Text: 1 Corinthians 13:11
As one moves from childhood to adulthood, changes take place – more than just physical changes; also changes in relationships, responsibilities, maturity, knowledge, wisdom, etc. Many people do not want to grow up and accept these changes. This can also be true spiritually. Paul used this basic principle of growth and maturity as an analogy for our spiritual lives. In this lesson, we will discuss some childish things we must put away from a spiritual standpoint.
The Need for Miraculous, Direct Revelation
- The context of our text was the temporary nature of miraculous spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 13:8-11) – these would only last until “the perfect comes” (not Christ, but the completed revelation); until then, miraculous prophecies, tongues, and knowledge were necessary (cf. Romans 1:11)
- With the completed written word, we have “everything pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3) – through the word, we grow (Acts 20:32), teach (1 Peter 4:11), and test (Acts 17:11); we lack nothing
- However, some are not content with the revealed word of God – they want there to be MORE revelation (cf. Jude 3; Galatians 1:8-9); they want God to speak directly to them
- This is a childish attitude – we must be mature; content with what God has revealed
Limited Understanding of God’s Will
- Some characteristics of children are to be emulated (ex: innocence, 1 Corinthians 14:20) – other characteristics are to be avoided, including having a limited understanding of God’s word
- Everyone has a period in their life of immaturity in regard to their knowledge of God’s word (1 Peter 2:2) – but everyone is to grow out of that into a state of maturity (Hebrews 5:12-14)
- Practical ways in which we can grow in our understanding of God’s word:
- Read the word of God (1 Timothy 4:13)
- Study the word of God (2 Timothy 2:15)
- Write the word of God (Deuteronomy 17:18-20)
- Meditate on the word of God (Psalm 119:99)
- Hear the word of God (Nehemiah 8:2-3)
- Practice the word of God (James 1:22)
- A lack of understanding of God’s will is childish – we must “press on to maturity” (Hebrews 6:1)
Being Easily Swayed by Others
- Christians are like children when they are “carried about by every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14) – we are to grow to maturity, and the church is designed to help this happen (Ephesians 4:11-13, 16)
- We are not to believe everything we hear (1 John 4:1) – hold fast to the word of God (2 Timothy 1:13)
- This is not to say that we may never need to change – but be careful and test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22)
- It is childish to believe everything that is said, or to follow someone for frivolous reasons – we must be mature, always holding fast to the word of God
Being Completely Dependent upon Parents
- In marriage, a man leaves his parents and forms a new household with his wife (Genesis 2:24) – this principle of independence from parents applies spiritually as well
- Moses chose to be a child of God rather than a child of Pharaoh’s daughter (Hebrews 11:24-26) – pleasing God must take precedence over pleasing our family (Matthew 10:34-37)
- Of course, children absolutely benefit from godly parents (Ephesians 6:4; 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15) – but it is childish to rely upon parents for our faith; we must be mature and spiritually independent
Conclusion
- Growth is natural in our physical lives – we need to be sure we are growing spiritually as well
- The key to this is becoming grounded in the word of God – be content with God’s word and follow it no matter what others say or do
