Spiritual Maturity

God calls individuals who grow in spiritual maturity and discernment to take on leadership roles and reject the false doctrines and practices that have infiltrated the church throughout history. As Jesus warned:

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.” Matthew 7:15

The Apostle Paul also cautioned churches in Acts 20:29, pointing out that individuals would rise from within the church like predatory wolves. Their intent is often harmful, driven by evil and selfish motives, and they may spread false teachings that threaten the faith community. Surprisingly, the Holy Spirit may allow this to happen, highlighting the reality that there will always be those who exploit the gifts of the Holy Spirit without allowing Him to transform their lives.

So, how can we discern whether someone who displays spiritual gifts such as miracles and divine healing is living a genuine or secret life? The answer is straightforward. Jesus taught us to evaluate individuals by the fruit they produce in their lives—their actions, choices, and what emerges from their hearts.

“For there is no good tree that produces rotten fruit; nor again a rotten tree that produces good fruit.” Luke 6:43

“By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles?”  Matthew 7:16

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control” Galatians 5:22-23

The gifts of the Holy Spirit provide edification, encouragement, and comfort, serving to spread the Good News of salvation. However, misusing these gifts for personal gain instead of using them to care for others can lead to severe consequences:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’ Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’ Matthew 7: 21-23

We can find a vivid example of this in the life of King Saul. Despite his initial calling to serve God, Saul regularly disobeyed divine commands, exposing him to an evil spirit. Interestingly, while pursuing David, Saul passed through a valley where God’s prophets were prophesying. The Holy Spirit came upon him in that unique moment, and he began to prophesy!

“Saul sent the messengers to see David, saying, ‘Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may kill him.’ … He went there to Naioth in Ramah. Then God’s Spirit came on him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah. He also stripped off his clothes, and he also prophesied before Samuel, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Therefore they say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” 1 Sam. 19:15, 23, 24

As stated in Ephesians 6:12, we are in a battle against invisible powers of darkness, not against human adversaries. This understanding urges us to practice patience and refrain from rushing to judgment. A new believer might sometimes appear suspicious or act in ways that raise questions about their motives. Jesus cautioned us to remain vigilant and to approach such situations with wisdom.

Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ ‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’” Matthew 13: 24-30 (NIV)

The Bible offers numerous accounts of both good and evil individuals. A notable example is found in Numbers 31, which tells the story of Balaam, a greedy man and false prophet. Despite receiving a divine mission and multiple opportunities to repent, Balaam chose disobedience and ultimately met his end with the sword.

Conclusion

We are honored and entrusted with the responsibility of building each other up, strengthening our community, and serving one another sincerely. The Scriptures in 1 Corinthians 12 remind us to utilize our God-given gifts effectively. As leaders, our role extends beyond simply using our gifts; we must also create opportunities for other believers to discover and deploy their unique gifts.

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Questions:

1. The Holy Spirit alone determines and divides spiritual gifts among the believers according to his discretion.
2. Only those who speak unknown languages are born again and filled with the Holy Spirit.
3. Forcing everyone to speak in unknown languages will hurt the church.
4. Prophets reveal the truth or the secrets of the past or present, foretell future events, or bring a new message from God.