Spiritual Maturity and Inner Turmoil in Christian Life
Spiritual maturity in Christian life is characterized by a deeper understanding and experience of faith, leading to a greater knowledge of God's Son [2]. This maturity is not an absence of inner turmoil or suffering, but rather a development in how one navigates these challenges. The Apostle John identifies different stages of spiritual maturity, categorizing individuals as God's children, the young in faith, and the mature in faith [3].
A key aspect of spiritual maturity is the ability to discern between right and wrong [4]. This discernment is likened to "strong meat" that belongs to those of "full age" or who are "perfect," distinguishing them from those who are still like infants needing milk [7]. Maturity in understanding involves considering the purpose of spiritual gifts rather than treating them as ends in themselves [5]. The ultimate standard of this maturity is Christ himself, with the Spirit's work transforming individuals to be fully like Christ [2]. This transformation is rooted in Christ making his home in one's heart, which is presented as the source of spiritual power for life and ministry [9].
Despite growth in maturity, inner turmoil and suffering are not necessarily absent from the Christian experience. The psalmist expresses profound inner struggle, asking, "How long shall I take counsel within myself, having weariness daily in mine heart?" [1]. This reflects a common human experience of internal conflict and distress. The New Testament also acknowledges that suffering for faith is often an expected part of Christian life [6]. This suggests that spiritual maturity does not exempt one from hardship but rather equips one to face it with greater understanding and resilience.
The concept of being spiritually joined to Christ is fundamental to Christian life [8]. This union means that one's body becomes part of Christ, emphasizing a profound connection that influences all aspects of existence [8]. While justification is complete for all, regardless of their stage of faith, the work of sanctification, though imperfect in this life, can be more developed in some individuals than others [7]. This ongoing process of sanctification contributes to spiritual maturity, even as inner struggles persist.
Sources
- Psalms “Psalms 13:2 (Geneva1599) — How long shall I take counsell within my selfe, hauing wearinesse dayly in mine heart? how long shall mine enemie be exalted aboue me?”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 4:13: 4:13 The goal of ministry is for the whole Christian community to understand and experience the Christian faith more deeply and gain a deeper knowledge of God’s Son. In this way, believers will be mature in the Lord (see 1 Cor 2:6; 14:20; Phil 3:15; Col 1:28; 4:12; cp. Heb 5:14; Jas 1:4; 3:2). The standard of maturity is Christ himself; the Spirit’s transforming work is to make people fully like Christ (Rom 8:29).”
- 1 John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 John 2:12: 2:12-14 John gives three classes of believers at various stages of spiritual maturity: God’s children, the young in the faith (literally young people), and the mature in the faith (literally fathers).”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 5:14: 5:14 Being able to recognize the difference between right and wrong is a defining characteristic of spiritual maturity.”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 14:20: 14:20 To be mature in understanding such matters, one must consider the purpose of spiritual gifts and not treat them as ends in themselves for one’s own enjoyment.”
- 1 Thessalonians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Thessalonians 3:3: 3:3 we are destined for such troubles: Suffering for the faith is often part of a Christian’s life (1:6; 2:14; Phil 1:29; 1 Pet 1:6; 2:21; 3:17; 4:19).”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 5:13: But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age,.... Or perfect; see Co1 2:6. This does not intend a perfection of justification; for though some have a greater degree of faith than others, and a clearer discovery of their justification, yet babes in Christ are as perfectly justified as more grown and experienced believers; nor a perfection of sanctification, for there is no perfection of holiness but in Christ; and though the work of sanctification may be in greater perfection in one saint than in another, yet all are imperfect in this life; and as to a perfe”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 6:15: 6:15-17 To be a Christian is to be spiritually joined to Christ in both life and death (cp. Rom 6:3-11). As a result, believers’ bodies have become parts of Christ (cp. 1 Cor 12:12-28; Rom 12:4-5). This spiritual union (cp. John 14:20; 17:21-23) means that they are not free to violate their bodies by physical union with a prostitute.”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 3:17: 3:17 Having Christ . . . make his home in your hearts is the source of spiritual power for life and ministry (see John 14:16-17, 23; 15:4-5; Gal 2:20).”