From the Bottle to the Banquet
It’s Time to Dine at the Table of the Great!
Breaking the Cycle of Spiritual Immaturity in Our Lives.
11 of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Hebrews 5:11-14 (NKJV)
This morning, it is essential to consider the topic of growth or, in this case, spiritual maturity in the Christian life.
The Christian life is defined by growth and a fruitful life, demonstrating development in all aspects of our faith. Christian maturity involves growing in knowledge, character, and practice, thus reflecting the true nature of a disciple of Jesus Christ.
This process entails a personal and deep relationship with God, characterized by a solid understanding of Scripture, the development of Christian character, spiritual discernment, a constant prayer life, active participation in the church, a global vision, and perseverance in our faith. A mature Christian seeks to glorify God in all aspects of their life, continually growing and being transformed into the image of Christ.
That said, it is evident that many of us fall short in these areas of spiritual growth and development. It may be that some believers start well in their walk with the Lord, but along the way, they stop growing or even regress in their commitment to Him. It is crucial to recognize these deficiencies and strive to rekindle our passion for a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God, ensuring that our spiritual growth is continuous and steadfast.
Galatians 3:3-4 (NKJV) — 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?
Galatians 5:7 (NKJV) — 7 You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?
Yes, it is possible that as Christians we experience different rhythms of growth, including periods of rapid growth, slow growth, or even regression. But God’s plan and His will is for us to experience gradual and constant growth, avoiding stagnation or backsliding.
Ephesians 4:13-16 (NKJV) — 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
This is the ideal image of a church and a believer, the vision of growth and maturity, the model we should follow.
You ran well – This phrase acknowledges the initial progress and enthusiasm of the Galatian Christians in their faith journey. They started well, demonstrating commitment and growth in their relationship with Christ. This often happens with new believers who experience rapid growth, driven by excitement and a desire to learn about their new faith. This period may be marked by intense Bible study, prayer, and participation in church activities.
The initial phase of our conversion is often accompanied by a strong sense of the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit, leading to rapid transformation.
It is crucial that, despite challenges and distractions, we keep our eyes on Christ, ensuring that our faith and spiritual growth are not hindered. God’s call is to a life of continuous growth and maturity, reflecting the fullness of Christ in all areas of our lives.
But then what happens? Interruption and Obstacle
Who hindered you?: The image here is of a runner being impeded or tripped in a race. Paul is highlighting that someone or something has caused the Galatians to stumble in their spiritual walk.
This morning, if we do not take care or are not intentional about our spiritual maturity, we run the risk of allowing hindrances or obstacles to stop or interrupt our growth and spiritual maturity.
Here are some reasons and factors that can influence these fluctuations in spiritual growth:
Misaligned Priorities
Spiritual growth can be seriously hindered when we allow worldly concerns to eclipse our spiritual life. This imbalance occurs when:
- Career/Work: We focus excessively on professional success, relegating our relationship with God to a secondary place.
- Finances: The pursuit of material wealth consumes our time and energy, leaving little room for spiritual enrichment.
- Hobbies: Our recreational activities, although not negative in themselves, can become distractions that pull us away from seeking God.
- Technology and social media: Excessive consumption of digital media can replace the time we should dedicate to prayer and spiritual reflection.
Beyond the time, consider the influences. The predominant values and beliefs of culture undoubtedly influence the world of a Christian and can hinder spiritual growth. If we are not intentional about protecting our hearts and minds against ungodly influences, our spiritual development can be compromised.
- Relationships: Even personal relationships, when prioritized above our relationship with God, can hinder our spiritual growth.
Maintaining a healthy balance between the secular and the sacred is crucial for continuous spiritual development.
Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) — 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
In the end, the key is to keep God at the center of our lives and not allow the distractions and concerns of this world to divert us from our pursuit of growth and spiritual maturity.
False Sense of Arrival: The Illusion of Spiritual Maturity
Some believers may fall into the trap of thinking they have reached a level of spiritual maturity that requires no further growth. This attitude, mentioned in Hebrews 5:11-14, can lead to complacency and a lack of desire for continuous spiritual development.
Manifestations of this Attitude:
- Resistance to new things: Refusing to accept new teachings or perspectives.
- Lack of humility in learning: Believing there is nothing more to learn.
- Tendency to judge the spirituality of others: Negatively evaluating the spiritual level of other believers.
- Loss of awe for God and His work: Lack of continuous admiration and reverence towards God.
Dangers of this Mentality:
- Vulnerability to spiritual arrogance: Feeling superior to others in terms of spirituality.
- Inability to face new spiritual challenges: Lack of preparation for new trials and temptations.
Roots of the Problem:
- Confusing theological knowledge with spiritual maturity: Believing that knowing a lot about theology equates to being spiritually mature.
- Past experiences of growth that have not been maintained: Loss of fervor and spiritual discipline that was once present.
Philippians 3:12-14 (NKJV) — 12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Conclusion:
These things were happening to the believers to whom the epistle to the Hebrews was addressed. The author of Hebrews highlights the need to move forward towards maturity and not remain in a false sense of arrival. It is crucial that believers maintain an attitude of humility and willingness to grow, always reaching forward to what lies ahead and seeking fullness in Christ.
Group Reflection & Edification Questions:
Reflect on your Christian walk. Have you experienced periods of rapid growth, stagnation, or even regression? What factors contributed to these different rhythms of growth?
Have you ever experienced a “false sense of arrival” in your spiritual life? How did it manifest, and how did you overcome it?
What practical strategies can you implement to maintain continuous spiritual growth and avoid complacency?
How can we, as a group, help each other keep our priorities aligned with spiritual growth and avoid the obstacles mentioned in the text?
Pagina Del Pastor Jesus Figueroa 