Summary:

Respecting spiritual authority is an indication of spiritual maturity. Each of us must go through a process of spiritual development, and part of that process involves submitting to spiritual leadership. The things we go through in our journey toward spiritual maturity are designed to ultimately move us into our destinies.

  1. Our journey toward God and fulfilling our purpose will be filled with opportunities for growth and development.

    1. There is a process we must go through to advance from where we are now to where God wants us to be.

    2. A process is defined as a systematic series of actions directed to a certain end.

      1. During certain processes, we will go through hurtful and uncomfortable experience.

      2. It is unwise to avoid processes, no matter how difficult they become.

      3. We should not run away from any process because we will end up having to go through it again.

      4. Ask yourself, “What process do I keep running away from? Decide to overcome it.

      5. When we make mistakes or bad decisions, God will use those mishaps to develop us as individuals.

      6. Our victory in overcoming something prepares us for promotion.

  2. When we begin to learn and practice the Word of God, we begin to grow (1 Peter 2:1-2).

    1. We should desire the “sincere milk” of the Word, which means we desire to learn the Word.

    2. Growth is a natural, gradual increase.

    3. Development is the process of advancing to a more advanced or effective state.

      1. Development brings out the capabilities and the potential we possess as Christians.

      2. The process of development requires pressure to be applied.

      3. For example, when we want to build our muscles, we lift weights to develop.

    4. There is an anointing (God-given empowerment) that is so awesome on the inside of everyone.

      1. However, it is stunted when we refuse to develop spiritually.

      2. Our development will also require the ability to overcome hurt and offenses.

      3. When processes become painful, we may be tempted to quit; however, development requires discipline and patience.

      4. There is a process involved with everything you do. Growth and development are required to reach your objectives.

  3. What is God’s commitment to your development?

    1. He who began a good work in you will continue it until the day Jesus returns (Philippians 1:6, AMP).

      1. Allow your love to abound more and more. Do not neglect the love of God because it is your power source (Philippians 1:9, AMP).

      2. When you go through hard times, put patience to work (James 1:3-4, AMP, The Message).

      3. Patience, in this context, describes the process of enduring difficult situations while maintaining your faith in God’s Word.

  4. There are three stages of spiritual development:

    1. The Babyhood Stage

      1. This is the stage that you enter when you first become born again.

      2. Babies are innocent (they have no past).

      3. Babies are ignorant (they will say anything).

      4. Babies are irritable and easily spoiled.

        1. God gives the body of Christ the five-fold ministry gifts to mature the saints, (Ephesians 4:11-15).

    2. The Childhood Stage

      1. Children can be easily misled.

        1. Christians in the childhood stage are easily tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14).

      2. Christians in this stage, like children, are talkative and often speak foolishly.

    3. The Manhood Stage

      1. Mature Christians esteem spiritual things higher than earthly things.

      2. Mature Believers make decisions in line with the Word of God.

      3. They are concerned about their spiritual growth. Therefore, they judge their words and lives.

      4. They pursue holiness and walk in the fear of the Lord.

  5. As mature Christians, we must respect spiritual authority (our spiritual leaders).

    1. God requires us to respect spiritual authority with our words and actions.

    2. Resisting spiritual authority can result in a curse of damnation (Romans 13:1, 2).

Scripture References:

  • 1 Peter 2:1-2

  • Philippians 1:6, 9, AMP

  • James 1:3-4, AMP, The Message

  • Ephesians 4:11-15

  • Romans 13:1-2

Pastor Robert Bagonza

Senior Pastor Redeemed Church

www.mrolec.org