TOPIC: SPIRITUAL MATURITY

BIBLE PASSAGE: Hebrews 5:12-14
[12]For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as need milk, and not of strong meat.

[13]For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
[14]But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who because of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

MEMORY VERSE: For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 1 Corinthians 3:3.

INTRODUCTION: Spiritual maturity is consciously leaving the longings for continuous “milk and baby steps” and growing to be like Christ. This involves feeding on “strong meats” and living for Christ alone. Every believer is expected to grow up to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13).

OUTLINES:
1. SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY
2. JOURNEY TO SPIRITUAL MATURITY

1. SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY
The following are some of the signs that a believer in Christ is not growing in the faith as expected by God:
1. Selfishness – Like babies, such a believer cares about him/herself alone (2 Timothy 3:2; Philippians 2:21).
2. Gifted but lacking the corresponding fruit of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7).
3. Quick to speak, slow to hear (Proverbs 12:18; James 1:19).
4. Given to complaining and murmuring at all times (1 Corinthians 10:10).
5. Quick at judging others and justifying him/herself (John 8:7; Matthew 7:1).
6. Inability to endure sound doctrines (2 Timothy 4:3): loves to be pampered and listens to only what is soothing.
7. Controlled by sights/emotions/feelings (2 Corinthians 4:18).
8. Engaging in envy, strife, heated arguments, and disagreements (James 3:14-16).
9. Gets upset over petty things (Proverbs 19:11).
10. Flowing with the world (1 John 2:15-17).
Students should discuss how they can know a believer is mature spiritually.

2. JOURNEY TO SPIRITUAL MATURITY
The journey to spiritual maturity begins with a deliberate walk with the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:4, 14). It is about feeding intensely on the word of God (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15), and doing what the word says (James 1:25). Also, there must be visible manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24).

Spiritual maturity also entails forgiving and growing to forget (Colossians 3:13); taking to corrections and heeding instructions (Proverbs 1:8; 4:13); managing our emotions and living beyond our feelings (Proverbs 16:32); having integrity and not going with the ‘current’ of the world (Job 27:5; Proverbs 20:7); doing away with strife (Proverbs 20:3); being humble (Proverbs 22:4; James 4:6); putting on the righteousness of Christ to produce pure fruits always (Ephesians 4:24).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should share how the higher dimensions in their walk with God began.

CONCLUSION: Although spiritual maturity is a journey, we must never remain on the same level; we must make noticeable progress in our Christian walk.

QUESTIONS:
* Mention three signs of spiritual immaturity.
* How can believers become spiritually mature?

ASSIGNMENT: Write out five names of Christians around you who exhibit spiritual maturity (No mark).

RCCG Sunday School Student Manual 4th February 2024 || Lesson 23

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O, Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Oh how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friend’s friendship suits me well,
Both young and will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest.

Action Point

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PEOPLE ALSO READ: The Disciple As A Creator Part Two. RCCG SOD Year Four

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