GROWING UP SPIRITUALLY

GROWING UP SPIRITUALLY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 4:11-16

Key Verse: “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” — Ephesians 4:15 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 3:1-3; 1 Corinthians 13:11; Hebrews 5:12-14; James 1:22-25; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18.

Description: This message challenges believers to move beyond spiritual infancy into Christlike maturity through the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, godly character, discernment, and consistent obedience.

INTRODUCTION

Growing up spiritually is an essential part of the Christian life. When a person receives Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, he becomes a child of God and begins a new life in Christ. However, God does not intend for His children to remain spiritual infants forever. Just as physical growth is expected in a healthy child, spiritual growth is expected in every believer. We are called to grow in understanding, faith, character, wisdom, and the practical application of God's Word.

In Ephesians 4:13-15, the Apostle Paul explains that Christ gave ministry gifts to equip the saints and build up His Church until believers attain unity in the faith, the knowledge of the Son of God, and spiritual maturity. He warns against remaining children who are tossed about by every wind of doctrine. Instead, believers must speak the truth in love and grow into Christ in all things. This passage reveals that growing up spiritually involves more than attending church, holding a position, or possessing spiritual gifts. It means becoming increasingly stable in faith, sound in doctrine, mature in conduct, and Christlike in character.

Many believers have been in church for years but still struggle with jealousy, anger, unforgiveness, pride, spiritual instability, and a lack of discipline. Some allow minor offences to destroy relationships, while others accept every teaching without examining it in the light of Scripture. God is calling us to leave childish attitudes behind and become mature sons and daughters who can stand firmly in the truth, love others sincerely, overcome temptation, and serve faithfully. The question is not merely how long we have been Christians, but how much we have grown to resemble Jesus Christ.

1. GOD EXPECTS EVERY BELIEVER TO GROW SPIRITUALLY

Spiritual growth is not optional for the Christian. God saves us by His grace and then begins the work of transforming us into the image of His Son. Although believers may grow at different rates, every Christian should be making progress in the things of God.

We must not confuse spiritual age with spiritual maturity. A person may have been a Christian for thirty years and still react to situations with the immaturity of a new believer. God's desire is that our years in Christ should produce increasing wisdom, godly character, discernment, and faithfulness.

a) We must desire spiritual nourishment (1 Peter 2:2)

Peter writes, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” A newborn child naturally desires nourishment, and a believer should develop a similar hunger for God's Word.

The Bible nourishes our faith, corrects our thinking, guides our decisions, and reveals God's will. When we neglect Scripture, our spiritual lives become vulnerable to weakness, confusion, and deception. We cannot expect to grow strong spiritually while continually starving ourselves of the Word.

Develop a consistent habit of reading and studying Scripture. Do not depend exclusively on Sunday sermons or other people's spiritual experiences. Seek God personally, meditate on His Word, and allow the Holy Spirit to teach you.

b) We must move beyond spiritual infancy (Hebrews 5:12-14)

The writer of Hebrews rebuked believers who had been Christians long enough to teach others but still needed elementary instruction. Their problem was not a lack of time in the faith but a failure to progress spiritually.

Spiritual infancy is often revealed by an inability to apply biblical truth consistently. A person may know what the Bible says about forgiveness but remain bitter. Another may know the importance of prayer but continually neglect it. Someone else may hear the truth about godly speech yet persist in gossip and destructive criticism.

God expects us to progress from receiving basic instruction to understanding deeper truths and practising them faithfully. Maturity becomes visible when our knowledge begins to govern our behaviour.

c) We must grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18)

Peter commands believers to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. These two aspects of growth must remain together. Knowledge without grace may produce pride, while an experience of grace without continued biblical learning may leave a person immature and easily misled.

Growing in grace means becoming more patient, humble, forgiving, compassionate, and disciplined. Growing in knowledge means understanding Christ's teachings, His purposes, His promises, and His commands more deeply.

The mature believer does not use knowledge to intimidate others. Instead, he combines biblical understanding with love and godly character. The more we know Christ, the more our lives should reflect His nature.

d) We must continually press towards spiritual progress (Philippians 3:12-14)

Paul acknowledged that he had not yet attained perfection, but he continued pressing towards the goal of his calling in Christ. His example teaches us not to become complacent about our spiritual development.

Past victories cannot replace present obedience. Yesterday's prayer life cannot substitute for today's fellowship with God, and previous ministry achievements do not excuse present spiritual negligence.

We must regularly examine our lives and ask whether we are becoming more patient, prayerful, loving, disciplined, and obedient. Wherever we discover weakness, we should seek God's grace and take practical steps towards improvement.

Biblical Example: Timothy (1 Timothy 4:12-16)

Paul instructed Timothy to be an example in word, conduct, love, faith, and purity. He also urged him to give attention to reading, exhortation, doctrine, and the development of his spiritual gifts. Timothy's example demonstrates that spiritual maturity requires continual attention to both character and ministry.

2. GROWING UP SPIRITUALLY REQUIRES PUTTING AWAY CHILDISH ATTITUDES

One of the clearest signs of growth is a change in our attitudes and responses. As we mature, we learn to handle disagreements wisely, respond to correction humbly, and treat others with love and respect.

Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 13:11 that when he became a man, he put away childish things. This principle applies to our spiritual lives. There are attitudes that must not continue to dominate us after years of walking with God.

a) We must put away jealousy and envy (1 Corinthians 3:1-3)

Paul rebuked the Corinthian believers because jealousy, strife, and divisions revealed their spiritual immaturity. Although they possessed spiritual gifts, their conduct showed that they still needed to grow.

Jealousy causes people to resent another person's success, ministry, recognition, or blessing. Instead of rejoicing when others prosper, an immature believer may become bitter or attempt to undermine them.

Spiritual maturity teaches us to celebrate God's grace in the lives of others. We can honour another person's achievement without feeling that our own value has diminished. We must remember that God has a unique purpose for every believer and that another person's progress does not cancel our own calling.

b) We must overcome uncontrolled anger (James 1:19-20)

James teaches believers to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. He explains that the wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God.

An immature person may react immediately whenever offended. He may shout, insult, threaten, or make decisions in anger and later regret the consequences. Spiritual maturity teaches us to pause, listen, pray, and respond wisely.

This does not mean that a Christian will never feel anger. It means that anger must not control our words, decisions, or relationships. We must learn to address wrongs without hatred and correct problems without destroying people.

c) We must abandon pride and the desire for recognition (Philippians 2:3-5)

Paul instructs believers to do nothing through strife or vainglory but to esteem others in humility. He points us to the mind of Christ, who demonstrated humility and sacrificial service.

Spiritual immaturity constantly asks, “Who noticed me? Who appreciated me? Why was I not given that position?” A mature believer asks, “How can I serve? How can Christ be glorified? How can I help others fulfil God's purpose?”

There is nothing wrong with appreciating encouragement, but our service must not depend on applause. We must be willing to serve faithfully even when our contributions are not publicly recognised.

d) We must learn to receive correction (Proverbs 12:1)

Proverbs teaches that a person who loves instruction loves knowledge, but one who hates correction is foolish. Correction is one of the ways God exposes weaknesses and helps us grow.

An immature person may interpret every correction as an attack and respond defensively. A mature believer listens carefully, examines the truth of what has been said, and makes necessary adjustments.

Not every criticism is accurate or well-intentioned, so we should evaluate it wisely. Nevertheless, we must not reject genuine correction simply because it makes us uncomfortable. Humility enables us to learn, improve, and become more effective in God's service.

Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son's Elder Brother (Luke 15:25-32)

The elder brother became angry when his father welcomed the returning younger son. Although he had remained at home, his response revealed resentment and a lack of compassion. His attitude reminds us that outward religious service does not automatically produce inward maturity. God desires that our hearts reflect His mercy and grace.

3. WE MUST BE ROOTED IN THE WORD TO GROW UP SPIRITUALLY

Ephesians 4:14 warns against remaining spiritual children who are carried about by every wind of doctrine. One of the greatest dangers of spiritual immaturity is instability in what we believe.

A believer who lacks a strong biblical foundation can easily be influenced by popular opinions, false prophecies, deceptive teachings, and sensational claims. To grow up spiritually, we must develop a firm understanding of God's Word and learn to evaluate everything by its truth.

a) We must be established in sound doctrine (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

The Bible is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. Scripture provides the foundation for Christian belief and conduct.

A mature believer does not build his faith solely on personal experiences, popular speakers, or traditions. Experiences can be meaningful, but they must be interpreted and evaluated in the light of Scripture.

We must study the Bible carefully, understand passages within their context, and remain committed to the truth of the gospel. Sound doctrine protects us from confusion and helps us remain faithful when false teachings become popular.

b) We must develop spiritual discernment (Hebrews 5:14)

Hebrews 5:14 explains that mature believers have their senses exercised to discern good and evil. Discernment develops as we learn God's Word and practise applying it to real situations.

We must not accept every message simply because it is delivered with confidence or accompanied by impressive claims. A message must be examined in the light of Scripture, and spiritual leaders must be evaluated by biblical truth and godly character.

Discernment is not suspicion of everyone. It is the ability to distinguish truth from error, wisdom from foolishness, and what honours God from what contradicts His Word.

c) We must refuse to be deceived by false teachings (Ephesians 4:14)

Paul describes the deceptive methods of those who use cunning and craftiness to lead people into error. This warning remains important because spiritual deception can appear attractive and convincing.

Some teachings exploit fear, promise guaranteed prosperity without biblical balance, or encourage unquestioning loyalty to human leaders. Others use isolated Bible verses to support ideas that contradict the broader message of Scripture.

Growing up spiritually requires us to be teachable without becoming gullible. We should respect godly leadership, but our ultimate allegiance belongs to Jesus Christ. Every teaching must be tested by the Word of God.

d) We must practise what we learn (James 1:22-25)

James warns believers not to be hearers only, deceiving themselves. Hearing the Word without obedience creates the illusion of spiritual progress without its reality.

A person may attend many services and memorise numerous Scriptures while refusing to forgive, speak truthfully, or live righteously. Such knowledge has not yet produced the transformation God desires.

When the Word teaches us to forgive, we must forgive. When it teaches us to give, we must give cheerfully. When it commands us to flee temptation, we must take practical steps to avoid it. Obedience turns biblical knowledge into a way of life.

Biblical Example: The Bereans (Acts 17:10-12)

The Berean believers received the Word with readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily to confirm whether Paul's teaching was true. Their example demonstrates the balance of openness to instruction and careful examination of biblical truth. They were willing to learn, but they were also committed to verifying what they heard.

4. GROWING UP SPIRITUALLY MEANS BECOMING MORE LIKE JESUS CHRIST

The ultimate goal of spiritual growth is Christlikeness. God does not merely want us to become more knowledgeable, influential, or successful. He desires that the character of Jesus Christ be increasingly revealed in our lives.

Spiritual maturity is demonstrated in our attitudes, speech, relationships, choices, and responses to difficult circumstances. The closer we grow to Christ, the more His character should become visible in us.

a) We must grow in love (John 13:34-35)

Jesus commanded His disciples to love one another as He had loved them. He explained that their love would identify them as His disciples.

A spiritually mature believer does not reserve love only for people who agree with him or treat him well. He learns to show kindness, patience, compassion, and respect, even when relationships are difficult.

Love does not mean approving every action or ignoring wrongdoing. It means seeking the good of others while remaining faithful to truth and righteousness. Our spiritual growth should make us more loving, not more arrogant or harsh.

b) We must grow in humility and meekness (Matthew 11:29)

Jesus described Himself as meek and lowly in heart. His example teaches us that spiritual strength does not require pride, aggression, or the constant need to prove our importance.

Humility allows us to recognise our dependence on God, appreciate the contributions of others, and acknowledge our mistakes. Meekness enables us to exercise strength under control rather than responding with unnecessary harshness.

As we grow spiritually, we should become easier to correct, more willing to serve, and less interested in competing for recognition. Our lives should point people towards Christ rather than towards our own importance.

c) We must grow in forgiveness and patience (Colossians 3:12-13)

Paul commands believers to put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and longsuffering, bearing with one another and forgiving one another as Christ forgave them.

Forgiveness is a significant test of spiritual maturity because offences can expose the condition of our hearts. It is possible to preach about grace while secretly nourishing resentment against someone who has hurt us.

A mature believer brings personal pain before God and refuses to allow bitterness to become a controlling force. Forgiveness does not always mean immediate restoration of trust, especially where serious wrongdoing has occurred, but it does mean surrendering vengeance to God and seeking a response consistent with Christ's character.

d) We must grow in holiness and self-control (1 Peter 1:14-16)

Peter calls believers to be holy in all their conduct because God is holy. Spiritual maturity requires a growing commitment to purity in our thoughts, speech, relationships, and behaviour.

We cannot claim to be growing spiritually while deliberately protecting sinful habits and refusing correction. The grace of God teaches us to reject ungodliness and live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world (Titus 2:11-12).

Through the Word and the help of the Holy Spirit, we can develop self-control and make choices that honour God. Holiness is not merely an outward appearance; it involves a heart that desires to please the Lord.

Biblical Example: Joseph (Genesis 45:1-15; Genesis 50:15-21)

Joseph suffered betrayal, slavery, false accusation, and imprisonment. Yet when he had the opportunity to retaliate against his brothers, he chose mercy and recognised God's providence. His response demonstrated forgiveness, self-control, and a mature understanding of God's purposes. Joseph's life shows that spiritual maturity helps us respond to pain with faith rather than allowing bitterness to govern us.

5. WE GROW UP SPIRITUALLY THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Spiritual growth is not accomplished by human effort alone. God has given us the Holy Spirit to strengthen, guide, correct, and transform us. He has also placed us within the body of Christ, where we can receive teaching, encouragement, accountability, and opportunities to serve.

We must therefore cooperate with the Spirit of God and participate meaningfully in the life of the Church. Spiritual maturity develops as we surrender to God and allow Him to work through the relationships and responsibilities He has given us.

a) The Holy Spirit strengthens our inner man (Ephesians 3:16)

Paul prayed that believers would be strengthened with might by God's Spirit in the inner man. Spiritual maturity requires inward strength to remain faithful when circumstances are difficult.

A person may appear confident outwardly but become spiritually weak when facing temptation, disappointment, criticism, or delayed answers to prayer. The Holy Spirit strengthens us to endure hardship and continue walking in obedience.

We must depend on Him daily through prayer, worship, surrender, and the application of Scripture. Our strength does not come from self-confidence alone but from our relationship with the living God.

b) The Holy Spirit produces spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23)

The fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. These qualities reveal the character God desires to develop in us.

Spiritual gifts are important, but the exercise of gifts does not remove the need for godly character. A person may preach powerfully and still need to grow in patience, humility, or self-control.

We must allow the Holy Spirit to work on our attitudes, reactions, and motives. As we yield to Him, our lives should increasingly display the qualities that reflect Jesus Christ.

c) Christian fellowship encourages growth (Hebrews 10:24-25)

The writer of Hebrews encourages believers to consider one another and provoke one another to love and good works, without abandoning the assembling of themselves together.

Healthy Christian fellowship provides opportunities for prayer, encouragement, instruction, accountability, and mutual support. Isolation can make it easier for discouragement, temptation, and spiritual confusion to take root.

Church attendance alone does not guarantee maturity, but meaningful participation in a sound Christian community can contribute greatly to spiritual development. We should gather not only to receive encouragement but also to strengthen others.

d) Serving others develops spiritual responsibility (1 Peter 4:10)

Peter teaches that each believer should use the gift received to minister to others as a faithful steward of God's grace. Spiritual maturity involves moving beyond being a permanent spectator to becoming an active participant in God's work.

As we serve, we learn patience, faithfulness, cooperation, sacrifice, and humility. We discover that ministry is not about personal recognition but about glorifying Christ and meeting the needs of others.

Whether through prayer, evangelism, teaching, giving, hospitality, administration, or practical assistance, every believer has opportunities to serve. Faithful service helps us develop the character and responsibility required for greater usefulness in God's kingdom.

Biblical Example: The Early Church (Acts 2:42-47)

The early believers continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. They shared with those in need and worshipped God together. Their example demonstrates how sound teaching, fellowship, prayer, generosity, and shared responsibility can strengthen believers and promote spiritual growth.

CONCLUSION

Growing up spiritually is God's desire for every believer. He does not want us to remain children who are unstable in faith, easily offended, careless with His Word, or controlled by childish attitudes. He calls us to become mature in understanding, sound in doctrine, steadfast in faith, loving in our relationships, and Christlike in our character. This growth requires consistent study of Scripture, dependence on the Holy Spirit, obedience to God's commands, fellowship with other believers, and faithful service in the body of Christ.

Today, examine your spiritual life honestly. Identify the areas where you need to grow, and ask the Lord for grace to make the necessary changes. Do not allow pride to prevent you from receiving correction, bitterness to destroy your relationships, or spiritual laziness to hinder your progress. Keep pressing towards the goal of Christlikeness. As you continue to submit to God's Word and the work of His Spirit, may you grow from spiritual infancy into maturity and become a faithful instrument for the glory of God.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, deliver me from every form of spiritual stagnation and help me grow continually in grace, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, in Jesus name.

2. O Lord, give me a deep hunger for Your Word and the discipline to study, meditate upon, understand, and obey the Scriptures daily, in Jesus name.

3. Holy Spirit, remove every childish attitude, jealousy, pride, bitterness, and unforgiving spirit that is hindering my spiritual growth, in Jesus name.

4. Father, establish me in sound doctrine and give me discernment to recognise and reject every false teaching and spiritual deception, in Jesus name.

5. Lord Jesus, develop Your character in me and help me grow in love, humility, patience, forgiveness, holiness, and self-control, in Jesus name.

6. Father, strengthen my inner man by Your Spirit and help me remain steadfast in faith during trials, temptations, and difficult seasons, in Jesus name.

7. O Lord, give me a teachable heart that receives correction with humility and makes the necessary changes to become more effective in my Christian life, in Jesus name.

8. Father, surround me with godly fellowship and faithful spiritual leaders who will encourage, teach, and strengthen me in my walk with You, in Jesus name.

9. Lord, help me discover, develop, and use my spiritual gifts faithfully to serve others and build up the body of Christ, in Jesus name.

10. Father, let my life continually grow into the likeness of Jesus Christ, and make me spiritually mature, fruitful, steadfast, and useful in Your kingdom, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You are moving forward in your spiritual life; you will not remain a spiritual infant, but you will grow in grace, wisdom, knowledge, and the fullness of Christ, in the mighty name of Jesus.

2. You receive a fresh hunger for the Word of God; your understanding is being enlightened, your faith is being strengthened, and your heart is becoming firmly established in biblical truth, in the mighty name of Jesus.

3. You are putting away childish attitudes; jealousy, pride, bitterness, strife, and unforgiveness will not control your life, because you are growing in the character of Jesus Christ, in the mighty name of Jesus.

4. You will not be carried away by every wind of doctrine; you receive discernment to recognise error, resist deception, and remain steadfast in the truth of God's Word, in the mighty name of Jesus.

5. You are becoming more loving, humble, patient, forgiving, and self-controlled; your relationships will increasingly reflect the grace and character of Jesus Christ, in the mighty name of Jesus.

6. You receive strength in your inner man through the Holy Spirit; you will overcome temptation, endure trials, and remain faithful to God in every season of life, in the mighty name of Jesus.

7. You are becoming a teachable and disciplined believer; you will receive correction wisely, learn from your experiences, and continually make progress in your walk with God, in the mighty name of Jesus.

8. You will flourish in godly fellowship and Christian service; your gifts will develop, your usefulness will increase, and your life will strengthen others in the body of Christ, in the mighty name of Jesus.

9. You will not be a hearer only but a doer of the Word; your faith will be demonstrated through obedience, holiness, compassion, integrity, and faithful service, in the mighty name of Jesus.

10. You are growing into spiritual maturity; your life will increasingly reflect the image of Christ, your faith will remain steadfast, and you will fulfil God's purpose for your generation, in the mighty name of Jesus.