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Growing in Spiritual Maturity

1 Coríntios 13:11 / 1 Corinthians 13:11

Preached by:Pr Boris Carvalho
Preached on:May 3, 2026

Weekly Devotional


Growing in Spiritual Maturity

Based on the message about growth, spiritual maturity, mind renewal, and positioning in the Kingdom of God.


Monday — It's Not All About Me

Key Text

1 Corinthians 13:11

“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I gave up childish ways.”


Reflection

One of the clearest marks of spiritual immaturity is thinking everything revolves around us. An immature person interprets correction as attack, words as indirect insults, and process as rejection. But Paul shows that growing requires abandoning childish logic. A child lives in “give me”; a mature child lives in “here I am”. Mature faith understands that God's promises are not just for satisfying personal desires, but to form people who serve, build, and carry purpose.


Practical Application

Today, observe your prayers and desires. Do they end only with you or do they also reach other people? Pray for someone, serve someone, and ask God to remove the “give me” mindset from your heart.


Prayer

Lord, mature my heart. Deliver me from living a faith centered only on myself. Teach me to seek Your Kingdom, to serve people, and to grow as a mature child before You. Amen.


Tuesday — Growth Begins in the Mind

Key Text

Romans 12:2

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”


Reflection

Many people wait for life to change before changing their posture. But in the Kingdom of God, transformation begins within. The mind must be renewed before growth can appear externally. Those who think small react small. Those who think like children remain stuck waiting for perfect circumstances. God does not call mature people because they have everything prepared; He matures those who choose to obey before seeing the results.


Practical Application

Identify a phrase that has limited you: “when I have more time,” “when I earn more,” “when things improve.” Replace that excuse with a concrete action today.


Prayer

Father, renew my mind. Help me not to wait for perfect conditions to obey. Teach me to think in accordance with Your Word and to act as someone who trusts in Your promises. Amen.


Wednesday — Time at Church Is Not Maturity

Key Text

Hebrews 5:12

“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God.”


Reflection

Time can pass without generating growth. It is possible to be in church for years and still need spiritual milk. Maturity is not measured by age, position, time of conversion, or accumulated knowledge. Maturity is measured by how much the Word has transformed our reactions, decisions, conversations, priorities, and relationships. Those who mature do not just listen; they practice. They do not just receive; they share. They do not just learn; they teach through their lives.


Practical Application

Ask honestly: in which area do I still react like a child? In marriage, finances, cell group, work, criticism, frustration? Choose one of these areas and practice a mature response today.


Prayer

Lord, I do not want to merely age in faith. I want to grow. May Your Word transform my attitudes, reactions, and my way of treating people. Make me mature in Christ. Amen.


Thursday — Growing Hurts, But It's Necessary

Key Text

Ephesians 4:15

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”


Reflection

Spiritual growth does not happen without resistance. People will contradict us, misinterpret, frustrate expectations, and expose areas that still need to be addressed. The immature run away: changing churches, groups, jobs, or relationships. The mature ask, “Lord, what do You want to form in me through this?” Not every pain is an attack; some pains are tools of God to shape character. Christ was misinterpreted, hurt, and rejected, yet remained obedient.


Practical Application

Before reacting to a difficult situation, pause and pray: “God, what do You want to teach me here?” Do not flee the process before discerning the purpose.


Prayer

Holy Spirit, grant me resilience. Do not let me run from every confrontation or discomfort. Use the processes to shape the character of Christ in me and help me grow in love and truth. Amen.


Friday — Growing to Serve

Key Text

Ephesians 4:13

“Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”


Reflection

God does not call us to a childish, fragile faith centered on personal benefits. He desires to form mature men and women capable of carrying purpose, serving people, leading with humility, opening homes, discipling, praying for conversions, and living as witnesses of the Kingdom. True growth does not end in status but in service. Those who grow stop asking, “What can God do for me?” and start asking, “How does God want to use me to reach others?”.


Practical Application

Write a spiritual growth target for this week: invite someone to the cell group, serve in an area, disciple someone, pray for a conversion, or make space for fellowship.


Prayer

Jesus, I want to grow to serve. Remove all passivity, every small mindset, and every fear. Form in me maturity to carry Your purpose and bless other lives. Amen.