Put Childish Things Away | Francis Chan

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity, encouraging believers to move beyond childish excuses and behaviors. We are reminded that as followers of Christ, we have the Holy Spirit living within us, giving us access to incredible power and wisdom. However, this power is not just for personal convenience or entertainment, but rather for serving others and advancing God's kingdom.

Key Scripture References

• 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 - In these verses, the Apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church, pointing out that they are still behaving like infants in Christ. He notes that they should be moving on to mature spiritual understanding and behavior.
• Ephesians 4:11-13 - This passage highlights the role of spiritual leaders in equipping believers for works of service. However, it also emphasizes that each believer has a responsibility to grow up into Christ's likeness, putting away childish things like selfishness and immaturity.
• 1 John 2:12-14 - In this passage, the Apostle John writes about spiritual growth and maturity, encouraging believers to move beyond their initial stages of faith. He reminds them that they have an Advocate (the Holy Spirit) living within them, guiding them into all truth.
• Hebrews 5:11-14 - This passage warns against the danger of spiritual stagnation and immaturity. It encourages believers to press on towards maturity, leaving behind childish behaviors like selfishness and rebellion.
• Galatians 5:13-15 - In this passage, Paul reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are not bound by the law of sin and death. Rather, we have been set free to live according to the Spirit, putting away sinful behaviors like selfishness and immaturity.
• Romans 6:1-2 - This passage emphasizes the importance of spiritual transformation, encouraging believers to put off their old selves (with all their childish behaviors) and put on their new selves in Christ. We are reminded that our old self was crucified with Christ, so we should no longer live according to its sinful desires.
• Colossians 1:28-29 - In this passage, Paul writes about the goal of his ministry: presenting every person mature and fully committed to Christ. He reminds us that we have a responsibility to grow up into Christ's likeness, putting away childish things like selfishness and immaturity.

Key Takeaways

• We must recognize that spiritual maturity is not just about knowledge or experience, but also about behavior and character. As followers of Christ, we are called to put away childish excuses and behaviors, embracing the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
• Spiritual growth and maturity require effort and intentionality. We must be willing to leave behind sinful behaviors like selfishness and immaturity, and instead choose to live according to the Spirit.
• The presence of the Holy Spirit within us is not just for personal comfort or convenience; it's for serving others and advancing God's kingdom. We should seek to maximize this power and wisdom in our lives.
• Spiritual leaders have a responsibility to equip believers for works of service, but each believer also has a role to play in growing up into Christ's likeness. We must take ownership of our spiritual growth and maturity.

This Week's Challenge

This week, take time to reflect on areas where you may be stuck in childish behaviors or excuses. Identify one specific area where you feel trapped, and commit to putting away that behavior this week. Also, seek out a spiritual leader or mentor who can help guide you in your spiritual growth and maturity.

Reflection Questions

• What are some areas of my life where I'm still behaving like an infant in Christ? What steps can I take to put away those childish behaviors this week?
• How can I maximize the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit within me, using it to serve others and advance God's kingdom?
• What are some ways I can intentionally grow up into Christ's likeness, leaving behind sinful behaviors like selfishness and immaturity? What resources or support do I need to make this happen?