Jesus isn’t interested in appearances—He’s after the heart. Real maturity isn’t measured by what we do on the outside, but by how we’ve been transformed by His love.
REVIEW: Jesus Reveals What’s Inside – Maturity Misunderstood
- READ: Luke 7:36-50 — “Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”
- DISCUSS: Have you ever judged someone’s spiritual maturity by how they looked or acted externally? How does Jesus challenge our assumptions?
REVIEW: A Mark of Maturity – Humility
- READ: Philippians 2:3 & 1 Peter 5:5b-6 — “Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves... God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
- DISCUSS: What makes humility so difficult to pursue? How do you know when someone is truly humble?
REVIEW: A Mark of Maturity – Hopefulness
- READ: Matthew 7:1-5 — “Do not judge, or you too will be judged… First deal with your log, then you can help your neighbor with his or her speck.”
- DISCUSS: When have you seen someone experience radical transformation through Jesus? How does hope in Christ change the way we see others?
REVIEW: A Mark of Maturity – Generosity
- READ: Acts 20:35 — “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
- DISCUSS: Are you more of a giver or a taker in your relationships? What would it look like to live more generously with your time, attention, and resources?
REVIEW: A Mark of Maturity – Boldness
- READ: Hebrews 11:6 — “And it is impossible to please God without faith.”
- DISCUSS: What’s holding you back from going all in with Jesus? Where is He inviting you to take a bold step of faith?
REVIEW: A Mark of Maturity – Freedom
- READ: Galatians 5:1 — “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
- DISCUSS: Who appears more free in the story—Simon or the woman? How does love free us to live like Jesus?
ASK:
What else did you get from this week's sermon? What actions or next steps can you take to apply it to your life?
PRAY:Father, we confess that too often we care more about looking mature than actually becoming like Jesus. We compare, compete, and try to control. But You invite us into something better. Thank You for loving us completely and freely. Teach us to walk in humility, to be filled with hope, to live generously, to worship boldly, and to rest in the freedom only You can give. Mature us, Jesus. We want to be more like You. In Your name we pray, Amen.
INVITATION TO RESPOND:
This week, reflect on what real maturity looks like in God’s kingdom.
Here are some steps you can take:
- Practice humility: Choose to serve someone this week without recognition.
- Speak hope: Encourage someone others may overlook.
- Give generously: Share your time, money, or resources with someone in need.
- Worship boldly: Let your love for Jesus overflow in worship and witness.
- Walk in freedom: Release yourself from shame and live in grace.
Jesus didn’t come to make us look good—He came to make us new. Let’s live like it.