Tonight's chapter is long, very long. Over 30 pages long. So this will have to be a multi-part entry. I'm mainly concentrating on providing a concise version rather than commenting on it, unless there's something I just can't leave alone!
God's will for every believer is spiritual maturity. The ultimate goal of spiritual growth is to become like Jesus. How does this happen? How do we become mature?
Myths about Spiritual maturity
1) Spiritual growth is automatic once you are born again.
Many churches have no plan and leave it all to chance, assuming that Christians will automatically grow to maturity if they attend church services. This isn't true. Churches are filled with people who have attended services for their entire lives yet are still spiritual babies. Hebrews 5:12 laments about people who need elementary truths when they should be teaching.
Spiritual growth is intentional. It requires commitment and effort. Phil 2:12-13 says that we need to work out Salvation (not work on! There is nothing we can add to what Christ did). Growth that leads to maturity begins with the commitment described in Rom 6:13.
2) Spiritual growth is mystical, and maturity is attainable only by a select few.
Spirituality is linked in our minds to cult members in robes and monastic people such as monks or nuns. Many Christians feel that maturity is out of reach. This is partly due to biographies which gloss over the humanity of godly people and imply that you have to pray 10 hours a day, move to a jungle and plan to die as a martyr!
Spiritual growth is very practical. Any believer can grow to maturity if he or she will develop habits needed for spiritual growth. 1 Tim 4:7 - Spiritual fitness. Anyone can become physically fit if they exercise and practise good health habits. Spiritual fitness is about learning spiritual exercises and being disciplined to do them until they become habits.
3) Spiritual maturity can occur instantly if you find the right "key".
Many sincere Christians spend their entire lives seeking for the an experience, conference, revival or book that will instantly transform them into mature believers. This is futile.
Spiritual growth is a process that takes time. Eph 4:13 says we arrive at maturity, implying that maturity is the destination in a journey. If you lead people to commit to growing spiritually, teach them some basic habits and give them guidance on the way, you can expect to see them grow.
4) Spiritual maturity is measured by what you know.
Maturity is often confused with knowledge of and/or ability to debate doctrine. While knowledge of the Bible is foundational to spiritual maturity, it isn't the total measurement of it.
Spiritual maturity is demonstrated more by behaviour than beliefs. Deeds must be consistent with creeds (James 2:18). By their fruit you will recognise them (Matt 7:16)! As well as knowledge, we can measure maturity through perspective, conviction, skills and character. Knowledge increases responsibility (James 4:17).
5) Spiritual growth is a personal and private matter.
Most spiritual growth teaching is self-centred and self-focused. This is unbiblical.
Christians need relationships to grow. Growth does not occur in isolation (Hebrews 10:24 - 25).
Relationships play an important role in moving people to maturity; Fellowship is not optional for the Christian, it is mandatory. The litmus test for a Christian is whether they love other believers (1 John 3:14).
6) All you need is Bible study to grow.
Many churches are built on this myth. They stress the teaching of Bible content and doctrine, but give little emphasis to emotional, experiential and relational development.
It takes a variety of spiritual experiences with God to produce spiritual maturity. Genuine maturity includes having a worshiping heart, building and enjoying loving relationships, using talents in service to others and sharing your faith with the lost. A strategy to bring people to maturity must include all of these. Christians do more than study the Christian life, they experience it.
Because some groups glorify experience, evangelical churches tend to overreact by de-emphasising it. Deut 11:2 says we remember what we have learned of the Lord through our experiences with Him.
Continued tomorrow night . . .
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