How do we become truly Mature in Christ?  How do we grow up into Him as the Scriptures tell us to do?  What is the Meaning of Maturity?  Last week we dug into what it means to be Rooted in Christ.   With that foundation in place we realize that a person who becomes mature in Christ goes through a process of growth similar to all living things.  We want to talk a little bit about that process today.

When we look at a mature living thing such as a tree or animal we see that it has grown up into what it was designed to be.  Every living things has a design and a purpose that is imprinted on it by God’s own hand.  When a tree or an animal has grown up into that original design we say that is mature.  A fully grown tree for example is firmly grounded and established.  In Scriptural terms it is Perfect (CLICK HERE for an excellent article on the Biblical meaning of perfection).

 The word which is translated “perfect” in the New Testament is telios, which means: “brought to its end, finished. wanting nothing necessary to completeness. perfect”.

Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)

till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; (Ephesians 4:13)

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4)

There are many aspects to these Scriptures and the process of spiritual maturity that could be discussed, but let’s briefly look at two foundational truths.

The first truth is that Spiritual Maturity, Quality and Perfection comes from testing and refining.  Much like silver and gold are refined in fire, and armor is tested for battle, we too must be tested so that we might become stronger in Christ.

that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:7)

Part of these trials are temptations that God allows us to go through.  However, we must always remember that God does not tempt us, but rather allows Satan to do this in order to try our character and reliance on Him (James 1:12-15)

The second foundational truth is that being filled and directed by the Spirit bring us to true maturity and completion in Christ.  This will be finally realized in heaven when our true identity in Christ is revealed ( Col. 3:1-4).  However, Scripture promises us that we can live in the guidance and power of the Spirit here on earth.

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2)
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16)
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25)
Much more could be said on this topic of spiritual maturity, but we will have to wait for another time to more fully explore it.