By Prophet John Tunke Bisina
TEXT: Hebrews 5:12–14; 1 Corinthians 3:1–3; Ephesians 4:11–15
SPIRITUAL immaturity is a condition where a believer remains stunted in growth, unable to grasp or live out the deeper truths of God’s Word. While every Christian begins the journey of faith as a “babe in Christ” (1 Peter 2:2), God’s ultimate desire is that we “grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Failure to grow leaves a believer vulnerable to deception and defeat, unfruitful, and ineffective in God’s kingdom.
The Scriptures show that spiritual immaturity often reveals itself in several ways. Some remain dependent on others for every aspect of their faith, constantly needing to be spoon-fed with the basics and never pressing on to deeper truths (Heb 5:12–13). Others display moral dullness, being unable to discern between good and evil (Heb 5:14). Many show carnality through envy, strife, and divisions, just as Paul rebuked the Corinthians (1 Cor 3:1–3). Still others fall away easily in times of testing because they lack endurance (Mat 13:20–21), or they neglect prayer and watchfulness, thereby exposing themselves to temptation (Mat 26:41).
The causes of such immaturity are not far-fetched. Some fail to grow because of ignorance of God’s Word (Hosea 4:6), while others have become sluggish in hearing, showing little appetite for spiritual truth (Heb 5:11). Many are tossed about by false teachings, unable to stand firm in sound doctrine (Eph 4:14). Still others are ensnared by worldliness, loving the things of the world more than the things of God (Mat 13: 22). At the root of it all often lies slothfulness and complacency, a failure to be diligent in the things of the Spirit (Rom 12:11; Prov 24:30–31).
Spiritual immaturity comes with serious setbacks. An immature believer remains vulnerable to deception, swayed by every new teaching (Ephe 4:14). They are unable to teach or disciple others, though by now they ought to be teachers (Heb 5:12). Their fruitfulness in Christ is hindered, leaving them barren and unproductive (2 Peter 1:8–9). Immaturity also breeds instability, for the double-minded person is unstable in all his ways (James 1:6–8). Above all, it delays the enjoyment of the full inheritance God intends for His children, leaving them like heirs who remain as servants because they have not matured (Gal 4:1–3).
Yet God has made provision for His people to grow. Believers must desire the Word deeply, for it is by the Word that growth comes (1 Peter 2:2). They must study it diligently and obey it, rightly dividing and applying its truths (2 Tim 2:15; James 1:22). Spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, fellowship, and worship strengthen the inner man and promote maturity (Acts 2:42; 1 Thes 5:17).
Growth also requires dependence on the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth and transforms the believer into Christ’s image (John 16:13; Gal 5:16). Furthermore, disciple-making is key; as we are taught, we must also teach others (2 Tim 2:2). Above all, there must be a determined pursuit of Christlikeness, pressing toward the goal of maturity and conformity to Him (Phil 3:12–14; Col 1:28).
Spiritual immaturity is not God’s will for His people. The call of Scripture is clear: “Let us go on to perfection” (Heb 6:1). To remain stagnant in infancy is to be weak, worldly, and unfruitful. But when we pursue growth through the Word, the Spirit, and steadfast discipline, we can become mature, fruitful, and established in Christ.
Truly, spiritual immaturity keeps believers weak and vulnerable, but spiritual maturity equips us to live strong, fruitful lives to the glory of God. The challenge before every believer is this: Will we remain spiritual babes, or will we press on to maturity in Christ?
…Delivered during the Tuesday Scripture Exposition Service at the OLD TIME POWER CHURCH on Sept 30, 2025. Subscribe to our Youtube channel@Oldtimepowerchurch & follow us on Facebook.com/Old Time Power Church.
