Module 11: Spiritual Maturity

Introduction

“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” — 1 Corinthians 13:11

Child of God, as you grow in the spiritual realm, God begins to mature you through His Word, testing, and spiritual experiences. To receive your inheritance and walk in your divine calling, great maturity is required.

In this module, we embark on unmasking the elements of spiritual maturity and what it truly means to mature in the Spirit.

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Defining Spiritual Maturity

From scripture, maturity is determined by how a person speaks, thinks, and reasons. Your understanding of God’s Word is the key to spiritual growth.

1. Speaking

A mature believer is mindful of every word that comes out of their mouth. They understand that they are spokesmen of God, and their conversation is rooted in heavenly places. They confess positive and scriptural truths rather than worthless words.

Scriptural References:

• Jeremiah 15:19 – “… if you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall be as my mouth.”
• Philippians 3:20 – “For our conversation is in heaven…”
• Colossians 4:6 – “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how to answer everyone.”

In all your dealings and responses, be compassionate, truthful, and clear when answering those who ask about your faith in Christ Jesus.

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2. Thinking

Maturity requires you to think like Christ. Your mind and thought patterns should align with His. A spiritually mature person thinks like Christ, which in turn influences their actions, responses, and behaviors.

Scriptural References:

• Philippians 2:5 – “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ.”
• 1 Corinthians 2:16 – “… But we have the mind of Christ.”

For instance, scripture reveals that the mind of Christ is humble and makes righteous judgments. Let God’s Word humble you and guide your life decisions rather than relying on human opinions and doctrines.

In making judgments, consider these questions:

• How did Jesus address sickness? He healed and walked in divine health.
• What about finances? He is rich, and with Him, God freely gives us all things.
• How did He relate with His disciples? He humbled Himself as a servant.
• What about love? He demonstrated the greatest love by laying down His life for His friends.
• How did He approach personal interests? He prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
• What about forgiveness and offenses? He forgave and did not take offense when they came.

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3. Understanding

It is one thing to read the Bible and gain knowledge and wisdom, but it is entirely different to fully understand God’s Word.

Understanding means that the Word of God works for you in all situations. Unlike wisdom and knowledge, understanding is strictly spiritual.

Scriptural References:

• Proverbs 20:5 – “Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.”
• John 7:38 – “… Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”

Understanding is deeply rooted in your spirit. Your ability to draw counsel from your spirit man dictates your maturity. You reason like a spiritual person, not a carnal one. To understand scripture and the mysteries of God, you must ascend in the Spirit, drawing from the divine realm rather than the natural world.

Scriptural References:

• Job 32:8 – “The Spirit of the LORD has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me understanding.”
• 1 Corinthians 2:11 – “For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of man which is in him? Even so, no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.”

You may have knowledge of scripture and experience the wisdom of God, but understanding requires you to draw from your spirit. Understanding unlocks the divine reasoning and judgment found within your inner man. If you think and reason according to worldly wisdom, you will never receive or understand the mysteries revealed by the Spirit of God.

Scriptural Reference:

• 1 Corinthians 2:14 – “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

In maturity, God exposes you to Spirit-revealed truths using Spirit-revealed words. The revelations of the Holy Spirit can only be discerned or illuminated by the Spirit. A person living at a purely human level cannot grasp these deep truths.

Simply put, understanding is the revelation behind the Word of God as revealed by the Holy Spirit. It is about making God’s Word come alive in you.

How To Mature in the Spirit

There are two main things that determine a person’s maturity and enable them to walk the journey of spiritual maturity:

1. Being led by the Holy Spirit
2. Demonstration of power

1. The Leading of the Holy Spirit

Maturity demands that you submit your will to be led by the Holy Spirit. People like to enjoy freedom, independence, and autonomy, and as such, the aspect of surrendering one’s will is easier said than done.

To become a son and mature in the spirit, you must be willing to be led by the Holy Spirit.

Scriptural References:

• Romans 8:14 – “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
• Galatians 4:6 – “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba Father.”

The Holy Spirit will stir up your inner man to crave the things of God, including His word, fellowship, prayer, worship, preaching, and witnessing, among many others.

As you walk after the Spirit, the lusts of the flesh will begin to die. Your growth and maturity in spirit manifest in the dying of the flesh and being alive in the spirit. For example, your old self may have been drawn to worldly desires, such as sex, drugs, power, malice, slander, and gossip. However, the Spirit will incline your heart toward self-control, humility, peace, love, joy, patience, and faithfulness.

Scriptural References:

• Galatians 5:16 – “This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
• Romans 8:13 – “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”

The leading of the Spirit may take you to places you do not want to go. When you were a carnal man, you were driven by worldly desires. The Spirit of God will take you away from the carnality and guide you through waters that test your faith.

Though these situations may be daunting, the Spirit reminds you that you are not alone and that everything you do is for the glory of God. You may experience persecution, temptation, financial lack, health issues, rejection, and suffering. However, there is an eternal glory prepared for you, and these afflictions will pass.

Scriptural References:

• John 21:18 – “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.”
• James 1:2-3 – “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
• 2 Corinthians 4:17 – “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”

2. Demonstration of Power and the Spirit

Maturity also means that you can demonstrate the power of God by the Spirit—power over the devil, casting out demons, healing the sick, and performing miracles, signs, and wonders. As a son of God, this power has already been made available through Jesus Christ by His Spirit.

Scriptural References:

• John 1:12 – “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
• Mark 16:17 – “And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues.”
• Acts 1:8 – “But ye shall receive power, after the Holy Spirit is come upon you.”

Paul emphasized:

Scriptural Reference:

• 1 Corinthians 2:4 – “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.”

Since you believe in Jesus Christ, that faith can stir up this power and its manifestation.

Scriptural References:

• Ephesians 1:19 – “And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.”
• Ephesians 3:20 – “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”

Take that step of faith—heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead, preach deliverance, and proclaim the gospel. The signs will follow those who believe.

Digest Questions