The Process of Spiritual Maturity (First Love Fire Part 7)
At Antioch Salt Lake, one of our foundational values is encounter—not just information about God, but being transformed by His presence. When we encounter Jesus as He truly is, we cannot remain the same. Religion may say, "Try harder." But the Gospel of Jesus Christ says, "You can't make yourself better—die to self, and be raised into new life in Christ."
That’s why we’re diving into Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. In Revelation 2, Jesus commended the church in Ephesus for their perseverance and commitment to truth, but He issued one correction: “You have abandoned the love you had at first.” (Revelation 2:4, ESV). So we return to Ephesians as a manual for rekindling our first love fire for God.
This message from Ephesians 4 is all about growing up—moving from identity to instruction, from salvation to sanctification.
Growth Is a Process—And It's Supposed to Happen
In the natural world, development is expected. Scientists define human development as the process of change and growth between birth and maturity—roughly 18 to 25 years. We celebrate physical growth as a sign of life and health. The same should be true for our spiritual lives.
In 1 Peter 2:1-5 (ESV), the Apostle Peter urges:
"Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good."
We don’t shame infants for needing milk, but we do expect them to grow. Similarly, in Hebrews 5:12-14, the tone shifts—there's a rebuke for believers who have not moved past spiritual infancy:
"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again... You need milk, not solid food."
Spiritual maturity comes through being trained in the Word, and over time, we develop discernment—learning to distinguish good from evil.
Maturity Happens in Family
Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in spiritual family. Just like physical children can’t grow up without parents, we need spiritual fathers, mothers, and siblings who love us enough to teach, correct, and walk with us.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 4:15 (ESV):
"For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel."
Guides can offer insight from a distance—via podcasts, books, or social media—but fathers walk with you in relationship. Spiritual family offers correction with love. It's not about shame; it’s about transformation.
The Call to Put Off and Put On
In Ephesians 4:17–24, Paul draws a stark contrast between the life we once lived and the life we are called into:
"Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt... and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Growth in Christ looks like casting off old patterns and desires, and putting on the new identity God gives us. This isn’t a one-time event—it’s a continual act of renewal.
Guarding Against Calloused Hearts
Paul warns about those who have become "callous," having given themselves over to impurity (Ephesians 4:19). Like guitarists who develop callouses from repeated pressure, our hearts can become desensitized over time.
Hebrews 3:13 (ESV) gives the antidote:
"But exhort one another every day… that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."
Community is essential. We need daily encouragement from each other to keep our hearts soft and sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Isolation hardens us. Accountability sharpens us.
Three Ways We Mature Together
Paul gives clear instruction on how to grow as a spiritual family:
Speak the Truth in Love – Ephesians 4:25
Growth comes when we lovingly confront one another with truth, not in judgment but in care. When you see a callous in someone’s heart, be courageous enough to say something—with love and humility.Deal With Bitterness and Anger – Ephesians 4:26–27, 31
Unresolved anger and bitterness are barriers to growth. We are called to put these things away so they don’t give the devil a foothold.Guard Our Speech – Ephesians 4:29
Words have power. Paul urges us to only speak what builds up and gives grace. Our mouths are meant to be instruments of edification, not destruction.
Don’t Grieve the Spirit—Attract Him
Paul closes the chapter with a powerful reminder:
"Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." (Ephesians 4:30, ESV)
The Holy Spirit is a person—and He can be grieved. Just because we’ve grown comfortable with something doesn’t mean He is. But when we repent, when we humble ourselves, God draws near. He is attracted to a humble, contrite heart.
As Isaiah 30:18 (ESV) says:
"Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you… blessed are all those who wait for him."
A Simple Definition of Spiritual Development
Here’s a working definition to hold onto:
Spiritual development is the process of change and growth that takes place between rebirth and the new self, as we cast off the old, put on the new, and become holy as He is holy.
Reflection Questions
Where in your life might there be spiritual callouses—areas where you’ve become desensitized to God's presence?
How have you responded to correction from spiritual leaders or family? What does humility look like for you today?
Who in your life can you exhort in love, and who are you allowing to speak truth into your own walk with God?
Let’s grow up together—as a family, becoming more like Christ day by day.