Below the Waterline: Growing Maturity as a Disciple

A few years ago, I did a series called, 'Below the Waterline', looking into our inner world as disciples. I will be continuing this series as I look at the lives of Saul, David, Abraham, the Good Samaritan, and the early church. This looking into our inner world is about growing maturity.

1 Sam 15:1-35

Maturity as a disciple is measured by this picture of Christ likeness—whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

I thought as a child that I would mature by just getting older. Unfortunately, that is not the case as it isn’t a passive process. Like building up our physical health or mental health, intentional and regular awareness and action is required. Growing in spiritual maturity is the same. Paul urges us in Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV:

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

Maturity as a disciple is measured by this picture of Christ likeness—whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

We will see in Saul’s life (1 Sam 15) that he looked like a king but lived a self-indulgent and self-focused life. Doing things his way rather than God’s way. He was not self-aware but arrogant and superficial.

I pray as we journey below the waterline that you are encouraged to continue to work with Jesus in growing in maturity into his likeness.

God bless.

Pastor Stephen