Growing from spiritual infancy to maturity in Christ

As Christians, we all begin our spiritual journey at the point of salvation by believing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. At this point, we are born again and become new creations in Him, but we are also like newborn infants in our faith. We have much to learn, and the road to spiritual maturity can be a long and challenging one. However, through the process of sanctification, we can grow in our faith and become more like Christ. The Bible teaches that there are many blessings to be found in reaching spiritual maturity, including a deeper understanding of God’s will, a greater ability to discern right from wrong, and a more powerful witness to the world. In this Bible study, we will explore what it means to grow from infancy to maturity in Christ and how we can strive towards this goal in our daily lives.

Newborn infants in faith

The concept of spiritual infancy is a common theme throughout the New Testament. When we first come to faith in Christ, we are like newborn infants in our spiritual understanding and maturity. We have much to learn, and the road to spiritual growth and maturity can be a long and challenging one. As we begin our journey of faith, we need to be nurtured and fed, just as a newborn baby needs milk to grow and thrive. In this way, the concept of spiritual infancy highlights our need for continued growth and dependence on God’s Word and the Holy Spirit to mature in our faith. As we grow in our understanding of God’s Word and learn to apply it to our lives, we can move beyond spiritual infancy and into a deeper and more mature relationship with Christ.

Brothers, I couldn’t speak to you as to spiritual, but as to fleshly, as to babies in Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:1 WEB)

I fed you with milk, not with meat; for you weren’t yet ready. Indeed, not even now are you ready, (1 Corinthians 3:2 WEB)

Brothers, don’t be children in thoughts, yet in malice be babies, but in thoughts be mature. (1 Corinthians 14:20 WEB)

For when by reason of the time you ought to be teachers, you again need to have someone teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God. You have come to need milk, and not solid food. For everyone who lives on milk is not experienced in the word of righteousness, for he is a baby. (Hebrews 5:12-13 WEB)

as newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby, (1 Peter 2:2 WEB)

Growing in Maturity

The Christian concept of sanctification is the process by which believers are set apart by God, made holy, and transformed to be more like Christ. This process involves the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer and is a lifelong journey of growth and maturity in Christ. Here are some Bible verses and their Hebrew and Greek definitions that describe the concept of sanctification:

Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2 WEB)

• • In Romans 12:2, “metamorphoo” is used to describe the transformation of the believer’s mind through the renewing work of the Holy Spirit. The emphasis is on the mind, and the transformation that occurs is primarily a change in the way we think and perceive the world around us. This transformation is a process of becoming more Christlike in our thoughts and attitudes, leading to a life that is more aligned with God’s will.

But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18 WEB)

• • In contrast, 2 Corinthians 3:18 describes the transformation of the believer into the image of Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. The emphasis is on the complete transformation of the believer’s entire being, rather than just their mind. This transformation is a process of becoming more like Christ in every way, including in our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. It is a radical change that goes beyond surface-level appearances and transforms the very essence of a person.

For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality, (1 Thessalonians 4:3 WEB)

But we are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth; (2 Thessalonians 2:13 WEB)

• • The Greek word for “sanctification” used in 1 Thessalonians 4:3 and 2 Thessalonians 2:13 is “hagiasmos.” This word is derived from the same root as “holy,” and it also means “holiness” or “consecration.” “Hagiasmos” refers to the process by which a person is made holy, set apart, or consecrated to God. It involves the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer, by which we are transformed into the image of Christ and empowered to live a life that is pleasing to God. This process of sanctification is a lifelong journey of growth and maturity in the Lord, as we are gradually transformed to be more like Him. It is a process that involves surrendering our will to God’s will, cultivating a deeper relationship with Him, and relying on His power to overcome sin and live a holy life.

but just as he who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all of your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16 WEB)

• • The Hebrew word for “holy” used in 1 Peter 1:15-16 is “qodesh.” This word is often translated as “sacred,” “consecrated,” or “set apart.” It carries the idea of being separate from what is common or ordinary and dedicated to God’s service. In the context of 1 Peter 1:15-16, the call to holiness is a call to live a life that is distinct from the world, characterized by obedience to God and a pursuit of righteousness. It is a call to be set apart for God’s purposes and to reflect His character in our words and actions.

Overall, the concept of sanctification involves being transformed by the Holy Spirit to be set apart as holy and consecrated to God. It is a process of growth and maturity in Christ that involves a renewed mind and a life that is set apart from the world.

Warnings against remaining infants

There are warnings in the Bible for those who do not grow to maturity in the Lord but remain as spiritual infants. Here are some examples:

For when by reason of the time you ought to be teachers, you again need to have someone teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God. You have come to need milk, and not solid food. For everyone who lives on milk is not experienced in the word of righteousness, for he is a baby. (Hebrews 5:12-13 WEB)

• • This verse warns that those who do not progress beyond basic principles of the faith will not be able to handle the deeper truths of the Gospel.

Brothers, I couldn’t speak to you as to spiritual, but as to fleshly, as to babies in Christ. I fed you with milk, not with meat; for you weren’t yet ready. Indeed, not even now are you ready, (1 Corinthians 3:1-2 WEB)

• • This passage warns that those who remain as spiritual infants will not be able to understand the deeper things of God and will continue to behave like worldly people.

For everyone who lives on milk is not experienced in the word of righteousness, for he is a baby. But solid food is for those who are full grown, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil. (Hebrews 5:13-14 WEB)

• • This verse emphasizes the importance of maturity and discernment in the Christian life, warning that those who remain as spiritual infants will lack the ability to discern between good and evil.

Overall, these passages warn that failing to mature in the faith can lead to a lack of understanding and discernment, as well as a tendency to behave like worldly people. However, the Bible also emphasizes that it is never too late to grow and mature in the Lord, and that God is always willing to help us on our journey towards spiritual maturity.

Blessings for growing to maturity

The concept of spiritual maturity leading to blessings and rewards is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament. The following verses all support the idea that as we grow and mature in our faith, we will experience a greater measure of God’s blessings and rewards. The Greek word for “maturity” used in Hebrews 5:14 is “teleios,” which means perfect, complete, or fully developed. This word highlights the idea that spiritual maturity is not just a matter of acquiring knowledge, but of applying that knowledge in a way that leads to transformation and growth. As we grow in our faith, we will begin to bear the fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23. This fruit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are evidence of a mature and transformed life in Christ.

For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45 WEB)

In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” (Acts 20:35 WEB)

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 WEB)

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58 WEB)

For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don’t use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another. (Galatians 5:13 WEB)

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14 WEB)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 WEB)

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2 WEB)

Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith. (Galatians 6:9-10 WEB)

each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. (Philippians 2:4 WEB)

But solid food is for those who are full grown, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil. (Hebrews 5:14 WEB)

Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2 WEB)

According as each has received a gift, be ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the grace of God in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10 WEB)

The rewards of spiritual maturity are many. In Romans 8:28, we are promised that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. This promise applies especially to those who have grown and matured in their faith, as they are better able to discern God’s will and respond to it in obedience. In Hebrews 12:1-2, we are encouraged to lay aside every weight and sin that so easily besets us and run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus as our example and reward. As we mature in our faith, we become more like Jesus and are better able to serve others and fulfill God’s purposes in our lives. The rewards of spiritual maturity may also include increased opportunities for service and ministry, as described in 1 Peter 4:10 and Galatians 6:2. Additionally, as we grow in our faith, we become more generous and selfless, as described in Galatians 5:13 and Acts 20:35. Overall, the concept of spiritual maturity leading to blessings and rewards underscores the importance of growth and transformation in the Christian life, as we seek to become more like Christ and serve others with love and humility.

Digging deeper

• We walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) – We have to live by trusting God by faith because we don’t have the sight to see his appearance yet. But someday…
• Add to your faith (2 Peter 1:5) – The Bible says “add to your faith” because God does not want us to stay in the new-born baby state forever.
• Whose faith follow (Hebrews 13:7) – The Bible commands us to follow our leader’s faith as they live it out in practical work of faith and labor of love.
• Examine yourselves test your faith (2 Cor 13:5) – If you feel far from God, examine yourself. If you feel distant from family and friends, examine yourself. If you feel passed up by life, examine yourself.