MEMORY SCRIPTURE

There should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.

(1 Corinthians 12:25)

The effective use of your gift(s) is directly affected by your level of spiritual maturity. This is exactly what the lives of the believers at Corinth meant that made Paul to challenge them towards maturity in the use of their gifts.

DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS

Mon. 18: Spiritual Maturity Shields Against Falsehood (Eph. 4:13-14)
Tue 19: Spiritual Milk Intake Boosts Spiritual Maturity (1 Pet. 2:2)
Wed. 20: Spiritually Mature People Persevere (Jas. 1:4)
Thur. 21: Spiritual Maturity: The Church’s Essence (Col. 1:28)
Fri. 22: Spiritual Gifts Help Spiritual Maturity (Gal. 5:22-23)
Sat. 23: Spiritually Mature People Are Wise (1 Cor. 2:6)

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

Use your spiritual gift(s) to pursue spiritual maturity, individually and corporately, in Christ’s body.

INTRODUCTION

TEXTUAL SOURCE: 1 Corinthians 1:1FF; 6:5; 8:1FF; 12-14

To God be the glory, great things He has done, in making us to learn about UNDERSTANDING DIVERSITY AND UNITY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST, last week. He has also graciously brought us to another week of transformative learning. We pray that we will continue to live and worship by the understanding received from His Word, in Jesus’ name.

This week’s topic is: THE EXPEDIENCY OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY. Spiritual maturity is a concept that holds significant importance in our spiritual existence and refers to the growth, development and deepening of our spiritual understanding, wisdom and consciousness. It encompasses a profound transformation of one’s inner self and perspective that transcends the mere accrual of knowledge and rituals. It holds a special significance in believers’ lives. It matters, because it is more about how deeply you understand and live out the truths you embrace. It is about the evolution of character, development of wisdom and embodiment of love and compassion.

In a bid to better understand this topic, we shall be looking at the EFFECTS OF IMMATURITY IN THE CHURCH, and CALL FOR MATURITY IN USING GIFTS Therefore, listen attentively as we learn about how spiritual maturity moderates our spiritual gifts, to glorify God and edify others

LESSON OUTLINE

1. EFFECTS OF IMMATURITY IN THE CHURCH
2. CALL FOR MATURITY IN USING GIFTS

LESSON EXPOSITION

EFFECTS OF IMMATURITY IN THE CHURCH (1 Corinthians 1:1f; 6:5;8:1ff; 12:1ff; 13:1ff)

For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren…. that there are contentions among you

(1 Cor 1:11)

a) 1:1-2: In this epistle to the brethren at Corinth, Paul addresses issues challenging them, including spiritual immaturity

b) VV. 10-13: They were struggling misunderstanding and intolerance for differing views, resulting in with schism. Immaturity breeds internal conflicts and divisions. In Corinth, some members were already factionalising–immaturity (3:1-4)

c) vv. 18-25: The immature focus on worldly wisdom than the spiritual overemphasising human eloquence and wisdom (2:1-5). Immaturity also manifests in conducts driven by fleshly desires (3:1-4).See sexual immorality and disputes among them (cf. 5:1ff)

d) 6:5: Immaturity leads to avoidance of difficult issues. They were failing to address and resolve conflicts and disputes among them, allowing these to fester and disrupt the Church’s harmony.

e) 8:1ff: Immature believers lack discernment. The Corinthians were susceptible to false teachings and distorted interpretations of the Gospel, hence their confusion and straying from the Truth.

f) 12:1ff: They were also immature in their understanding and use of spiritual gifts. Some arrogantly used them, leading to a hierarchical and competitive atmosphere within the Church.

g) 13:1ff: Immature believers struggle to exhibit genuine love and charity that should characterise Christian communities. In Corinth, they engaged in things that harmed their relationships and the Church’s unity. We mustn’t allow this in our churches.

CALL FOR MATURITY IN USING THE GIFTS (1 Corinthians 12:1ff; 13:1-3;14:1ff)

But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.

(1 Cor. 12:20)

a) In 1 Cor. 12-14, Paul discusses spiritual gifts and their proper use in the Church. They should be used with maturity and wisdom.

b) 12:1ff: The various gifts are given by the same Spirit for our common good. The Church is a body with many parts/functions that all work together in harmony. So should church members use their gifts to build up and support one another.

c) 13:1-3: All the gifts are ineffective without love. Love is the foundational attitude that should guide their use. Without love, even the most impressive spiritual abilities are meaningless.

d) 14:1-5: Gifts are to be used in ways that promote the edification of the entire Church. Spiritual gifts must not be used to promote personal agendas, or seek attention for oneself.

e) vv.26-32: Spiritual gifts should be exercised in an orderly manner and with the intention of edifying the entire congregation. Chaos and confusion hinder the proper functioning of the Church.

f) vv. 6-13: Prophecy, which involves speaking a message from God, is more valuable for the Church because it edifies, encourages and comforts believers. Where tongues are used, there should be interpretation to ensure that the message is understood by all.

g) v. 20: Paul contrasts childish thinking with the mature, in relation to spiritual gifts. Believers are to move beyond an immature fascination with flashy gifts; prioritise gifts that contribute to the growth and well-being of the whole body (vv. 39-40).

LESSONS DERIVED

1. Spiritual immaturity retards the individual and corporate use of spiritual gifts for the glory of God and the benefit of others in the body of Christ. Avoid it like a plague
2. Spiritual maturity helps believers use their gifts to work toward a more mature, unified and Christ-centred Church.

QUESTIONS

1. Have you experienced any specific challenges or obstacles on your journey towards spiritual maturity? How did you overcome them?
2. Consider the spiritual gifts you possess. How can you use them in a more mature and responsible manner for the benefit of others.