WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO GROW OR BE MATURED IN CHRIST?


INTRODUCTION

People understand the concept of growth in the physical development of humans, and we know why it is important. Babies are immature physically and mentally, but we expect them to develop, If they don't, there is a problem.

Spiritual growth is a similar concept but is far more important.
Growth is development or improvement toward a goal called "maturity" (biblical concept).
When one is "born again" as a child of God, he is spiritually immature. As time passes, he/she should develop the qualities or abilities which the Bible says characterize the mature.
Ephesians 4:14,15 - Be no longer children, but grow up in Christ.
2 Peter 3:18 - but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:3 - The Thessalonians grew exceedingly in faith.
Philippians 1:9 - Paul prayed for their love to abound more and more.

Many problems result when members fail to grow: some go back to the world, others cause strife because of ignorance or become stumbling blocks because of irregular attendance, worldliness, or indifference.
 A congregation matures as individual members mature.

Just as a baby needs to do certain things to grow physically, so Christians need certain kinds of activities to grow spiritually. When members don't grow, it is because they lack one or more of these.

According to Apostle Paul, it’s an ongoing process that will never end in this life. In Philippians 3:12–14, speaking of full knowledge of Christ, he tells his readers that he himself has not “already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Like Paul, we have to press continually toward deeper knowledge of God in Christ.

Ephesians 4
[13]This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

Hebrews 6
[1]So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God.

1 John 2
[13]I am writing to you who are mature in the faith     because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I am writing to you who are young in the faith     because you have won your battle with the evil one.
[14]I have written to you who are God’s children     because you know the Father. I have written to you who are mature in the faith     because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I have written to you who are young in the faith     because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts,     and you have won your battle with the evil one.


1. FOR US TO GROW OR MATURE, WE MUST;

A. Be Willing to grow; We Will Never Grow Unless We Want to Grow

In the physical realm, children WANT to grow.
"I want to grow up to be just like Mommy/Daddy .."
Parents and kids become so excited when kids learn something new - the first step, first word, draw picture, etc., likewise, in spiritual matters, Christians must WANT to grow.

1 Peter 2:2 - Desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.
Some seem to like being spiritual babies. They don't want to grow. It's easy to be a baby - no responsibility. Others feed you, clothe you, change your diaper. In the church, you don't have to teach, rebuke sin, or do work. It's a free ride being a child, you don't have to do anything, but being a baby is not the goal of life. We are born babies so we can grow up and be productive and useful. Likewise, we are born again, so we can become mature Christians, actively serving the Lord.

One of the conditions for becoming a child of God is REPENTANCE. One must determine to turn from sin and GO TO WORK in God's vineyard. Then one must bring forth the FRUITS o.
1 Peter 2:21 - Jesus set an example for us, and we should follow in His steps. We should ask ourselves, "Don't I want to grow up to be spiritually strong like Jesus?"
When you are willing or desire to grow, the Lord will help you

B. We Must Maintain This Desire to Grow.

Some members who once wanted to grow, may lose that desire.
They may start off on fire for the Lord, but lose their zeal. They develop a spirit of indifference or negligence.
Others develop a level of maturity and stagnate. They are satisfied, thinking no more growth is needed, I'm OK, doing good right here.The Scriptures teach that growth is always needed.
Philippians 3:12-14 - Even Paul, as mature as he was, did not consider himself to have achieved perfection (maturity) such that he could cease striving to improve. He forgot past achievements (and failures) and pressed on to greater accomplishments.

Matthew 26:31-35 - Peter thought he had reached a level where he would never deny Jesus. But that very night he denied Him three times.
1 Corinthians 10:12 - Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. Christians never reach the point we are so mature that we cannot fall.
One of the main reasons Christians do not grow is that they do not see the NEED for growing. They have no desire to work and serve to the full extent of their ability. When people develop a burning hunger and thirst to work for the Lord, then they will develop the other steps they need to grow.


2. CHARACTERISTICS OF A PERSON WHO IS GROWN IN CHRIST / GROWING IN CHRIST. (PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL)

1. He / she knows this;
Ephesians 1:17-23
[17]asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.
[18]I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.
[19]I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power
[20]that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.
[21]Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.
[22]God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church.
[23]And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.

2.  Mature Christians stop pointing out everyone else's sins, and start confessing their own.

"Do not judge others, and you will not be judged"
A mature Christian comes to this place where they finally see their own glaring sins and continually focus on repenting in their own lives, and stop trying to be the watchdogs of the world. They understand the weakness of their own flesh.

3.  Mature Christians Watch Their Words, and know when NOT to speak

"Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way." (James 3:2)
we all make way more mistakes than we care to admit, spiritual maturity comes through being more careful about the words we say.
Ephesians 4:29 and 4:2-3 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." and "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Keep a careful guard over your mouth and your online posts.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

4.  Are Less Dependent on Themselves, and Increasingly dependent on Christ

Does not make much of themselves and their good works and progress, because they know their growth comes through abiding in Christ - dependency on Christ alone - and obedience to His command to love God and love others. They don't take credit for them selves but rather humbly follow Christ Jesus.
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener...." (John 15:1-15)

5.  Make every effort to Build on Their faith

"Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-11)

6. Searches, admits and Speaks the truth in love

So own up to your sins to one another and pray for one another. In the end, you may be healed. Your prayers are powerful when they are rooted in a righteous life.
James 5:16
And then
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.  Ephesians 4 :15

So
"When I finally saw my own lies,
I owned up to my sins before You,
and I did not try to hide my evil deeds from You.
I said to myself, “I’ll admit all my sins to the Eternal,”
and You lifted and carried away the guilt of my sin."
 Psalm 32:5

After admitting truth to God, spiritually mature people own up to their sins with others. They are not consumed by how they look and how people think of them, nor are they looking for relief from their guilt. Rather, they have the humility to admit their mistakes and understand that they need God first and before other people’s help and prayers in order to change.

Only God can lift away our guilt and sins.  Spiritually mature people understand that no person can relieve their guilt.  It is a big problem when he/she goes to a person to deal with their guilt instead of God.
They also understands that time spent with God is an important time to confess and admit their own sins to God, not just vent our feelings about what might not be going well.

When we take responsibility for what we have done wrong, God will lift away the guilt we feel about our choices.

Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
The blind man said, “Teacher, I want to see again.”
Mark 10:51 (God’s Word translation)

The spiritually mature have the courage and desire to face the truth about themselves and their lives, instead of running from it. They are mostly motivated on their own to seek God, and they care more about their insides than their outward appearance.

Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,  to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-13

Do you want to see the truth?
In many areas of our lives it seems easier to be in denial; have you ever wanted to ignore how you really feel about your job, your relationships, your health, or your marriage?

We can be passionate about a lot of things but we are not always passionate about wanting to see the truth. Why? Because sometimes it feels stressful to admit the truth, or we feel life is so busy we don’t have time to face difficult truths. But biblically, truth is freeing (John 8:31-32) and we will actually be stronger internally and spiritually when we don’t have to hide what we really think and feel (Psalm 32:1-6).

What truths in your life is God trying to help you face?

Recognise the difference between right and wrong then do what is right (Hebrews 5:14)


7.  Always walks by the Spirit of God and exhibits His fruits.

Galatians  5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

8. His/her focus is on the reward that awaits, in heaven and does not care whether he/she is appreciated or not.

Lives with an eternal perspective (Philippians 3:13-15) – The reality of the spiritual and eternal drives his/her life. He/she purposefully strives to continual spiritual growth because he/she knows this life is temporary.

9. He/She is a soul winner

 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.  Proverbs  11:30

Always fills the unbelievers with the streams of living waters that is flowing in him/her

Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart. John 7:38

Because he/she is not shamed of the gospel
Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile".
Which is the great commission
 "And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Mark 16:15

10. He Or She Prepares Him/Her Self In And Out Of Season With The Word Of God, ie. Learns, Meditates And Practice/Live The Word Of God.
Study this Book of Instruction continually Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:8

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the lord, meditating on it day and night. Psalms 1:1-2

“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.
Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, Deuteronomy 11:18-20

Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
1 Timothy 4:15

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:2b

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.
For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:WHAT DOES IT MEAN

11.  Always Uses The Gifts God Has Given Him/Her.
 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you.
1 Timothy 4:14

12.  Presents Him/Herself As A Living Sacrifices and acceptable unto God. And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Romans 12:1


13.  Someone Who Corrects, Rebuke And Encourages With Patience And Careful Instructions. Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
2 Timothy 4:2, 3:16.

14.  Always Seeks The Counsel Of God Before Making Any Move And Does The Will Of God In Him And Others. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10.


15.  ALWAYS SUBMISSIVE TO AUTHORITY

For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state,
or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right. 1 Peter 2:13-14
 
16.  ALWAYS SELFLESS

And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. 2 Peter 3:14

17.  PRAYS ALWAYS

How much do you need others to push you to pray daily, pray often, or pray more honestly about what you are feeling and thinking? While help from spiritual friends is always something we need, we will stay immature if our relationship with God relies on other people’s convictions more than our own.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Ephesians 6:18

 *18.  PUTS ON THE WHOLE ARMOUR OR GOD* Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Ephesians 6:13-17
 
 *19. NotEasily Swayed By False Teaching*
So grounded in the truth of God’s Word, he/she quickly recognizes falsehood. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Ephesians 4:13-14

 *20. Rooted in love*
Our words and actions flow from love for our fellow believers. Jesus replied, “‘You must love the lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’
A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Matthew 22:37,39, 5:44

*21. Serves the church* He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:15

A Christian cannot grow to his/her full potential apart from a vital connection to a local church. He/she must find his/her place of mutual service and encouragement.
 
 *22. Reflects God’s character to the world* God wants us to grow in spiritual maturity in order to reflect the character of Jesus to a watching world.
But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48


3.  WHAT GROWING IN CHRIST OR MATURITY IS NOT.

A.  Is Not About Age.

 Similar to the bumper sticker that says, “I might be getting older, but I will never grow up.”
Spiritual maturity takes time, energy, and effort, but it is possible to be a 50 or 60-year-old spiritual baby.



 *B.  Is Not About Achievements*
 “Dude, you read through the Bible 25 times? Oh, you memorized the entire book of James? Wow, you can say the books of the Bible in 12 languages…backwards? Are you serious?…You have a Ph.D. in Religion from Pentecost University?”
Those accomplishments are impressive, but they aren’t necessarily marks of a spiritually mature person. Remember, the Pharisees knew a lot of Scripture and had a trophy room full of achievements.

But the Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected God’s plan for them, for they had refused John’s baptism. Luke 7:30

“The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses.
So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. Matthew 23:2-3

Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt.
He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy. However, he knew only about John’s baptism.
When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately.
Acts of the Apostles 18:24-26


.  Is Not About Appearance*
 There are people who “look the part.” Looking good and gentle on the outside, admired by lots of people, but not mature. Similarly, there are many Christians who “pass the eye test.” But this isn’t an indication of spiritual maturity, just like the Pharisees and Apolos the Jew.

“Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels.
And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor in the synagogues.
They love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi.’
Matthew 23:5-7

But the lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

D.  Telling people you’re mature* 
 Telling people you’re mature is like telling people you’re wise…it’s kind of proof you’re not.
The most mature people, in my view, they tend to be the most humble.
If you’re strutting your maturity, it’s pretty clear you’ve got some growing to do.

Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:31

Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger?
If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am. 2 Corinthians 11:29-30

  

4.   WHAT DO WE NEED FOR US TO GROW IN CHRIST AS CHRISTIANS (STEPS WE NEED TO FOLLOW)? 

 *1.  The word of God (wisdom and knowledge)*

 Peter 2:2 - As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.

2 Peter 3:18 - Grow in the grace and KNOWLEDGE of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Matthew 4:4 - Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

Joshua 1
[8]Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

Psalms 1:2-3
[2]But they delight in the law of the lord,     meditating on it day and night.
[3]They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

Luke 11
[28]Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”

Hebrews 4
[12]For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

1 Peter 1:21,23
[21]Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.
[23]For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God  persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

 *2.  Prayer*

Ephesians 6
[18]Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Colossians 4
[2]Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

1 Thessalonians  5:17  Pray without ceasing.

Matthew  17:21  Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

Mark  9:29  And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.


 *3.  Holy Spirit*
As baby Christians or growing Christians, as we study the word of God, it is the Holy Spirit who will nurture us into knowing God more.

Luke 24
[49]“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”

John 14:16-17,26
[16]And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.
[17]He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.
[26]But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

Romans 8:26-27
[26]And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.
[27]And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.

John 3
[6]Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.

Luke 12
[12]for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”

 *4.  Fasting* Matthew 6:16-18
[16]“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.
[17]But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face.
[18]Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Matthew  17:21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

Mark  9:29  And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

Joel  2:12  Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 

Acts  10:30  And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,



5.  SOME EXAMPLES OF PEOPLE IN THE BIBLE WHO WERE / ARE MATURED / GROWING IN CHRIST.


1. Paul

2. Moses

3. Abraham

4. David

5. Joseph   Genesis 39
[8]But Joseph refused. “Look,” he told her, “my master trusts me with everything in his entire household.

6. Timothy

7. Elisha
1 Kings 19:20-21
[20]Elisha left the oxen standing there, ran after Elijah, and said to him, “First let me go and kiss my father and mother good-bye, and then I will go with you!”Elijah replied, “Go on back, but think about what I have done to you.”
[21]So Elisha returned to his oxen and slaughtered them. He used the wood from the plow to build a fire to roast their flesh. He passed around the meat to the townspeople, and they all ate. Then he went with Elijah as his assistant.

2 Kings 2:2-6
[2]And Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the lord has told me to go to Bethel.”But Elisha replied, “As surely as the lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you!” So they went down together to Bethel.
[3]The group of prophets from Bethel came to Elisha and asked him, “Did you know that the lord is going to take your master away from you today?”“Of course I know,” Elisha answered. “But be quiet about it.”
[4]Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the lord has told me to go to Jericho.”But Elisha replied again, “As surely as the lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you.” So they went on together to Jericho.
[5]Then the group of prophets from Jericho came to Elisha and asked him, “Did you know that the lord is going to take your master away from you today?”“Of course I know,” Elisha answered. “But be quiet about it.”
[6]Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the lord has told me to go to the Jordan River.”But again Elisha replied, “As surely as the lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you.” So they went on together.

8. Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 13,14)

6.  WHAT IS SO IMPORTANT IN GROWING IN CHRIST OR WHY SHOULD I / NEED TO GROW IN CHRIST?

1. TO BE PRODUCTIVE AND USEFUL IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST JESUS

 2 Peter 1:8
The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2.  FOR US NOT TO BE BLIND AND CLING TO OUR OLD SINS.

2 Peter 1:9
But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.

3.  TO PROVE THAT WE ARE AMONG THOSE GOD HAS CALLED AND CHOSEN.

2 Peter 1:10
So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away.

4.  FOR US TO GAIN A GRAND ENTRANCE INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

2 Peter 1:11
Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.


7.  CONCLUSION

God is the source of your growth. but we are responsible to make the choice to obey. You cannot develop spiritual maturity or grow in Christ by trying really hard on your own. As you walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, read the Bible, pray, tell people about Christ and spend time with other believers, God will be at work in you producing fruitfulness and maturity.

This is the beginning of Your Christian life and there is much more to understand. The church is God's appointed place for Christians to learn and grow. Take the initiative today and make plans to attend regularly.

Christian maturity requires a radical reordering of one’s priorities, changing over from pleasing self to pleasing God and learning to obey HIM. The key to maturity is consistency walking in humility, gentleness, patience for others, Faith, goodness, knowledge of God from His Word, self-control, perseverance through hardships, godliness (imitating Christ), mutual affection for other believers and for the Church, doing our best to love other people (both Christians and non-Christians) well according to 1 Corinthians 13.

“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:5–8). Being effective and fruitful in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus is the essence of spiritual maturity.

Mature Christians don't sit idle in their faith, and assume God will do all the work inside them, when God has clearly called them to "make every effort" to draw near to Him.

Don't Expect to Reach Your Goal Overnight.
Children do not become full-grown instantaneously.
At birth they are so small you can hold them in a little basket. Soon they are outgrowing new clothes every month. Eventually they can wear their parents' clothes or even larger. But it takes time."Take your time. It will come soon enough." Time passes and, sure enough, what they were waiting for has come and gone, and they're looking back wondering how the time passed so fast!

James 1:4 - To become perfect and mature (entire), lacking nothing, we must have patience.
Some new-born Christians want to know everything and do everything right away. They may not be willing to take the TIME to STUDY and DEVELOP ability.

Remember how our children took time to grow, and how we had to show patience with their immature ways as they grew. But growth will come as long as people are trying and we give them time.

Don't Become Discouraged
Children make many mistakes and must often be told they are wrong.
How often does a child fall while learning to walk? They fall again and again, gathering bumps and bruises. They spill their milk, don't hold their spoon properly, fall off their bikes, and come to bat in the bottom of the ninth with the winning run in scoring position and strike out.
Parents are continually correcting, instructing, and punishing, till we almost feel sorry for the kids. Growing up is tough!
If kids are going to become mature, they have to keep going in spite of mistakes and rebukes. And someday they will look back on their own childish mistakes and just smile.

References
http://www.thinke.org/blog/mature-christian
https://www.gospelway.com/christianlife/steps_maturity.php
https://zionfm.lk/iv-time-and-patience/

NOEL OFORI ATTAH