Canaan Fellowship

Stages of Spiritual Maturity: Growing into Christlikeness

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Canaan Fellowship
Canaan Fellowship
Stages of Spiritual Maturity: Growing into Christlikeness
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This sermon by Brian Wilson explores the concept of spiritual maturity through various stages of life as depicted in New Testament terms. Brian outlines a progression from infancy to full maturity in Christ, emphasizing the importance of growth for standing as an heir in the Kingdom of God.

  • [00:00:16] Introduction to Stages of Maturity: Brian introduces the concept of maturity stages, comparing physical growth to spiritual development using New Testament terminology.
  • [00:02:11] Brephos (Newborn): Represents the newborn stage, likened to a babe in Christ, as seen with Jesus in Luke 2 as a babe in swaddling clothes.
  • [00:02:36] Nepios (Toddler to School-Aged): Describes early childhood stages, still dependent on milk, needing to confront worldliness and carnality, as referenced in 1 Corinthians 3.
  • [00:03:00] Paideion (Preschool to Middle School): Refers to young children, exemplified by Jairus’s daughter in Mark 5, symbolizing a stage of early learning and growth.
  • [00:04:05] Teknan (Teenager): Represents the teenage stage, illustrated by the paralytic in Matthew 9, needing guidance to align with Christ’s teachings.
  • [00:05:29] Neaniskos (Adult in Prime): Depicts adults in their prime, like Lydia in Acts 16, showing strength, independence, and faithful discipleship.
  • [00:07:35] Telios and Huyos (Mature): Represents maturity, with Telios focusing on a mature mindset (Philippians 3) and Huyos on submission as God’s heir, like Jesus at His baptism.
  • [00:09:03] Spiritual Milk and Growth: Emphasizes the need for new believers (Brephos/Nepios) to crave the milk of the Word and overcome fleshly desires, citing 1 Peter 2.
  • [00:12:25] Need for Mentors: Highlights the importance of spiritual mentors to guide immature believers to maturity, referencing Galatians 4.
  • [00:16:20] Ruth and Naomi as Model: Uses Ruth and Naomi as an example of mentorship, where the young grow under the guidance of the old.
  • [00:17:36] Family Tree and Sin Cycles: Encourages mapping one’s family tree to identify sin patterns and struggles, aiding spiritual growth.
  • [00:21:14] Choosing Mature Mentors: Advises selecting mentors who are mature and nurturing, avoiding those prematurely elevated or harmful.
  • [00:37:13] Hindsight Advice – Finish Well: Urges finishing life well, contrasting Saul’s despair (1 Samuel 28) with Paul’s triumph (2 Timothy 4).
  • [00:39:55] Live a Life of Accomplishment: Encourages a life of meaningful achievements, avoiding regrets like “wasted time.”
  • [00:45:53] Forgive and Love Now: Stresses the urgency of expressing love and forgiveness before it’s too late, inspired by deathbed reflections.

Scripture References

  • Luke 2
  • 1 Corinthians 3
  • Mark 5:41
  • Matthew 9:2-6
  • Acts 16:14-15
  • 1 Peter 2:1-3
  • Galatians 4:1-2
  • Galatians 4:19
  • Matthew 21:33
  • 1 John 2:12-14
  • Luke 2:51
  • Philippians 2:19-22
  • Philippians 3:14-15
  • 1 Corinthians 2:6-7
  • 1 John 4:17-18
  • James 3:2
  • 2 Corinthians 3:18
  • Romans 8:29
  • Ecclesiastes 7:8
  • Ecclesiastes 2:24
  • Ecclesiastes 3:12-14
  • Ecclesiastes 3:22
  • Ecclesiastes 5:18-19
  • Ecclesiastes 8:15
  • Ecclesiastes 9:7
  • Ecclesiastes 11:17
  • 1 Samuel 28:15
  • 2 Timothy 4:7

Resources mentioned

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