The Big Picture: maturity

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From Babes to Sons: How Paul’s Doctrine Grows the Believer

When we read Paul’s letters, we don’t just see words—we see a journey. A journey from spiritual infancy to maturity. From confusion to clarity. From weakness to strength. And this journey is not random or emotional—it is built on doctrine. The Word of God, rightly divided, is the tool that transforms a believer from a babe in Christ to a mature son who walks in godliness and spiritual understanding.

Paul’s letters to the Corinthians and Galatians show us what spiritual infancy looks like. These churches were saved, yes—but they were unstable. They were easily swayed, morally compromised, and doctrinally confused. Paul calls the Corinthians “babes in Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:1) and rebukes the Galatians for being “foolish” and “bewitched” (Galatians 3:1). These believers could not handle strong doctrine. Paul had to go back to basics—correcting their view of the gospel, exposing their carnality, and pleading with them to grow up. They were children, tossed to and fro, needing milk and not meat.

Now contrast that with Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians. Here we see a different tone. Paul is not rebuking—he is rejoicing. He says, “We give thanks to God always for you all… remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3). These believers had received the Word “not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). They were standing fast, enduring persecution, and walking in holiness. Paul calls them “brethren beloved of the Lord” and speaks to them as sons—not as children.

Paul’s Apostleship: Our Authority, Our Doctrine, Our Growth

In 1 Corinthians 9:1-2, Paul opens with a series of rhetorical questions that gently affirm his God-given role and the spiritual fruit of his labour among the Corinthians:

“Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?”

Each question carries weight:

“Am I not an apostle?” – Paul was sent by Christ with divine authority and purpose. His apostleship was not self-appointed, nor conferred by men, but established by the risen Lord.
“Am I not free?” – He served voluntarily, not under compulsion or religious institution. His liberty in Christ allowed him to minister without earthly constraint.
“Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?” – This was a requirement for apostleship (Acts 1:21-22). Paul saw the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6), confirming his divine commissioning.
“Are not ye my work in the Lord?” – The Corinthians themselves were living proof of his ministry. Their salvation and spiritual growth were the fruit of his labour in Christ.

He continues:

“If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 9:2)

Even if others questioned his apostleship, the Corinthians could not. They had personally benefited from his teaching, correction, and care. Their faith was the seal—the authenticating mark—of his apostleship. A seal confirms ownership, authority, and truth. Their transformation in Christ was the evidence that Paul was sent by God.

The Right Way to Learn Knowledge

In the Christian life, it’s easy to think that once we’ve learned a few truths or understood a few doctrines, we’ve arrived at spiritual maturity. But the Bible warns us against that kind of thinking. True growth is not just about knowing facts—it’s about how we carry that knowledge, how we treat others, and whether our understanding leads to humility or pride. One verse that speaks directly to this is 1 Corinthians 8:2, which says, “And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.” This is not a harsh statement—it’s a loving correction from the apostle Paul, reminding us that knowledge without love and humility is incomplete.

The context of this verse is a discussion about eating meat that had been offered to idols. In Corinth, some believers knew that idols were nothing and that eating such meat was not sinful. They had the right doctrine, but they were using their liberty without thinking about how it affected weaker believers who didn’t yet understand these things. Paul begins the chapter by saying, “Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.” In other words, knowledge can make us proud, but love builds others up. Verse 2 follows this thought by showing that if someone thinks he knows something fully, he probably hasn’t yet learned how to handle that knowledge in the way God wants.

The lesson here is simple but important. God is not just interested in what we know—He cares about how we use that knowledge. If our understanding leads us to look down on others, or to act without care for their spiritual wellbeing, then we haven’t yet learned the truth properly. Paul is teaching that true knowledge must be joined with love, patience, and humility. In the dispensation of grace, we are called to walk in truth, but also to walk in charity. That means we must be careful not to let our liberty become a stumbling block for someone else. Even if we are right in doctrine, we can be wrong in attitude.

When Grace Is Not Enough

We speak often of grace. We sing of it, preach it, post it. But if we’re honest, many of us treat grace like a soft cushion—something to fall back on when we stumble, rather than a foundation to stand on and build from. We receive it, yes. But do we respect it? Do we respond?

Paul’s letters are not shy on this point. Grace is not just a theological comfort—it’s a spiritual responsibility. And if we mishandle it, we don’t lose salvation, but we do lose clarity, fruitfulness, and the joy of walking in step with the Spirit.

Let’s walk slowly through three ways Scripture warns us not to mishandle grace. Not to condemn, but to awaken.

1. Frustrating Grace: When We Try to Help God Out

There’s a quiet danger in trying to help grace along. We don’t mean to, of course. But somewhere between our zeal for holiness and our fear of falling short, we start adding scaffolding to the cross. A little law here, a little self-effort there. Before long, we’re measuring our spiritual health by how well we perform, not how deeply we trust. Paul saw this tendency and wrote plainly: “I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain” (Galatians 2:21). That’s not just a doctrinal correction—it’s a relational one. When we try to earn what was freely given, we’re not just miscalculating; we’re dishonouring the very heart of the gospel. Grace doesn’t need our help. It needs our surrender.

From Carnal to Spiritual (Part 6): Liberty and Responsibility

We’ve come a long way in this series, and it’s worth pausing to take it in. Each part has been a step—not just in understanding, but in spiritual posture. We began by recognising the carnal mind for what it is: natural, unrenewed, and unable to receive the things of God. That was Part 1. Then we saw that renewal isn’t just about adding truth—it’s about forsaking what shaped us before. That was Part 2. In Part 3, we were reminded that growth is measured by movement, not by flawlessness. The spiritual mind is formed gradually, and every step matters. Then came Part 4, where we saw that doctrine isn’t dry—it’s the very substance that renews the mind. Truth rightly divided gives structure to our thinking. And in Part 5, we brought that renewal into daily life. Walking in the Spirit isn’t mystical—it’s practical. It’s how we respond, how we think, how we live.

Now we arrive at a quiet turning point. Not a new lesson, but a reminder. A moment to breathe and consider what all of this means—not just inwardly, but outwardly. Because the renewed mind doesn’t exist in isolation. It begins to shape how we carry ourselves, how we speak, how we serve. And that’s where liberty comes in—not as a concept to admire, but as a reality to steward.

Paul wrote to the Galatians, “Only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). That verse doesn’t come with pressure—it comes with perspective. Liberty in Christ is a gift, but it’s also a trust. It frees us from the weight of law, yes—but it also frees us to walk with purpose. The spiritual mind doesn’t treat liberty as a personal escape. It sees it as an open door to serve, to build, to edify.

Doctrine and Discernment (Part Two): The Romans 14 Posture – Grace in the Grey

In Part One, we looked at the Bereans—those noble truth-seekers who searched the scriptures daily to test what they heard. They modelled doctrinal vigilance, spiritual hunger, and a deep commitment to clarity. But Romans 14 offers a different lens. Not contradictory, but complementary. Where the Bereans leaned into precision, Romans 14 leans into patience. Where Acts 17 highlights the pursuit of truth, Romans 14 highlights the protection of peace.

This chapter unfolds in two distinct halves—each with its own rhythm and focus.

Verses 1–12: The Vertical Posture – Conscience Before God

Here, Paul speaks to the individual believer’s relationship with the Lord. The topic isn’t doctrinal error—it’s personal conviction in disputable matters. Things like diet, holy days, dress, alcohol, and lifestyle choices. These are not gospel issues, but they do matter. Why? Because they touch the conscience.

"Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." (Romans 14:5)

This is not permission to drift into relativism. It’s a call to live with integrity before God. Each believer stands or falls to his own Master—not to tradition, peer pressure, or popular opinion. The risk here is judgement. We must not despise those who abstain, nor mock those who partake. The Lord is able to make both stand.

This vertical posture is deeply personal. It’s about honouring God in your choices, even when those choices differ from others. It’s about being persuaded—not pressured.

From Carnal to Spiritual (Part 5): Walking in the Spirit Daily

Before we continue, let’s take a moment to look back at where we’ve been. In Part 1, we saw the difference between the carnal mind and the spiritual mind. The carnal mind is natural to all of us—it’s how we think before we come to Christ, and it remains with us unless we renew it. In Part 2, we learned that renewal requires forsaking. We cannot hold on to old thoughts and expect new life. The Word of God must replace what we once believed. Then in Part 3, we were reminded that spiritual growth is a journey. It’s not about being perfect but about moving forward. Every step matters. And in Part 4, we saw that renewal is shaped by doctrine. The mind is not renewed by emotion or experience, but by truth—truth rightly divided and received with meekness.

Now we come to Part 5, and we begin to see how this renewed mind is lived out. It’s not just something we understand—it’s something we walk in. Paul writes, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25). This is not a once-off decision. It is a daily walk. It is a way of thinking, a way of responding, a way of living. The spiritual mind is not just for study—it is for life.

The Labour Born of Faith and Formed by Truth

In the life of a believer, there is no higher calling than to walk in love—a love that serves, sacrifices, and reflects the very heart of Christ. Yet this love is not self-generated. It is not the product of religious tradition, emotional devotion, or fleshly effort. True charity, the kind that pleases God, is born of a pure heart, shaped by a good conscience, and sustained by faith unfeigned. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned” (1 Timothy 1:5, KJV). This is the goal of all divine instruction: love that flows from within, not manufactured from without.

This love is not passive—it is active. It is the labour of love that Paul commends in 1 Thessalonians 1:3, a love that works, gives, and serves. But it is also a love that is formed, not forced. It is developed in the believer through the work of faith—the ongoing process of studying the Word of God, yielding to its truth, and allowing the Spirit to shape the inner man. As the Word is received with meekness and obeyed with sincerity, the character of Christ begins to take root. And from that root springs the fruit of charity—not as a duty, but as a delight.

This is the essence of Christian liberty. As Paul writes in Galatians, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13, KJV). Liberty in Christ is not freedom to indulge the flesh—it is freedom to walk in the Spirit. It is the freedom to serve, not because we are bound by law, but because we are bound by love. And this love is not superficial—it is the highest righteousness a man can attain. A free man, willingly serving others, bound only by the love of Christ formed within him.

Charity from a Pure Heart: The End of the Commandment

There is a clarity in Paul’s words to Timothy that settles the heart and sharpens the focus: “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned” (1 Timothy 1:5, KJV). This is not a peripheral truth—it is the very purpose of divine instruction. When all is said and done, when doctrine has been taught and principles laid down, this is what God desires: love that flows from purity, integrity, and genuine faith.

Charity, in its biblical sense, is not merely kindness or sentiment. It is the expression of Christ’s life formed within the believer. It is the labour that emerges from a heart shaped by truth, a conscience kept clean, and a faith that is sincere and rooted in Scripture. This kind of love does not originate in the flesh, nor is it sustained by religious habit. It is cultivated through the work of faith—the ongoing process of studying the Word of God, submitting to its authority, and yielding to its correction.

A pure heart is not assumed; it is examined. Before any action, before any judgement, the heart must be searched. Bitterness, envy, strife, and malice must be identified and removed. The believer must ensure that love is the sole motive—unmixed, unforced, and unpretentious. When the heart is pure, the conscience clear, and the faith genuine, the believer is equipped to approve things that are excellent and to walk in the charity that fulfils the commandment.

From Carnal to Spiritual (Part 3): Progression, Not Perfection

One of the most freeing truths in Paul’s teaching is that spiritual maturity is not about arriving at perfection—it’s about moving forward in progression. The renewed mind isn’t something we wake up with. It’s something we grow into, step by step, thought by thought, decision by decision. And if we’re honest, many believers need to hear this. Because too often, we measure ourselves against an ideal and feel defeated before we even begin.

But here’s the key: spiritual maturity isn’t an on/off switch—it’s a lifelong process. Every believer starts at 100% carnal thinking. That’s the only mindset we’ve ever known before coming to Christ. The world shaped our values, our reactions, our priorities. And even after we’re saved, that carnal mind doesn’t just vanish. It must be replaced—intentionally and repeatedly—with the mind of Christ.

Now, let’s be clear: a carnal mind isn’t just a mind that’s prone to sin or always thinking evil thoughts. That’s a shallow definition. A carnal mind is simply the default human mindset—even if it’s thinking “good” things. It can be moral, kind, generous, and still be at enmity with God. Why? Because it operates independently of the Spirit. It has its own motives, its own logic, and it’s not driven by the love of Christ. That’s why Paul says in Romans 8:7,

“The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.”

Think of it like this: on one end of the scale is the natural man—dead in sins, steeped in worldly thinking. On the other end is the fully renewed mind of Christ. And every believer is somewhere in between. You can move forward on that scale, and yes, you can slide backward too. Because it’s not about having a carnal mind in the absolute sense—it’s about what you’re paying attention to. What are you minding? What are you giving your focus to?

Doctrine and Discernment (Intro): Balancing the Word

Holding Truth and Heart Together

Truth matters. Grace matters. But too often, believers lean hard in one direction—either guarding doctrine with such precision that they forget the people it's meant to serve, or embracing relational kindness so freely that biblical clarity gets blurred. This series is an invitation to walk in both. Not one or the other. Both.

In Part 1, we’ll meet the Bereans of Acts 17:11—known not for their credentials, but for their consistency. They tested everything by the Word, daily and with care. It’s a picture of objective discernment, where conviction is built on Scripture, not assumption.

In Part 2, we’ll step into the tenderness of Romans 14, where Paul urges believers not to quarrel over disputable matters. Instead, he teaches us to honor the conscience, walk gently with the weak, and build each other up in love. It’s not compromise—it’s compassion.

Then in Part 3, we’ll bring it all together. Because maturity isn’t found in choosing between truth and heart—it’s found when we let Scripture shape both. That kind of balance produces believers who hold fast to what’s right but walk gently with those still growing.

In the next post we’ll start things off by walking alongside the Bereans in Acts 17—ordinary believers who searched the Scriptures daily with focus and humility. But this isn’t just about studying with precision. It’s about learning how clear doctrine can shape our love and deepen our walk with others. If you’ve ever wondered how to hold firm to truth while staying soft toward people, Part 1 will steady your convictions and stir your heart.

More Than the Cross: Rediscovering the Fullness of Paul’s Gospel

When we hear the word gospel, many immediately think of 1 Corinthians 15:1-4—the clear and powerful declaration that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. This is undeniably the core of our salvation message—the good news that justifies the believer by grace through faith. But is the gospel limited only to the cross event?

According to Paul, the gospel is far broader. It’s not only the entry point into salvation, but the whole scope of what Christ has accomplished for us and what God is now doing through the Body of Christ.

The Gospel: Not Just Good News, But the Whole Counsel of Grace

Paul refers to this as “my gospel” (Rom. 2:16; 16:25)—a divinely revealed message centered on the finished work of Christ but expanding far beyond Calvary.

He writes that his apostleship was given “according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness” (Titus 1:1). This gospel includes:

Approving What Is Excellent by Walking in Truth

Walking in the light is not merely about avoiding sin—it is about actively discerning truth, judging God's will, and making decisions that reflect a heart devoted to Him. This process of judgment is not cold or mechanical; it is deeply rooted in love for God and His Word. When you love God, you desire to walk in His ways, and that desire compels you to search the Scriptures, seeking what pleases Him. It is in this pursuit that true spiritual maturity is cultivated.

Paul speaks of this transformation in Romans 12:2, urging believers: "Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." The renewal of the mind is not a passive experience—it is an intentional, daily engagement with truth. To prove what is acceptable unto God means to test, discern, and judge rightly. This is the essence of walking in the Spirit: a life where every thought, every action, and every decision is weighed against the truth of God's Word.

This is not a burdensome task but a joyful pursuit. Philippians 1:9-10 reveals that our love for God should abound in knowledge and judgment, enabling us to approve things that are excellent. Love is not blind—it is discerning. A believer who truly loves God does not merely follow rules but seeks to understand His heart, to know His will, and to walk accordingly. This is the difference between legalism and a life led by the Spirit. The former obeys out of obligation; the latter obeys out of love and maturity.

Honouring Scripture Over Emotion: Learning from Paul’s Example

In moments of provocation, how do we respond? Do we let our emotions dictate our actions, or do we submit ourselves to the authority of God's Word? Paul’s encounter with the high priest in Acts 23:2-5 offers a powerful example of humility, self-control, and unwavering reverence for Scripture—an attitude we should value and imitate.

Paul’s Immediate Reaction

When struck unjustly, Paul’s first response was sharp: “God shall smite thee, thou whited wall” (Acts 23:3). His words carried righteous indignation, exposing the hypocrisy of Ananias, who violated the law he claimed to uphold. Yet, when informed that he had spoken against the high priest, Paul did not defend his initial reaction or justify his anger. Instead, he immediately submitted to the truth of Scripture, quoting Exodus 22:28: “Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.”

This swift correction is remarkable. Paul could have clung to his frustration, arguing that Ananias was corrupt and undeserving of honour. But he did not. His commitment to God’s Word outweighed his personal feelings, reminding us that Scripture, not emotion, must govern our responses.

What Lessons Can We Learn From This

The Journey of Faith, Love, and Hope

Upon hearing of the faith and love among the Ephesians, Paul begins to pray for them and writes these profound truths to them. He would not have written the contents of Ephesians to the Corinthians, nor to the Galatians in the state they were in. The Corinthians were babes in Christ, incapable of perceiving and understanding spiritual truths. Paul addresses the Corinthians saying,

"And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able." 1 Corinthians 3:1-2.

The Galatians had lost their footing—their faith was overthrown, and had returned to the law, striving to establish their own righteousness and salvation rather than placing their faith in Christ. Paul warned them,

"Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing." Galatians 5:2.

Those seeking justification through the law had fallen from grace. Likewise, the Corinthians exhibited signs of immaturity—envy, strife, and division among them.

To truly grasp the deep spiritual truths contained in Ephesians, one must reach a certain level of maturity. Until then, these great depths of God's eternal plan and purpose remain beyond full comprehension. Paul highlights this progression in several of his letters. In the opening of Romans, he declares:

Paul's Curriculum for Maturing in Spirit and having Christ formed within you.

Romans to Galatians is focused predominantly on believer growing up and learning of God while here on earth.
Ephesians to Thessalonians is focused on sonship and sets sights on life in the heavenly position and for eternity.

The 4 Foundational Cornerstones of the Christian Faith

ROMANS is the foundation book in Paul’s epistles. It is the book that firstly, establishes 'the faith', the doctrine that provides us with a fundamental knowledge of God's will and purpose for us as grace believers today, and secondly, that 'stablishes' a grace believer, meaning that it lays a foundation of truth, or principle, that helps us to be grounded and stable in our faith, and guides our walk to complement Gods will and purpose for us, not only here on earth, now, but also in the life to come, our heavenly destination as the Body of Christ.

If one takes a step back from the details in the Roman epistle, and looks at the contents from an overview perspective, one will see four key principles emerge. These four key principles are of great importance. As the title of this post suggests, they are the four cornerstones that keep the foundation of our faith stable. Without any one of these cornerstones, our Christian faith will be unstable and ineffective. Anything that we build upon this foundation will be shaky and problematic, and our growth in the doctrine of 'the faith', will be hindered, weakened, or even completely stunted. Needless to say, recognizing these four key foundational principles, and gaining an intimate knowledge of them, are crucial.

The 9-Epistles of Israel in the Tribulation

These 9 epistles, from Hebrews to Revelation represents a spiritual curriculum for the maturing and endurance of believers in the Jewish Kingdom program, through the tribulation, and into the Millennial Kingdom.

Hebrews to 2 Peter are focused predominantly on being reeducated in the New Covenant and being reintroduced to the risen Christ.
1 John to Revelation is focused on sonship and sets sights on life in the Millennial Kingdom under the reign of Christ and in their priestly positions as the true Israel.

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