How do you know if someone is a mature disciple of Jesus?

#1) SPIRITUAL DEATH (Ephesians 2:1-5)

#2) SPIRITUAL BABY (1 Corinthians 3:1-2)

#3) SPIRITUAL CHILD (1 Corinthians 13:11)

Hebrews 5:11-14 ESV

11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

Areas of Growth:

1) Personal Growth

2) Family Growth

3) Spiritual Growth

4) Growth in Service

5) Growth in Leadership

#4) SPIRITUAL ADULT (Hebrews 5:11-14)

Hebrews 5:14 ESV

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

Solid = stereos = stable, steadfast, strong, sure, firm.

Food = trophē = nourishment, meat, rations

• Mature disciples eat steadfast nourishment because they depend on their powers of discernment by constantly practicing the Word so they can distinguish good from evil.

Practice = gymnazō = exercise

• At this stage, the Christian becomes independent in many areas and is open to socializing with others and serving in their local church.
• This person’s growth is notable, and they differentiate themselves from others, not only outside the church but also within it.
• People confide in them about their situations and look up to them as examples to follow. However, the spiritual adult has not yet developed a passion for investing their life in others, although they are willing to serve them.
• A spiritually mature person is distinguished by their level of commitment to God and the vision of the local Church. Many recognize their level of leadership, dedication, and devotion.

Characteristics of a Spiritual Mature Person:

A) SERVES WITH CONFIDENCE

• Serves without expecting recognition, but knows that GOD has called them.

Colossians 3:23–24 ESV

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Galatians 1:10 ESV

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

2 Corinthians 3:4–6 ESV

Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Acts 4:13 ESV

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

B) EDIFIES THE CHURCH

• Recognizes that their gifts and talents are for the edification of the Church.

1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV

10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Acts 9:31 ESV

So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.

C) NOT EASILY OFFENDED

• Are not easily offended by or with others.

Proverbs 10:12 ESV

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.

Proverbs 19:11 ESV

Good sen

se makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

Proverbs 29:11 ESV

A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

Romans 12:21 ESV

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Matthew 10:16 (ESV)

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

• Jesus is calling us to be wise & innocent disciples.
  • Wise = prudent, shrewd— Saves you from unnecessary exposure to danger
  • Innocent = pure, guiltless — Saves you from sinful situations

John 15:8 ESV

By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

D) PAYS THE COST

• Understands that serving Christ requires sacrifice and are willing to pay the price.

Philippians 3:7–8 ESV

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

• There’s a cost to serving Christ… People, Positions, Persecution

Acts 14:22 ESV

strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

E) HEART FOR THE VISION

• Is involved and takes the vision of the church seriously.

Numbers 27:16–17 ESV

“Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the Lord may not be as sheep that have no shepherd.”

May His House be filled by bringing lives to Christ so they may live and serve in community within the culture of the Kingdom and the church.

Matthew 8:5-10 (ESV)

5 When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” 7 And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.

CONCLUSION

Negative attitudes that characterize a spiritually mature person:

A) They can come to believe they are strong enough and ignore the devil’s schemes.

1 Corinthians 10:12 NLT

If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.

B) They may think they are too mature to learn or be directed.

Proverbs 26:12 ESV

Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

1 Corinthians 3:18 ESV

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.

C) They do not accept correction easily, although they do not display negative attitudes.

Proverbs 12:1 ESV

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

Proverbs 19:20 ESV

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

D) They may feel comfortable only doing what is necessary without going the extra mile.

Matthew 5:41 ESV

And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

E) They may feel they don’t need to serve in in their local Church.

Romans 12:10-13 ESV

10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

A spiritually mature person needs:

A) Find a ministry in which they can thrive.

B) They need an influential role model.

C) Someone who is looking after their family relationship.

D) They need to be mindful of their relationship with God and seek to be accountable to someone influential.

• Where are you in your spiritual development?

• It is time to let the Holy Spirit level you up to maturity.