An interest in personal development has swept across well-educated societies. People who have “potential” are mapping out the steps required to achieve their goals. They are growing intellectually, emotionally and socially in order to increase the quality of life. In the absence of such maturity one faces constant limitations and frustrations. Those who only have “potential” become discouraged, finding it impossible to achieve their dreams. When potential is transformed into maturity a different experience follows.
Spiritual maturity is every bit as important as the other types of growth. God asks his followers to not remain immature but to grow (1 Corinthians 14:20). Many frustrations in the Christian life are the result of maturity issues. God in his goodness is guiding us toward maturity.
What has been YOUR EXPERIENCE?
What in your background has contributed significantly to your maturity?
What people or events have helped you take steps in spiritual maturity?
Broader considerations:
Why do you think some believers fail to become spiritually mature?
In your view, what might be a key indicator that would signal lack of spiritual maturity?
God’s path to Maturity:
The Book of Acts is an historical account of the first believers’ experiences after the resurrection of Jesus. In the second chapter, Peter (one of the early leaders) addresses a large crowd and many become new believers. This passage is about that group of new believers and what characterized their spiritual growth.
Read Acts 2:42-47
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
There are four characteristics of growing Christians found in this passage:
1. DEVOTED TO THE WORD (2:42)
What does it mean to be devoted to something?
Who were the Apostles?
What did they teach? See Matthew 28:18-20.
How could you regularly devote yourself to the Word of God?
