The Secret to Spiritual Maturity (First Love Fire Part 9)
There’s something beautiful and foundational about dedicating children in the house of God. These moments remind us that growth—whether physical or spiritual—requires time, connection, and intentional care. As we continue our journey through Ephesians, we find that the same truths that apply to raising children also apply to our own spiritual growth: we cannot mature alone.
We Grow Together in God’s Household
Paul’s vision for the church is a family—a household where growth happens in community. Just as infants need years of nurture, love, and correction from their parents, believers need the nourishment and correction of spiritual family. That’s why trying to grow spiritually apart from the church often leads to stagnation. God designed us to grow in the context of family.
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”
– Ephesians 2:19 (ESV)
A Recap of Ephesians: From Gospel to Growth
Ephesians 1–3 lays the foundation of the gospel:
We’ve been adopted into God’s family through the blood of Jesus.
We are saved by grace through faith—not by works.
We are God’s workmanship, created for good works.
We are part of His plan to reveal His glory through the church.
Chapters 4–5 shift from identity to instruction: Paul urges us to walk out the gospel, leaving behind our old ways and stepping into new life. Five times he exhorts us to “walk” differently—as those who have been made new. Walk in humility, not like the world. Walk in love, in light, and in wisdom. All of this culminates in one essential command:
“Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”
– Ephesians 5:18 (ESV)
You Can’t Do It Alone—Be Filled with the Spirit
Everything Paul calls us to—the humility, purity, forgiveness, and love—is humanly impossible without the help of the Holy Spirit. We need God in us, working through us. That’s why God didn’t just save us—He sealed us with His Spirit.
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
– Ephesians 4:30 (ESV)
From Genesis to Revelation, the Spirit of God is active in creation, redemption, and renewal. Jesus called Him the Helper, the One who would be with us and in us. As Pastor Chris reminded us, it's tragic to have divine help and never ask for it.
What Does a Spirit-Filled Life Look Like?
Paul gives us four practical expressions of a Spirit-filled life:
Encouraging Others
“Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs…”
– Ephesians 5:19a (ESV)
Spirit-filled people lift others up with words of life.Worshipping God
“…singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart…”
– Ephesians 5:19b (ESV)
Worship is more than tradition—it’s where God dwells.Cultivating Gratitude
“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father…”
– Ephesians 5:20 (ESV)
Thankfulness is the atmosphere of the Spirit-filled life.Walking in Humble Submission
“Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
– Ephesians 5:21 (ESV)
True spiritual power is never controlling—it’s submitted and surrendered.
Spirit-Filled Homes Start with Spirit-Filled People
Paul doesn’t separate being filled with the Spirit from how we live at home. In the same breath, he begins to speak about husbands and wives. Why? Because Spirit-filled marriages begin with Spirit-filled individuals.
“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord… Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
– Ephesians 5:22, 25 (ESV)
This isn’t about control or hierarchy—it’s about order. Husbands are called to lead with sacrificial love and gentleness. Wives are invited to respect and honor that leadership. It’s mutual submission under the ultimate headship of Christ.
Healthy leadership and mutual honor create the environment where families—and especially the next generation—can thrive in the Spirit.
The Family That Walks in the Spirit
What would it look like if our homes reflected the Spirit’s presence? If children saw their parents encourage one another, worship together, express gratitude daily, and submit to one another in love?
That’s the kind of household God desires—one filled with His Spirit, grounded in His Word, and growing together in His love. It’s not about striving to be better. It’s about asking the Helper to fill us, lead us, and transform us day by day.
Reflection Questions
In what areas of your life have you been trying to grow without the help of the Holy Spirit?
Which of the four components of the Spirit-filled life—encouragement, worship, gratitude, or submission—do you most need to practice?
How can your home become more of a Spirit-filled environment where the next generation encounters Jesus?