23 Bible Verses about Maturity, Spiritual

till being united in a perfect belief, and acknowledgment of the son of God, we grow up to that full state of maturity required by Christ: that we should be no longer children, fluctuating, and carried about with every empty doctrine, by men vers'd in sleight and the crafty arts of deceit: but being sincere in mutual love, may be entirely united to Christ, who is the head:

continue therefore to follow the doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ, as you have receiv'd it: being firmly attach'd to, and founded upon him: establishing yourselves in the faith you have been taught, and being thankful for the improvement you make therein.

having Jesus in our view, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down on the right hand of the throne of God.

that their hearts might be comforted, and that being firmly united in love, they might possess the highest and fullest persuasion of the truth of this doctrine, by entring into this mystery, even of God the father, and of Christ,

As to myself, I am persuaded, my brethren, that you abound in goodness, and in variety of knowledge, and are able to instruct one another.

However, what we preach is wisdom, to those who are thoroughly instructed: yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who will soon come to nothing.

Brethren, be not childish in understanding: be as innocent as babes, but use your understanding like men.

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, whereby ye may know him: an enlightned understanding, that ye may see what great expectations he has called you to, and what abundant glory it is to the saints to be the lot of his inheritance.

For this cause, ever since we heard of it, we incessantly pray for you, requesting that you may be endued with respect to the knowledge of his will, with all wisdom and spiritual discernment: that your conduct may be worthy of the Lord, in every respect agreeable to him, being friutful in every kind of virtue, and increasing in divine knowledge:

and be not conformed to the present age: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may perceive what God requires of you is good, and acceptable, and perfect.

However, I could not speak to you, my brethren, as to the spiritual, or as to the dispassionate, but as to novices in christianity. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, nor have you yet sufficient strength. for you are still subject to your passions. since envy, and strife, and divisions are among you, are you not actuated by the vices of the animal part?

but the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, sweetness of disposition, beneficence, faithfulness, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

to quit the vicious habits of your former conversation, corrupted by deceitful passions: and to be renewed in your mind, by living like men formed anew,

and the favour I ask of him is this, that your kindness to me may be crown'd with farther improvements in knowledge and all prudence; that being capable to distinguish what is best, you may remain stedfastly sincere until the day of Christ, abounding in good works by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

We are oblig'd, my brethren, to render thanks to God continually upon your account, as it is but just; since your faith still improves, and your mutual love is always increasing.

have cordially reliev'd me. Epaphras a servant of Christ, and your countryman, salutes you, who is always very earnest in his prayers, that you may be perfectly acquainted with, and constantly observe,

that we should be no longer children, fluctuating, and carried about with every empty doctrine, by men vers'd in sleight and the crafty arts of deceit:

Do you then, my dear brethren, being thus forewarn'd, take care not to be seduc'd by those prophane impostors, and so lose the reward of your constancy. on the contrary, may you increase in the favour, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! to him be glory both now and for ever. AMEN.

I add, we that are better inform'd ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not study our own pleasure.

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, do you, who are spiritual, restore him with all gentleness, taking heed lest you yourselves be overcome by temptation. bear with one another's infirmities, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

I don't imagine, my brethren, that I am arriv'd at the goal; but this I do, unmindful of what is pass'd, I stretch towards that which is in view, I press towards the mark for the prize to which God has called me from above by Jesus Christ. Let us therefore, who have been instructed, have this in view: and if you are sollicitous about any thing else, God will reveal even that unto you.

the ground over-run with thorns denotes such as have embraced the doctrine, but are so immerst in the business, enjoyments, and pleasures of life, as not to improve it to any real advantage.

since then, we have these promises, my dear brethren, let us cleanse our selves from all impurity, whether of body or mind, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.