Skip to main content

Moving into Spiritual Maturity

A BIBLE STUDY PRESENTED AT THE DIOCESAN MEN’S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD AT CHRIST ANGLICAN CHURCH, EFFURUN
ON SATURDAY, 19TH AUGUST, 2023

THEME: Moving into Spiritual Maturity

TEXTS: Acts 17:10-11; Hebrews 6: 1-2

INTRODUCTION
This bible study is comparatively drawn in contrast to the background to the thriving performance of our wives, daughters and mothers, the Women’s Guild, Girls Guild and Mothers Union as the Christian Men’s Fellowship is the conglomeration of the relative arms of the aforementioned sections of the Women’s Organisations – the Christian Men’s Fellowship = Women’s Guild; Fathers Union = Mothers Union; sadly enough, we don’t have a functional comparison for the Girls’ Guild amongst the Men. This comparison is with the aim of motivating us to arise and take our rightful place and lead as ordained by the Lord. Going by the “giant stride” they are making we have no choice than compare ourselves to them as we still struggle to hold men prayer meetings at the parochial, Archdeaconry and Diocesan levels. We are still beguiled of the evil one to believe that church meetings, fellowships/activities are only for the women and children, are not for us. We still leave the spiritual headship of our homes to our wives and children and don’t partake, less lead our family altars. Whereas, in the Bible and in the early church, leadership was by the man. He takes charge of the spiritual and the physical, he was the Priest and King of the home and leads his household to God’s presence. The reason for this is not far-fetched, it could be due to our level of spiritual immaturity. Because a matured Christian will know what it means to serve Jesus.
Spiritual maturity can be defined as the process of becoming more like Jesus Christ. It is the process of becoming more like Jesus Christ. It is an ongoing process that will never end in this life. Spiritual maturity is important for how we serve God, interact with other people, and take care of our families. It is a process that requires great commitment and discipline. The knowledge of God can only be built by studying God’s Word. The spiritually mature Christian will face trials during his or her life but will grow spiritually and persevere through those trials. It is an ongoing process that is continuous and through to the end of our lives. The key to maturity is consistency, perseverance in doing those things that bring us closer to the Lord. It is a process that requires great commitment and discipline.
Moving into spiritual maturity:
i). A radical reordering of priorities: This means changing over from pleasing oneself to pleasing God and learning to obey God in all that you do.
ii). Effective Spiritual disciplines: The practices of Bible reading/study, personal and corporate prayer, fellowship, being regular and participatory in church services, and faithful stewardship.
- Study the Bible: The Bible is the primary source of truth and guidance for Christians. Regular Bible reading and study is essential for spiritual growth
- Pray: Prayer is a vital part of the Christian life. It is a way to communicate with God and seek His guidance and wisdom
iii). Self-discipline: Learning to say no to a selfish, judgmental attitude as it regularly causes conflict and is a sign of immaturity. Guiding yourself so that you don’t act impulsively in ways that will not glorify God. Self-control is very important, as it has to do with our mastery over evil inclinations and desires. Thus, we can grow more into the image of Jesus Christ. This is what spiritual maturity is, for all our characteristics to be more like Jesus in every way. Learning to be patient and waiting on the Lord is a sign of maturity. Self-control is also important, as it refers to mastery over evil inclinations and desires. The spiritually mature Christian will face trials during his or her life but will grow spiritually and persevere through those trials.
iv). Be an active member in the parish: Being part of a community of believers is important for spiritual growth. It provides opportunities for fellowship, accountability, and service.
v). Discipleship: Find a mentor or someone who can help you grow in your faith. This person can provide guidance, support, and accountability
vi). Submit to the Holy Spirit: As we submit more and more to the Spirit’s control, we will see an increase in the fruit of the Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:22–23)
v). Avoid comparison: Spiritual maturity looks different for every person. Compare yourself to what the Bible says and not how others are doing.
There are several obstacles to spiritual maturity that can hinder one's growth. Here are some of the most common obstacles:
i). Lack of commitment and consistency: Spiritual growth requires consistent effort and discipline. Not being committed to one's spiritual well-being can hinder growth
ii). Fear, worry, and doubt: These negative emotions can create a barrier between us and God, hindering spiritual growth
iii). Sin and idolatry: Sin is anything that is motivated and expressed in independence from God, while idolatry is the enslavement to something or someone different from God. These can hinder spiritual growth
iv). Conformity to culture: Christians can sometimes conform to culture instead of following God's ways, which can hinder spiritual transformation
v). Criticism of others: Criticizing others can hinder spiritual growth and maturity.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. What do you think is the solution to spiritual immaturity among the men?
2. What is expected of us from today to be spiritually matured? Joel 2:13; 2 Timothy 1:6
3. How are we expected to receive God’s word? Acts 17:11, John 5:39, Colossians 3:16

CONCLUSION: Achieving spiritual maturity requires consistent effort and discipline. It involves studying the Bible, prayer, being part of a community of believers, practicing spiritual disciplines, submitting to the Holy Spirit, being patient, and avoiding comparison with others. To overcome the obstacles that prevent us from this, we can take several steps, including confessing sins, renewing one's mind with God's truth, seeking godly counsel, and pursuing holiness. It is also important to regularly examine one's heart and identify any areas where growth may be hindered.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Spiritual maturity is important for how we serve God, interact with other people, and take care of our families.

MEMORY VERSE: 1 Corinthians 14:20 – Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.
BIBLE STUDY LEADER:
CANON PETERS AGAMUGORO, PhD. MCASSON, MAPROCON

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

CHURCH OF NIGERIA ELECTS NEW BISHOPS AND ONE ARCHBISHOP

The Episcopal synod of the church of Nigeria Anglican Communion has elected six new Bishops, and one Archbishop. The election which took place at the Basilica of Grace Apo, Gudu district in the Diocese of Abuja on Thursday October 29, 2009 has the following:- The Rt. Rev. Friday John Imaekhai Bishop, Diocese of Esan, Elected: - Archbishop of Bendel to replace The Primate elect, The Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh The very Rev. Ralph Ebirien of St Stephen’s Cathedral Bonny Elected: - Bishop of Niger Delta Diocese The Venerable Ezekiel Bolarinde Dahunsi of Church of Pentecost FESTAC Lagos Elected: - Bishop Diocese of Ido- Ani The Rev. Canon Justus Emeka Mogekwu of St. Paul’s Kakuri, Kaduna Elected:-Bishop Diocese of Asaba to replace Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh. The Venerable (Prof.) Dapo Folorunso Asaju of the chapel of Light, Lagos (LASU) Elected:-Bishop for Theological Education in the office of the Primate The Venerable James Olaoti Akinola of St. James Iludun Oro, Kwara S...
Post a Comment
Read more

EXCERPTS FROM: 24/7 WARFARE PRAYERS AND SUPERNATURAL BREAKTHROUGH MANUAL

INTRODUCTION Right from childhood, the number “SEVEN” has always been an intrigue, an interesting puzzle, a fascination, and a great phenomenon to me. I was actually born on the seventh day of the month; perhaps this was one of the reasons why something leaps inside of me whenever I see the number. But as I grew up in the Christian faith I began to see a regular reference to it the scriptures. I was kind of saying, whoa! Holy bliss! Seven occurs 257 times, or 7 × 41 Seventh, the fractional part occurs 98 times or 7× 14 Seven –fold occurs 7 times. Seventy occurs 56 times or 7× 8 “Seventy” in combination with other numbers occurs 35 times or 7× 5. God is pleased to stamp the number “Seven” with the seal of perfection and completeness. God never down played the importance of the number, because it was the number of God. It is a carrier of God’s mysteries. It pleased God that, the Seventh man from Adam – Enoch sh...
Post a Comment
Read more

FIVE NEW FULL FLEDGED ANGLICAN DIOCESES

Five new Dioceses have been created in the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion. The Church's official website - http://www.anglican-nig.org/main.php?k_j=12&d=352&p_t=index.php? posted the information thus: The Standing Committee Meeting of Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion has approved the creation of five new full fledged Dioceses at their meeting at the Cathedral Church of St. Stephen’s Umuahia, Abia State. They are Shendam Diocese carved out of Langtang Diocese, Plateau state, Ido-Ani Diocese from present Owo Diocese, in Ondo state, Igbomina West from Igbomina Diocese,Kwara state, Ilesha North East from Ilesha in Osun state and Ijebu South West from Ijebu Diocese in Ogun state. At the presentation, the head of the Committee responsible for creation of new Dioceses, the most Rev. Joseph Akinfenwa Archbishop Ibadan Province and Bishop of Ibadan who led a team of four assured the house that the stage is set and the New Dioceses have met all the requirements for creation...
Post a Comment
Read more