Spiritual Maturity (Part 1)

Spiritual Maturity - A Definition
Spiritual maturity is a process that begins after a person accepts Jesus Christ as Savior. He or she is born again of the Holy Spirit and then chooses to live "in Christ." The Apostle Paul said that spiritual growth is an ongoing process. "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:12-14). Even the Apostle Paul had not arrived, yet he continually pressed toward the prize.

Therefore, in order for us to mature as Christians, we must make a choice to learn God's Word, allow God to renew our minds by His Word, and then be obedient to what we have learned. (Romans 12:1-2) says, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then we will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Spiritual Maturity - Accomplishing Growth

What are the marks of spiritual maturity?
Those that are spiritually mature learn how to walk in obedience to God. It is making the choice to live by God's viewpoint rather than our own viewpoint, or the world view. (Galatians 5:16 and 25) give the key, "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature…Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." The word "walk" in verse 16 is from the Greek word peripateo, which means "to walk with a purpose in view." The word "walk" in verse 25 is translated from another Greek word stoicheo and it means "step by step, one step at a time." It is learning to walk under the instruction of another. That person is the Holy Spirit. Since believers are indwelt by the Spirit, we should also walk under His control.

How can we learn to walk in the Spirit?
By studying God's Word, and not obeying the desires of the flesh.
(2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17) instructs us, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth…All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." This is good practical instruction on how you become spiritually mature. It is not done by osmosis, but it is done by choosing to apply God's Word in everyday circumstances. As we walk step-by-step, applying God's Word to our life, we will grow spiritually.