Are You a Mature Christian?

26 May

In the last few weeks, Paul has been making various comparisons and analogies to show us how we are saved by faith alone. Today, he continues with his illustrations, to ensure that we get the message; we are saved by faith alone, not by works. And in today’s scripture, he does so by drawing an analogy to children. That before we come to understand Christ, we are like children, immature and enslaved by the law. For us to become mature, we need to embrace the truth of God’s grace, so that we can understand the blessings He has in store for us, so that we can be transformed into the image of His son.

Scripture

Galatians 4:1-3 ESV I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, (2) but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. (3) In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.

Bible Study Questions

Children are slaves

In the first verse for this morning, Paul says that heirs are slaves. What do you think Paul means by this?

Galatians 4:1 ESV I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything,

Proverbs 13:22 ESV A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.

Ephesians 1:11-14 ESV In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Ownership without maturity

Paul is implying that although we may have an inheritance as heirs, it means nothing until we are ready to receive the inheritance. What do you think Paul means by this, and how does it apply to our lives today?

Galatians 4:1 ESV I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything,

1 Corinthians 14:20 ESV Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.

Ephesians 4:14-15 ESV So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

OT parallels

Of course, Paul is using children as heirs to draw a powerful illustration. He is saying that the children are under their masters and keepers while they are young. What is he drawing comparison to?

Galatians 4:2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father.

John 1:17 ESV For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:20 ESV For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

Modern law

In verse 3, Paul draws his attention to the fact that we were like children before we came to know Christ. And like children, we were under the law. We don’t live by the OT laws anymore, so what are the modern day equivalents to the OT law?

Galatians 4:3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 ESV For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

2 Corinthians 10:17-18 ESV Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

Remaining immature

Paul teaches us that we are saved by grace and justified by our faith. And yet, many Christians in the world, and even our own church don’t grow past the point of justification, never coming to know the true plans God has for us. Why is this?

Galatians 4:3 ESV In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.

Luke 8:17 ESV For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.

James 1:12-18 ESV 12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.[a] 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

1 Timothy 6:9-10 ESV But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

It all comes to the cross

At the end of the day, when it comes to growing to maturity, every one of us has a ceiling. A point at which we feel we cannot go past. Because growing in maturity is a difficult process. It’s not all sunshine and roses, we need to kill the evil desires that feel so good inside us. How do we do this?

Galatians 4:3 ESV In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.

Romans 7:18-19 ESV For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. (19) For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Philippians 4:8 ESV Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Comprehend the cross

To grow in our maturity, we need to understand what the cross symbolises and what it means to us and how we live our lives. How are you living your life today, and is it bringing you closer to Jesus and growing your maturity? Or are you growing further away from Chist and making you more childlike?

Martin Lamberti