Do You Want to Mature in Christ?

Pastor John Marc Wiemann
1 Corinthians 3:1-9

Main point: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 describes three aspects of spiritual growth so that you will keep in step with the Spirit and mature in Christ.

I. The Signs of Spiritual Immaturity
Verses 1-4

II. The Source of Spiritual Maturity
Verses 5-7

III. The Servants of Spiritual Maturity
Verses 8-9

Here are some books which may assist you in deeper study and application of the truths presented in today’s sermon. While the elders cannot endorse every concept presented in each book, we do believe these resources will be helpful in profitably thinking through today’s topic.

• Keep in Step with the Spirit by J.I. Packer
• The Fruitful Life by Jerry Bridges
• Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney

Questions for Spiritual Growth

Our Cornerstone mission is To Know Christ and Make Him Known. Community Groups help us to live out our mission as we discuss the Scripture passage from the sermon, how to apply it, and pray for one another.

1. Paul addresses the immature believers at Corinth as “brothers and sisters.” How does this reflect the mercy and grace of God?
   

2. How would you explain the difference between “milk” and “solid food” in verse 2? How can your spiritual diet progress and advance?
   

3. What does it mean to be “fleshly” in verse 3? According to 3:1–3, what are the signs of spiritual immaturity?
   

4. What happens when the church begins to associate maturity in Christ with knowledge as opposed to having love for Christ and godly character?
   

5. What has God given to the church so that believers can grow into maturity in Christ? What Bible verses support your answer?
   

6. How does the phrase “but God causes the growth” in verse 7 free you from the burden of producing results?
   

7. What does it mean for us to be co-workers in God’s service?
   

8. Considering what you learned in 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, how does God want your beliefs and actions to change? What practical steps will you take?