I. Be grounded in Biblical truth
* Mature Christians do not vacillate from biblical truth!
1. As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming (Ephesians 4:14).
2. But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3).
3. Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature (1 Corinthians 14:20).
4. I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15).
II. Speak the truth in love
* Mature Christians are growing in Christ-likeness in speech!
- But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ (Ephesians 4:15).
- Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the street, and uprightness cannot enter. Yes, truth is lacking (Isaiah 59:14, 15).
- Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed,and overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:6, 7).
III. Work at building up the Church
* Mature Christians work together to advance God's kingdom!
- From whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love (Ephesians 4:16).
- The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another (Romans 14:17-19).
Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, September 21st, 2025.
Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions
Time to grow up
An important Guideline of Life Groups: Everyone comes with wounds and scars from previous relationships. Take time to pray and discuss how you can help one another heal and grow up spiritually from past drama.
Getting Started:
- Why is it so critical to our spiritual growth to be grounded in sound biblical doctrine (2 Timothy 3:13-4:4)?
- Can you see clear evidence of Christ working in your life toward spiritual maturity?
Discussing Truths:
- Have you witnessed someone who has been "tossed here and there"?(Ephesians 4:14) by false teachings that disrupted their lives and relationships?
- What can we apply from the High Priestly prayer of Jesus for us in John 17:14-21?
- Do you tend to speak truth more or express love more or is there a healthy balance?
- What is the difference between the "natural man", the"spiritual man" and the "carnal man" described in 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:3?
- The expression "truthing in love" has been used to point out the meaning of the two words in 4:15 often translated "speaking the truth in love". Why is the behavior and tone as important as the words of truth?
- Do you view your participation in the church as critical for its proper functioning (1 Peter 4:10; 1 Corinthians 12:7, 12-20)?
- Why is the type of audience a factor in how we speak the truth in love?
Now What? Application:
- How are you using your time, talents, touch and treasure to build up the body of Christ and glorify His name? Do you need to take steps to grow in any area?
- Take time to meditate on Hebrews 10:23-25 and seek to make practical commitments to fulfill this passage of Scripture in your life.