Growing Up - Spiritual Maturity

Growing Up - Spiritual Maturity

Paul Trulock - 7/2/2023

Key Passage: 1 Peter 3:8-12

We have the knowledge of the Bible

We have the power of the Spirit

We lack willpower

Growing old is a natural process, but growing up doesn’t come easily.

Unity

  • 1 Peter 3:8 - likeminded

  • Unity, not unanimity.

    • We don’t have to agree on everything, but we should be united despite our disagreements.

  • Devoted to the person of Jesus not devoted to programs, causes, or politics.

Sympathetic

  • 1 Peter 3:8 

  • Romans 12:15-16

    • Rejoice with those who rejoice. Mourn with those who mourn.

      • Only possible in and through unity.

      • Does your concern for others outweigh your concern for yourself?

Brotherly Love

  • 1 Peter 3:8

    • philadelphos: Loving brother or sister. In a broader sense, loving one like a brother

Compassionate

  • 1 Peter 3:8

    • splagchnizomai (Greek: σπλαγχνίζομαι) - to be moved as to one's bowels, hence to be moved with compassion, have compassion (for the bowels were thought to be the seat of love and pity).

      • Deep compassion and tenderheartedness towards others.

Humble

  • 1 Peter 3:8

    • Meekness not weakness

    • “We never mature when we narrow the use of our efforts, talents, and means to our own advantage.”

Forgiveness

  • 1 Peter 3:9

    • Not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult.

    • Bless those who curse you.

  • 1 Peter 2:20-21

    • Called to a life of non-retaliation.

Control the Tongue

  • 1 Peter 3:10

    • Do you want to love life and see good days? Control your tongue.

Purity and Peace

  • 1 Peter 3:11-12

All of this is only possible through diligence, discipline, and community.