In this chapter, we will start by considering who a spiritual baby is.
The five-ply governmental gift i.e. the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher needs to overcome the under listed signs of Babyhood and aim at helping others to do so too.
Not being stable about what you have i.e. being envious – 1 Cor.3:1-3; Eph.4:14 Survival mindedness, as in being carried about with the wind or an overwhelming crowd – Eph.4:14
Lack of sound understanding of doctrine – 1 Cor. 14:20; 1 Tim.6:3
Succumbing to the wonderful tricks or wiles of men and or Satan – Eph.4:14; 6:11
Inability to cope with deeper truths – Heb. 5:12-14; 1 Cor. 2:6; 3:1-2; Acts 18:24-28; 2 Tim. 2:15.
Lack of self-discipline and consistency, often due to suffering – 2 Tim.4:9-10
Living by the desires of the flesh as in having divisions, strife, unforgiveness, bitterness, pride etc. – 1 Cor. 3:3-4; 1Tim.3:6
Not walking in the Word, often because it is not that sensational – Col.1:28-29
Leading an unchristian or questionable life – Gal.5:22-23;Rom.2:24; 1Tim.6:1
Not walking in unconditional love – 1 Cor. 13:1-8
Selfishness and thin-king that God is there for you – Rev. 4:11
Being led by the flesh or base desires, moods etc. – Rom. 8:14.
General signs of spiritual maturity
The signs of maturity are the opposite of that of childhood that we have gone through. They include the following:
Being in practical essence (not in works) like Jesus – Rom. 8:29.
Self- discipline – 1 Cor. 9:27
Power over personal sin, money and words – Rom. 6:14; 1 Cor. 15:56; Matt. 6:24; Jas. 3:1-2.
A standard of excellence and simplicity in one’s life – Phil. 1:10; 4:5.
Humility and willingness to serve God and mankind – Phil 2:3-7; Col. 3:23-24; Eph. 6:6-7.
Productivity in the service of God – Lk. 8:15.
A close fellowship with God–Mk. 3:14.
Pursuit of the high calling i.e. to live the Kingdom-life on earth –Phil. 3:12-15.
