Nurturing Spiritual Growth | Episode 2 | Fivefold

Duane Sheriff Ministries - Messages

In the second episode of "Nurturing Spiritual Growth," Duane emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity in a believer's life and how every Christian needs to transition from spiritual infancy to maturity, as it is God's will. This transition is a growth process that involves a deeper understanding and application of God's Word, aiming to mold believers into true image-bearers of Christ.

When believers enter the kingdom of God, they are spiritually reborn, possessing a fully mature, righteous, and holy spirit due to the sanctifying work of Christ. However, new believers often lack knowledge and practical application of the Bible, similar to newborn babies who are entirely dependent on milk for nourishment.

To address this gap, Duane discusses the necessity for believers to be nurtured with the "milk" of basic biblical teachings before they can handle the "meat" of more profound doctrines. This spiritual nourishment is crucial for their growth, enabling them to gradually develop the capacity to apply God's Word in their lives to reflect Christ's character and love.

Spiritual maturity involves more than personal holiness; it also encompasses how believers interact with the world around them. Mature believers should manifest Christ's traits in their actions, attitudes, and interactions with others, effectively displaying the gospel's transformative power.

Ephesians 4 explains the role of the fivefold ministry – apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These ministry gifts are given to equip the saints for service and build up the body of Christ until all attain unity in faith and knowledge of Jesus. This unity is crucial for the church's collective maturity, reaching the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Duane warns against the dangers of spiritual immaturity, which can leave believers susceptible to being misled by false doctrines and deceitful teachings. He emphasizes the importance of community in the church, where mature believers help to nurture and guide the less mature, promoting growth and stability in faith.

Believers should continuously strive for spiritual growth, not settling for mere infancy in their faith but pressing on toward the fullness of maturity that God desires for them. This journey requires intentionality, commitment, and a deep engagement with God's Word, ensuring that believers are not just hearers but doers. Spiritual growth is a progressive journey that every believer is called to embark on, with the ultimate goal of being conformed to the image of Christ and effectively impacting the world with the gospel's truth.