Faith without religion.
Spiritual Maturity and the Mind of God
In a recent teaching, we delved into the complexities of understanding the mind of God as presented in 1st Corinthians 3.1-2. The Apostle Paul contrasts the spiritual person with the carnal, emphasizing that true understanding of God’s mind comes not from human wisdom but through the Spirit. This distinction is crucial as Paul highlights the difference between possessing the mind of Christ and knowing the mind of God, raising questions about the nature of the Trinity.
Paul’s message to the Corinthians is clear: spiritual maturity is essential. He likens the believers to infants in Christ, only able to digest the “milk” of the Word, not yet ready for the “meat” of deeper spiritual truths. This immaturity, Paul suggests, is due to their reliance on worldly wisdom rather than spiritual insight.
The teaching underscores the importance of moving beyond basic understanding to mature in faith. This maturity is not just about knowledge but about embodying the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and more. Paul urges believers to renew their minds through the Word, the Spirit, and Christ Himself, the embodiment of truth.
Ultimately, spiritual maturity leads to unity within the faith, protection from apostasy, and the ability to bear fruit in love. As believers grow, they move from being carnal to spiritual, from milk to meat, and from division to unity, reflecting the transformative power of the Spirit in their lives.