## Our Growth to Spiritual Maturity

## John 15:1-11

We have talked about what spiritual maturity is, discussed some of the hindrances to it, and we have looked at the symptoms of spiritual immaturity. Tonight I want to go a step farther and consider what is needed for us to grow or mature spiritually.

As we begin to consider our growth to spiritual maturity, we must first lay some foundation upon which to build. Paul told us that foundation was Christ. cf 1Co. 3:10-11.

I. Spiritual growth is founded on our union with Jesus Christ. cf Jn. 15:1-11

A. This thought may seem to be unworthy of our discussion, but it isn't.

B. It should not be taken for granted that everyone accepts this basic truth.

1. Who might not believe this?

2. Those who believe they must earn their salvation.

3. Those who seek spirituality apart from belief in Christ: Pagan religions

C. From the very moment of union with Christ spiritual growth begins: from the very instant that we are born again.

II. Spiritual growth is maintained by the Father's cultivation. v2

A. 'Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away:'

1. What is meant by this verse?

2. It isn't teaching that a Christian can lose their salvation! that contradicts what Jesus had said in John 10:28-30

3. The subject here is fruit-bearing and when a branch no longer bears fruit it becomes worthless and is removed.

4. Paul was concerned that his service might become worthless, that is why he maintained self-discipline so as not to become a 'castaway'

B. 'And every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that It may bring forth more fruit.'

1. Purgeth = pruning

2. The purpose is that it may bring forth more fruit.

3. This may seem to be an unexciting time of our lives.

4. It is a time of growth and shaping; very necessary to fruit-bearing later on.

a. In the earlier years of a plant the basic function of pruning is to shape the plant and prepare it for fruit-bearing.

b. The further pruning is to produce a balance between new growth and the production of fruit.

c. The skill and wisdom of the husbandman is seen in his ability distinguish between adequate pruning and too much!

C. What is the application of these principles?

1. God intervenes in our lives, bringing painful experiences, allowing us times of sorrow and disappointment.

2. We are tested, but not beyond what we can bear. I Cor. 10:13

3. We experience sorrow, but it is in order that we may be comforted and be a comfort to others. II Cor. 1:3-4

III. Spiritual growth is dependent upon our abiding in Christ.

A. What does it mean to abide in Christ?

1. I John 3:24

2. The focus of attention, therefore, is on the Words of Christ, His commands, and our obedience to them.

3. It is not by some special or mystical experience that we abide in Christ.

B. Notice Ephesians 5:18-19.

1. Here we have a clear command to 'be filled with the Spirit'.

2. Paul does not explain how we are to achieve this.

3. But he does give us an indication of the results of being filled with the Spirit in v19.

4. Now consider Col. 3:16, the equation is unavoidable: we will be filled with the Spirit insofar as we allow the Word of Christ to dwell richly in us.

C. Our spiritual responsibility.

1. We must let the Word into our minds.

a. What happens if a Christian fails to recognize the importance of daily reading, prayer, and listening to God through His Word?

b. They will not bear fruit and will begin to wither thereby becoming worthless!

2. We must let the Word influence our will's.

a. The mind is often a slave to our feelings and so is our will.

b. It should be the aim of every Christian to have his will directed by the will of God as revealed by Scripture.

c. This leads to a life of obedience and in turn leads to a life of fruitfulness.

Tonight we have considered some very basic truths concerning spiritual growth. Our growth is dependent upon our relationship with Christ. We draw life from Him, we are totally dependent upon Him for everything, but our obedience to Him leads to a fruitful life that honors Him.