𝗜𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝘃𝘀. 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗕𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥

IMMATURE BELIEVER vs. MATURED BELIEVER

From Carnality to Christlikeness
Key Text: Ephesians 4:15 (KJV)
Doctrinal Foundation: 1 Corinthians 2–3; Ephesians 4; Colossians 1–3

INTRODUCTION

Not every believer grows at the same rate.
Salvation is instant, but spiritual maturity is progressive.

Believers are complete in Christ positionally,
but must grow doctrinally and practically.
Paul rebuked saved people — not for sin alone, but for remaining babes.

STATUS — Babes in Christ vs Saints in Christ
1 Corinthians 3:1 | Ephesians 1:1

A. Immature Believer: A Babe — Saved, yet undeveloped
B. Matured Believer: A Saint — Saved and sanctified in walk
C. Same Salvation, Different Growth
Truth:
Every believer is a saint by position, but not all live like one.

SUSTENANCE — Milk Only vs Meat of the Word
1 Corinthians 3:2 | Hebrews 5:14

A. Milk Drinker — Basic truths only
B. Meat Eater — Deep doctrine digested
C. Discernment Developed
Pauline Insight:
Rightly divided doctrine matures the believer.

SENSE — Carnal Mind vs Renewed Mind
Romans 8:5–6 | Romans 12:2

A. Flesh-Driven Thinking — Worldly focus
B. Spirit-Renewed Thinking — Heavenly perspective
C. Mind Governs Maturity
Dispensational Emphasis:
Transformation happens through doctrine, not emotion.

SUBMISSION — Self-Centered vs God-Centered
Philippians 2:21 | Romans 12:1

A. Immature: Serves Self
B. Mature: Submits to God’s Will
C. Surrender Marks Growth
Pauline Pattern:
Maturity is measured by yieldedness.

STABILITY — Easily Shaken vs Sound in Doctrine
Ephesians 4:14 | Colossians 2:7

A. Tossed by Every Wind — False teaching
B. Rooted and Built Up — Sound doctrine
C. Stability Comes from Truth
Warning:
Immaturity invites deception.

STEPS — Walking in Flesh vs Walking in Spirit
Galatians 5:16 | Romans 8:4

A. Flesh-Led Walk — Carnal habits
B. Spirit-Led Walk — Grace-driven obedience
C. Daily Choice
Pauline Balance:
Walking in the Spirit is learned, not automatic.

SPEECH — Complaining Tongue vs Christ-Edifying Tongue
1 Corinthians 3:3 | Ephesians 4:29

A. Carnal Speech — Strife and division
B. Edifying Speech — Grace to hearers
C. Mouth Reveals Maturity
Right Division Application:
Grace should flavor our words (Colossians 4:6).

SERVICE — Self-Serving vs Body-Building
1 Corinthians 12:7 | Ephesians 4:12

A. Immature: Consumes Only
B. Mature: Contributes Faithfully
C. Ministry Is Evidence of Growth
Pauline Teaching:
Mature believers serve the Body of Christ.

STRIVING — Staying a Babe vs Growing into Christ
Ephesians 4:15 | Colossians 1:28

A. Growth Is God’s Desire
B. Christ Is the Goal
C. Maturity Glorifies God
Conclusion:
God’s purpose is not just saved people — but settled, sound, strong believers.

CONCLUSION

Immature Believer
Carnal
Confused
Self-focused

Matured Believer
Doctrinal
Disciplined
Christ-centered
Salvation puts you in Christ
Growth makes Christ seen in you

CALL TO ACTION

Commit to sound doctrine
Study rightly divided truth
Grow beyond spiritual infancy
Walk in the Spirit daily
Build the Body of Christ

“Till we all come… unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.”
— Ephesians 4:13

FINAL THOUGHTS

Status revealed
Sustenance required
Sense renewed
Submission learned
Stability grounded
Steps directed
Speech sanctified
Service supplied
Stature attained

DON’T STAY A BABE
GROW IN GRACE
RIGHTLY DIVIDE
MATURITY GLORIFIES CHRIST