For you are still [unspiritual, having the nature] of the flesh [under the control of ordinary impulses]. For as long as [there are] envying and jealousy and wrangling and factions among you, are you not unspiritual and of the flesh, behaving yourselves after a human standard and like mere (unchanged) men? 1 Corinthians 3:3 AMPC.
The Word of God doesn’t leave anyone in the dark concerning any matter. We have dealt with spiritual growth, so how can we know someone who is spiritually mature? How do I differentiate between spiritual growth and immaturity? “HOWEVER, BRETHREN, I could not talk to you as to spiritual [men], but as to nonspiritual [men of the flesh, in whom the carnal nature predominates], as to mere infants [in the new life] in Christ [unable to talk yet!]” (1 Corinthians 3:1 AMPC).
The first sign of spiritual immaturity is being unable to talk spiritually. A child born into the world must learn human language and speech. Through natural experiences, they’re educated and conditioned to think, talk, and act in a certain way. Similarly, when you’re born again, you must be taught spiritual knowledge and begin thinking, talking, and acting in a spiritual manner. Just as children imitate their parents, you must imitate your Father. “THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]” (Ephesians 5:1 AMPC).
The second sign is being controlled by ordinary impulses. This is further explained in 1 Corinthians 3:3, which lists envy, jealousy, wrangling, and factions as signs of spiritual immaturity. Remember, being a pastor or church leader doesn’t mean you’re spiritually mature. We have seen ministers of the gospel display these signs, which means, according to God, they’re immature.
Third, the spiritually immature person has not understood the revelation or teaching of righteousness: “For every spiritual infant who lives on milk is not yet pierced by the revelation of righteousness” (Hebrews 5:13 TPT). As long as you have not yet been pierced by the revelation of the righteousness of faith, God takes you as a spiritual baby. If you believe you must perform specific actions such as fasting, giving, praying or making sacrifices to gain approval from God, you are not yet mature in your faith.
The fourth sign is being unskillful in the use of the word: “For everyone who continues to feed on milk is obviously inexperienced and unskilled in the doctrine of righteousness…!” (Hebrews 5:13 AMPC). The spiritually immature person hasn’t learned how to use the sword of the Spirit to deal with contrary spiritual forces.
CONFESSION
My words are seasoned with truth, wisdom, and faith. I imitate my Heavenly Father. I copy His character. I walk in love, righteousness, and holiness as His beloved child. I am not controlled by envy, jealousy, strife, or division.
DEEPER REFLECTION
Ephesians 5:1 (KJV) , 1 Corinthians 3:3 (KJV)
Hebrews 5:13 (KJV)
BIBLE READING PLAN
1 YEAR: Numbers 36, John 9-10
2 YEAR: Exodus 27, Matthew 28:1-10
