This document discusses spiritual maturity and growing up in Christ. It defines spiritual maturity as having an intense relationship with God that is the focus of one's life. True maturity is measured by fruitfulness and character, not titles, positions or longevity in church. The document outlines stages of spiritual growth from salvation to perfect discipleship and reproduction. It encourages readers to move from being fed milk (basic doctrines) to eating solid spiritual food like meat, which requires more processing and understanding. Signs of maturity include knowing Christ, living separate from the world, and mentoring other believers. Readers are challenged to continually pursue growth through prayer, fasting, scripture study and holy living.

1. IT’S TIME TO GROW UP!
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” 2 Peter 3:18

2. DISCUSSION TOPICS
The Issue of Spiritual Maturity
What are You Eating?
The Importance of Growth
Stages of Spiritual Growth
How “Grown” are You?
The Dangers of Immature Prophecy
You Have Not Many Fathers

3. THE MEASURE OF MATURITY
Spiritual maturity is measured
by the intensity, momentum,
and impact of one’s relationship
with God, and the emphasis on
such in the life of the believer. It
is evidenced by the realization
of faith.
FRUIT > GIFTS
CHARACTER > PERSONALITY

4. WHAT MATURITY IS NOT
Being an older member of the church
Carrying a “greater” title or more
responsibility than others
Having the ability to quote Scripture
Holding a position of leadership in the
church
Equivalent to being in the church for a
long period of time
Having family members who operate in
leadership and ministry

5. CONSIDERATIONS
Christ-likenessProcessConfidenceDisciplineAccountabilityConsistencyGrowth

6. THE JOURNEY
Discovery Salvation
Holy Spirit
Awakening
Developing
Faith
Building
Relationship
Maturity
Becoming
Ambassador
Perfecting
Discipleship
Reproduction

7. MILK OR MEAT?
1 Corinthians 3:1-3, NLT
“… I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk
as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants
in the Christian life. I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food,
because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still
aren’t ready, for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You
are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that
prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like
people of the world?”
1 Corinthians 3:1-3, NLT
“… I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk
as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants
in the Christian life. I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food,
because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still
aren’t ready, for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You
are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that
prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like

8. DESIRED, THOUGH NOT NEEDED
1 Peter 2:2-3, NLT
“Like newborn babies, you must crave
pure spiritual milk so that you will
grow into a full experience of
salvation. Cry out for this nourishment,
now that you have had a taste of the
Lord’s kindness.”

9. STOP REPEATING YOUR GRADE
1 Peter 2:2-3
“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. You don’t
need further instruction about baptisms,
the laying on of hands, the resurrection of
the dead, and eternal judgment. And so,
God willing, we will move forward to
further understanding.”

10. TRUE DISCIPLES EAT AND DRINK
1 Corinthians 11:23-26, NLT
“On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus
took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then
he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body,
which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” In
the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper,
saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God
and his people—an agreement confirmed with my
blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink
it.” For every time you eat this bread and drink this
cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he
comes again.”

11. SPIRITUAL BREAD
Matthew 4:4, NLT
“…The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every
word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

12. CHEW ON THIS
REMEMBER
 Meat (solid food) must be chewed (processed) before it is swallowed!
 Only milk (basic doctrine) is received without a process!
 Processing meat includes:
 Discernment
 Revelation
 Study and Meditation
 Submission to authority
 Unction of the Holy Ghost
 Process and Practice!

13. DON’T BE A BABY!
My name is Christian, and I’m a baby!
 I can’t change myself. I don’t even know what poop is!
 I can’t eat solid foods, but I’ll put anything in my mouth.
I need someone to feed me through a bottle.
 I can’t talk or communicate clearly. I just cry when
something is wrong.
 I can’t care for myself.
 I’m unable to make good decisions.
 I can’t work. I’m just a baby.
 I’m not disciplined. I do what’s natural.
 I don’t understand much, but I’m learning.
 And I’m cute!

14. THE BABE IN CHRIST
Carnally minded (1 Cor 3:1)
Influenced or confused by every doctrine (Eph 4:14)
Unskilled in righteousness (Heb 5:13)
Productive in praising God (Matt 21:16)
Able to receive revelation (Matt 11:25)

15. I WISH I WERE BIGGER!
My name is Christian. I’m getting bigger!
 I can use the potty all by myself… but sometimes I
wet the bed at night.
 I can feed myself, but I make a mess. Someone else
has to clean it up.
 I can dress myself. What does “matching” mean?
 I get excited when I learn new things.
 I like to ask LOTS of questions.
 I know what I want to be when I grow up.
 My parents have lots of rules. No fair!
 You won’t play with me, so you’re not my friend
anymore.

16. THE CHILD IN CHRIST
Generally humble (Matt 18:4)
Able to pray (Matt 19:14)
Beginning to truly know God (1 John 2:13)
Need the teaching and direction of a
father
Operate by simple trust (Mark 10:15)
Deficient in spiritual understanding (1
Cor 14:20)

17. I’M GROWN… WELL, ALMOST…
My name is Christian. I’m my own person.
 I’ll just die if I’m not the most popular!
 I can take care of myself.
 I need more freedom.
 I feel entitled… because I deserve it!
 I need my privacy.
 I’m tired of people telling me what to do.
 I can’t wait to move out.
 I can do whatever I want. They can’t stop
me.
 No one understands me.
 My parents are so embarrassing!
 Times have changed.
 I know a better way.

18. THE TEEN IN CHRIST
Learning to mimic the Father (Eph 5:1)
Learning righteousness and love (1 John
3:10)
Actively seeking God (John 13:33)
Learning to deal with sin and the world (1
John 2:1)
Warned not to be deceived by others (1 John
3:7)
Instructed to abide in Christ (1 John 2:28)
Struggle to have the character of Christ (Gal

19. HELLO WORLD! I AM HERE!
My name is Christian, and I’m grown.
 Whatever I have, I’ve earned it!
 I’m excited about life.
 I am my own man/woman.
 I know what I want out of life.
 I can have anything I want, as long as I’m willing to
work for it!
 I don’t want to be alone.
 I have my whole future awaiting.
 I’ve got to be happy, no matter what!
 This is my life. I make my own decisions.
 I have dreams.
 I will prove myself and my worth!
 It’s all about the money!

20. THE YOUNG ADULT IN CHRIST
Keeps the law, but often lacks the spirit of love
(Matt 19:20)
Sees visions, but doesn’t always have a full
understanding (Acts 2:17)
Serves leadership (Acts 5:10)
Has overcome the wicked one (1 John 2:13)
Strong in the word of God (1 John 2:14)

21. I MUST FULFILL MY PURPOSE
My name is Christian, and I’m mature.
 I’m not concerned with impressing anyone.
 Life has taught me some valuable lessons.
 I cherish every moment.
 Whatever life brings my way, I am thankful.
 I understand what’s important in life. I have
priorities.
 I have dreams, but I live in reality.
 I’m very confident in who I am.
 I listen more than I speak.
 I’m watchful… very attentive.
 I give advice to those who ask.
 Oh, these young people! When I was
growing up…
 If I’d known then what I know now…

22. THE MATURE IN CHRIST
Led by the Spirit of God (Rom 8:14)
Peacemakers (Matt 5:9)
Love enemies and pray for persecutors (Matt
5:44-45)
Have learned obedience through suffering (Heb
5:8)
Chastised by God (Heb 12:5)
Live separate from unbelievers (2 Cor 6:14-18)
Intimate knowledge of God (1 John 2:13-14)
Charges, exhorts and encourages others (1
Thess 2:11)
Mentors and nurtures other believers -
DISCIPLESHIP (Phil 2:22)

23. HOW DO I GROW?
Pray without ceasing
Live a fasted lifestyle
Meditate on God’s word
Fellowship with other
believers
Be holy
Learn to worship
Be humble, sober-minded
Remain teachable
Be accountable

24. BECOMING MATURE
KNOW CHRIST rather than simply knowing about Him. Through
Christ, we also receive the Holy Spirit and have access to the
Father. These benefits compliment only those striving for
holiness, which is complete spiritual maturity. Those who truly
know Christ will be like Christ (Matthew 11:27; John 14:6).
Remain sober, always reflecting on the Scriptures, through faith
(Romans 12:3).
Maintain a sure foundation, through faith (Colossians 2:6-9;
Hebrews 6:1-3).
Keep the flesh under subjection, through fasting and prayer
(Galatians 5:16-18). Be disciplined, allowing no room for sin
(Romans 13:14).

25. HERE’S YOUR SIGN
Unsolicited, unrestricted praise and
worship
Governance by relationship rather than
religion
 Fasting
 Prayer
 Scripture Study
 Holy Living / Sanctification
Persistent integrity, honesty and
transparency (Philippians 3:12-13)
Good reputation – It DOES matter what
people think (Philippians 2:15)
Peaceful and cordial interaction with others
(James 5:9; Romans 12:18)
Persistence toward holiness (Philippians
3:14; 2 Timothy 4:3-5)
A clear conscience toward God (Romans
8:1)
Sanctification – Separation from the world
Staying in your lane – Knowing your call
and operating in your place (1 Corinthians
7:20, 24; 1 Thessalonians 4:11)
Scriptural understanding and revelation
(Hebrews 5:13-14)
Sacrificial worship (Romans 12:1-2)
Submission, accountability and obedience
(Matthew 16:4; Romans 13:1-2; Hebrews
13:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
Generous giving (Galatians 6:7-10)
A bridled tongue (Proverbs 6:16-19; James
3:1-12)
Blameless company (1 Corinthians 15:33)
Flesh, Soul, Body has been transformed in
hierarchy to Spirit > Soul > Body.

26. THE CONCLUSION OF THE MATTER
Those who are spiritually mature live in
relationship with God and have grown past the
point of mere religion. Rather than being
driven by logic, they live by faith. Unlike those
who advance their lives through experience,
spiritually mature individuals are constantly
reborn (repentant) and depend on the blood
covering of Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior.
There is no authority, no power, without maturity!

27. IT’S TIME TO GROW UP!
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” 2 Peter 3:18