From Spiritual Immaturity to Deep Discipleship Growing in Christ through Ephesians 4 and Hebrews 5

Spiritual growth is a journey that many believers find challenging. Too often, discipleship remains shallow, leaving Christians stuck in spiritual immaturity. This post explores how to move beyond that stage by embracing the call to grow up in Jesus, as described in Ephesians 4:15, and by feeding on the solid word of God, as urged in Hebrews 5:12-14. Understanding these scriptures helps believers develop a deeper, more mature faith that transforms everyday life.

Many Christians start their faith journey with enthusiasm but struggle to grow beyond basic teachings. Spiritual immaturity often shows itself in:

• A lack of understanding of deeper biblical truths

• Dependence on simple, surface-level teachings

• Vulnerability to misleading doctrines

• Difficulty applying faith in complex life situations

  
  

This immaturity can hinder personal growth and limit the impact believers have in their communities. The Apostle Paul addresses this issue in Hebrews 5:12-14, where he points out that some believers still need "milk" instead of "solid food." This metaphor highlights the need to move from basic teachings to deeper, more challenging truths.

Growing Up in Jesus as Described in Ephesians 4:15

Ephesians 4:15 encourages believers to grow by "speaking the truth in love" and becoming mature in Christ. This growth involves:

• Speaking the truth in love: Honest communication rooted in kindness and care strengthens relationships and builds trust.

• Growing up in every way: Spiritual maturity affects all areas of life, including character, faith, and actions.

• Becoming like Christ: The ultimate goal is to reflect Jesus’ character and love in daily living.

  
  

This verse calls believers to move beyond childish ways and embrace a mature faith that impacts others positively. It’s a process that requires intentional effort, community support, and a commitment to learning.

Feeding on the Solid Word of God

Hebrews 5:12-14 contrasts spiritual babies who need milk with mature believers who can handle solid food. This solid food represents deeper biblical truths that require:

• Understanding and discernment: Mature believers can distinguish right from wrong and apply Scripture wisely.

• Practice and experience: Growth comes from living out biblical principles, not just knowing them.

• Continuous learning: Spiritual maturity is an ongoing process of studying, reflecting, and applying God’s word.

  
  

To move from milk to solid food, believers must engage with Scripture regularly, seek guidance from mature Christians, and apply lessons in real-life situations.

Practical Steps to Deepen Discipleship

Moving from spiritual immaturity to deep discipleship requires intentional actions. Here are practical steps to help believers grow:

• Commit to daily Bible reading: Set aside time each day to read and meditate on Scripture.

• Join a discipleship group: Learning with others provides accountability and encouragement.

• Practice what you learn: Apply biblical teachings in relationships, work, and community.

• Ask questions and seek understanding: Don’t settle for surface answers; dig deeper into God’s word.

• Serve others: Serving helps develop Christlike character and strengthens faith.

  
  

These steps build a foundation for lasting spiritual growth and help believers become mature disciples who influence others positively.

The Role of Community in Spiritual Growth

Spiritual maturity does not happen in isolation. Ephesians 4 emphasizes the importance of the church community in helping believers grow. The church provides:

• Teaching and correction: Leaders and mature believers guide others in truth.

• Support and encouragement: Fellowship helps believers stay motivated and accountable.

• Opportunities to serve: Using gifts within the community fosters growth and maturity.

  
  

Being part of a healthy church community encourages believers to grow up in Christ and feed on the solid word together.

Moving Forward in Your Discipleship Journey

Spiritual immaturity is common, but it does not have to be permanent. By following the guidance of Ephesians 4:15 and Hebrews 5:12-14, believers can grow into mature disciples who live out their faith deeply and effectively. This growth requires commitment to truth, love, and the solid word of God.

Start today by:

Getting intentional about getting involved in bible study with the community of believers and your own private time of study and meditation. Your growth is dependent on both not just one. You must invest in your growth- Psalm 119: 11 tells us that its God word that we have to hid in our hearts that we will not sin against God and this means we have to put it there ourselves. Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 2: 15 he was to study to show himself approved a workman that does not need to be ashamed, because he can rightly divide that word of truth. This admonishment is for both the leaders and people- simply put it for every child of God. A disciple is one that studies, learns and implements that which they have learned and all of these are INTENTIONAL.

The great commission tells us Matthew 28:19 (NLT)- Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and the son and the holy spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commandments I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. In order for us to make disciple, we must ourselves be a disciple. Are you ready to take the necessary INTENTIONAL steps to become a disciple of God?