Thematic Bible: Maturity how secured
Thematic Bible
Spiritual » Maturity how secured » By striving after the Christ ideal
But [instead], we should speak [and practice] truth in a loving way, so that we can, in all respects, grow up [spiritually] into [union with] Christ, who is the head [i.e., of His body, the church].
Verse Concepts
[This is to be done] until we all [eventually] arrive at unity of the faith and full knowledge of the Son of God; at complete [spiritual] maturity; at the [full] height of Christ's [spiritual] stature.
Verse Concepts
Spiritual » Maturity how secured » By cultivating the understanding
Brothers, do not be children in the way you think, but be babies in wrongdoing; yet be mature in your thinking.
Verse Concepts
Spiritual » Maturity how secured » By putting away childish things
When I was a child I spoke, thought and reasoned like a child. But now that I have become a man, I have put away childish things. [Note: Paul uses an analogy to illustrate that the church made use of the supernatural gifts in its infancy, but that these would no longer be needed when it matured].
Verse Concepts
Spiritual » Maturity how secured » By partaking of the deeper truths of the gospel
But "solid food" is for mature people, who because of using their [spiritual] senses, have become able to distinguish good from evil.
Verse Concepts
Spiritual » Maturity how secured » By overcoming temptation
I have written to you little children [i.e., dear ones], because you have known the Father [as your God]. I have written to you fathers, because you have known Him [i.e., Christ], [who has existed] from the beginning. [See verse 13]. I have written to you young men, because you are [spiritually] strong and the word of God continues to live in your hearts, and you have overcome the [power of the] evil one [See verse 13].
Verse Concepts