“Elevate: Growing Up in Spiritual Maturity”

SERMON Title: Elevate: Growing Up in Spiritual Maturity
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 13:11-13 ESV

Introduction

Sociologists today describe a phenomenon called “Peter Pan syndrome”—adults who resist growing up. Many live as “kidults,” holding on to youthful comforts while avoiding responsibility. We see this in our culture: people chasing pleasure, comfort, and freedom but avoiding commitment, discipline, or sacrifice.

Spiritually, the same issue exists in the church. Many believers have been Christians for years but remain immature in faith—quick to anger, slow to forgive, and self-focused rather than Christ-centered. This was the case in Corinth. Outwardly gifted and active, they were inwardly divided and proud. Paul rebuked them, saying, “I could not address you as spiritual people, but as infants in Christ” (1 Cor 3:1).

The Corinthians pursued status over service and gifts over love. That is why Paul emphasizes in chapter 13 that love—not ability, knowledge, or giftedness—is the true measure of maturity. When he writes, “When I became a man, I gave up childish ways,” he calls believers to move from self-centered childishness toward Christ-like love. Spiritual maturity is not about age or time in church; it’s about being transformed by love that reflects Christ.

Body

Why Many Christians Remain Spiritually Stagnant

Even after years of faith, many Christians remain spiritually stuck—repeating the same spiritual infancy. We know the songs and prayers, yet when hardship strikes, we react immaturely. Why?

1. Love of comfort over growth. We settle into safe routines—familiar worship, predictable schedules—without stretching our faith. Growth requires challenge, not comfort.

2. Self-centered faith. Like the Corinthians, many focus on “what I get from God” rather than living for God and others. Pride and comparison replace humility and love.

3. Lack of intentional discipleship. Time in church doesn’t equal maturity. Hebrews 5:12–14 warns that without practice and discipline in God’s Word, believers remain infants.

4. Fear of sacrifice. Jesus said, “Take up your cross and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Yet many avoid costly obedience, preferring convenience to surrender. Without sacrifice, faith remains shallow.

Deeper Causes of Immaturity

Beneath these surface issues lie deeper heart problems that only the gospel can heal.

1. Patterns from our past. Childhood wounds and cultural habits shape our faith. Many learned conditional love or spiritual performance—acting holy while hiding brokenness. Paul says, “I gave up childish ways.” Growth demands a conscious release of old patterns and openness to transformation.

2. Fear of vulnerability. True maturity requires a heart open before God. Yet many hide behind pride or defensiveness, afraid to be exposed. Psalm 51:17 reminds us that “a broken and contrite heart” is what God desires. Until we allow Him to search and heal us, growth remains surface-level.

3. Misplaced identity. We often root our worth in achievements, relationships, or reputation instead of Christ. Paul declares in Galatians 2:20, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” Only when our identity is secure in Christ can we outgrow the fears and insecurities that stunt our faith.

These deep issues can’t be fixed by effort alone. We need more than behavior change—we need heart transformation that only the gospel provides.

The Gospel Grows Us Up

Paul says, “When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” He doesn’t say, “I tried harder.” He says, “I became.” Spiritual maturity isn’t self-improvement—it’s transformation. The gospel doesn’t tell us merely to grow up; it empowers us to grow by changing who we are from the inside out.

We were loved while still immature and sinful. God didn’t wait for us to grow up; His love makes growth possible. Spiritual maturity, then, is not about proving ourselves but surrendering to His grace.

The gospel directly addresses our struggles:

Misplaced identity: We are no longer defined by performance but by adoption. “Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba, Father!’” (Gal 4:6–7).

Fear of vulnerability: Christ sympathizes with our weakness (Heb 4:15–16). His grace frees us to come openly before Him.

Patterns of the past: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Cor 5:17). The gospel breaks old cycles and forms us anew.

Transformation begins with surrender, not striving. As we yield to the Spirit, He shapes our thoughts, emotions, and actions into Christ’s likeness.

Spiritual Growth as a Journey

Paul says, “Now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.” (v. 12) Growth is ongoing—we won’t be perfect until we see Christ fully. Yet the Spirit continually renews us, teaching and maturing us day by day.

Love becomes the evidence of that growth. “Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (v. 13) Love is both the foundation and the fruit of maturity. It governs our words, service, and relationships. When love defines our lives, the world sees Christ in us.

Conclusion

We do not grow up by trying harder but by allowing the gospel to transform us. Childish ways fade not by willpower but through the renewing power of the Spirit. As God’s love fills us, it produces maturity—patience, humility, compassion, and perseverance.

So let us not fear growth, but surrender to the One who loves us perfectly. Let love be the proof that the Spirit is at work within us, maturing us into the likeness of Christ.

Reflection and Response

As we close, take a moment to reflect:

What childish ways—fear, pride, self-focus—am I still holding onto?

Where have I relied on effort rather than surrender to the Spirit’s transforming work?

How might God be calling me to embrace His love and live it out more fully?

Let us bring these before the Lord and allow His love to continue the work of growing us up in Christ.