supplies the resources and enablement for our growth, we must supply the effort.
   ·There must be constant feeding on the word, 1 Pet. 2: 2;Jer.15:16
   ·Effort, diligence, and discipline. 2 Pet. 1: 1-11, 1 Cor.9:24-27,Phil.2:12-13;Ps.1:1-3
   ·Growth occurs with frustration, suffering, and sometimes challenges. Phil. 3: 10-11,Jam.1:12
   ·Spiritual maturity depends upon in-depth understanding of God’s word. Consistent intake of spiritual nourishment is the key. Matt. 11:28.
3.  CHOICES OF MATURITY

CONCLUSION

Maturing Christians should be able to develop the ability to evaluate every major area of our lives from the perspective of God’s Word and reach a decision about whether it is true or false, of God or not, spiritually helpful or harmful.

QUESTIONS

1. What does spiritual maturity involve?
2. How can somebody grow to maturity?
3. What are the choices in maturity?