Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 0-026 (Sermon/notes)

by John Rallison

God’s goal for my life is that I grow to a spiritually mature person. Why be spiritually mature? Isn’t it boring? Not at all!

Spiritual maturity brings all sorts of wonderful things into our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control. The Bible tells us that spiritual maturity is measured by how Christ-like we are (Romans 8:29).

Let me give you four myths about spiritual maturity:

1) SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS AUTOMATIC

The Bible says that spiritual growth is a process that one does or doesn’t become involved in. “…though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s Word all over again… (Hebrews 5:12, NIV)

TRUTH – Spiritual growth is intentional

It requires commitment and effort. The Bible says that, though our salvation is given to us as a gift from God, we continue to work out it’s effect in our lives. (Philippians 2:12-13)

2) SPIRITUAL MATURITY IS ATTAINABLE BY A SELECT FEW

Often, our view of spiritual maturity is what keeps of from wanting it. We think of people sitting cross-legged in white robes chanting for ten hours a day in a cave. This can lead regular folks like us to feel like second class Christians.

TRUTH – Spiritual maturity is a practical matter

Anyone can be physically fit if they will adopt the habits that bring physical fitness. The Bible says, “Take the time and trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit.” (1 Timothy 4:7, Php) We think of spiritual maturity as a nebulous target that we just go along hoping to reach. The Bible gives us concrete steps to get there.

2) SPIRITUAL MATURITY IS A MATTER OF FINDING THE RIGHT ‘KEY’

I used to spend a great deal of time looking for the organizational tool that would get me organized. It turned out that the most important thing was simply my commitment to be organized, not finding the right tool (read: ‘toy’).

TRUTH – Spiritual maturity is a process that takes time

Ephesians 4:13 talks about growing in spiritual maturity as a goal.

4) SPIRITUAL MATURITY IS MEASURED BY WHAT YOU KNOW

You can know a great deal but not be mature.

TRUTH – Spiritual maturity is demonstrated more by behavior than belief.

James 2:18 points out that behavior is intimately connect to belief. In fact, what you do is what you really believe. That’s what the Bible means when it says, “By your fruit you will know them” (Matthew 7:16). There are some dangers to building knowledge without maturity. Knowledge without maturity can make a prideful person (1 Corinthians 8:1). And knowledge increases responsibility. (James 4:17)

Why commit to the habits that build spiritual maturity? The Bible says that God will give you:

– Help in resisting temptation (Psalm 119:11)

– Help in making wise decisions (Psalm 119:105)

– Strength in times of stress (Isaiah 40:13)

– Comfort in times of sadness (Jeremiah 15:16, Proverbs 22:18)

– Help in spreading the Gospel to others (1 Peter 3:15)

Make the commitment to the habits that bring and sustain spiritual maturity:

– Time with God’s Word

– Prayer

– Sacrificial Giving

– Christian Fellowship

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John Rallison St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church 2311 East Chapman Avenue Fullerton, CA 92831

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