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Spiritual Maturity & Leadership

by on September 18, 2021

Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:1 "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."

What is spiritual maturity? Spiritual maturity is to grow towards Christ- likeness. This requires obedience to Christ. Christ-likeness is our ultimate goal. When Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ,” he is not asking anyone to imitate him to become a “Paul-follower.” Paul was a sinner, just like us. Instead, he is always and ultimately pointing to Christ as the One to follow. As a spiritually mature believer and leader, Paul is saying, “I am imitating Christ. Do as I do.”

“Be imitators” implies an ongoing command. We are to continually imitate Christ. We are to continually grow in our faith and knowledge of Jesus. As Jesus told us in Matthew 28:18-20 we are to make disciples of all nations and teach them all that Christ has commanded. We are to do this continually. We are all leaders of someone. Therefore, we cannot be hypocrites. We must be doing what we’re asking others to do. Just like Paul, we need to say, “I am imitating Christ. Do as I do.”

Spiritual maturity must be the foundation for any leader. It is imperative that we are spiritually mature and growing in our faith and understanding of Christ. Moreover, it is the job of the spiritually mature leader to help others grow in their faith and become imitators of Christ. How do we do that? Just like Paul, we should seek to imitate Jesus by loving God and loving others. Practicing our church discipleship goals will help continually shape and mature us into Christ-likeness. Need help? Check out our discipleship foundations classes on Wednesday nights. By God’s grace and your obedience, you will grow in your spiritual maturity. Leaders especially must continually grow in their faith and knowledge of Christ. Finally, spiritual maturity should always be marked by humility. Christ is our ultimate model of spiritual maturity and humility. We should be able to say, “Imitate me, as I imitate Christ.”

Questions to Consider:

What are you doing to continually grow your spiritual maturity? Are you asking others to imitate Christ while you are not obedient yourself?

Prayer Prompts:

  • Read Colossians 1:28-29. God, help me to be obedient to your Word. Convict me of any lack of humility in my leadership. Help me, with the power of the Holy Spirit, to imitate You and to lead others to imitate You, as well.

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