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A Practical Guide to Spiritual Maturity

The Book of James has been described by some as a guide to integrity. Others view it as a practical study guide for living the Christian life, and still others believe it is a call from spiritual immaturity to being fully mature in Christ. Combining several of these ideas, I recently taught a series of lessons I entitled, "A Practical Guide to Spiritual Maturity."

I used several resources to understand the intent of this short but compelling letter (resources are listed at the end of this study guide). After studying the book carefully, I believe James is truly calling believers to spiritual maturity. We can see how James would define spiritual maturity in the following areas:

Spiritual Maturity in Our Relationship with God
Spiritual Maturity in Our Inner Life
Spiritual Maturity in Our Relationships with Others

This study guide carefully looks at James in light of three questions we should ask ourselves when we study Scripture:

What does this passage teach me about God?

What does God expect from me?
How am I going to respond?

We will begin with a brief overview of what we can learn about God in James. Then we will look at what God expects from us, and how to respond so that we mature in our relationship with God, our inner life, and our relationships with others.

This e-newsletter only covers the first three chapters of James. Consider studying the entire book of James with your leadership team-follow this outline and discover truths about spiritual maturity together. You will be amazed at the insight James packs into five short chapters!

What Do We Learn about God from the Book of James?

God uses trials to develop perseverance, and perseverance leads to maturity (1:2-4).
He wants us to be mature and complete, not lacking anything (1:4).
God gives wisdom in every circumstance when we ask and believe (1:5).
God will give an eternal crown of life to those who persevere (1:12).
God never tempts us (1:13).
Every good thing in our life is from God (1:17).
God is unchanging (1:17).
God cares a great deal about the words we speak (1:26; 3:1-12).
He wants us to help care for the helpless (1:27).
He doesn't want us to show favoritism (2:1-11).
God expects our behavior to reflect our faith (2:14-25).
God's wisdom is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, good fruit, impartial, and sincere (3:13-18).

What Does God Expect from Me, and How Can I Respond?

1. Spiritual Maturity in Our Relationship with God

We can formulate some practical questions based on verses in the Book of James. Our honest answers will guide us toward maturity in our relationship with God:

Do I trust God to work His purposes in and through my difficulties? Or do I begrudge difficulties and question God's goodness? (1:2-8)
Do I seek God's wisdom and believe that He will truly guide me? Or do I doubt His ability to lead? (1:5-8)
Do I recognize that every good gift is from God's hand? Or am I ungrateful and demanding? (1:17)
Do I humbly accept God's Word and allow it to produce righteousness in my life? (1:21-25)

As my relationship with God matures, these behaviors will be the most prominent:

Seek God and draw close to Him.
Believe God will do what He says.
Accept and obey His Word.
Repent sincerely when I sin.
Consider His will in all decisions.
Pray about everything.
Trust God completely-knowing that He will work out every situation for my good.

2. Spiritual Maturity in Our Inner Life

Let's define our inner life as the core of who we are. It may not be fully visible to others, but our attitudes, actions, and words are a clear reflection of the condition of our inner life.

Here are practical questions and verses from James that will guide us to maturity:

Do I experience joy in the midst of trials-knowing that God is working through them? (1:2)
Do I allow difficulties to develop perseverance? Or do I begrudge them? (1:2-4, 12)
Do I desire genuine humility of heart? (1:9, 4:6)
Do I understand that some temptation comes from my flesh, and do I know how to overcome those temptations? (1:13)
Am I selfish or envious? (3:13-16)

As I mature, these attitudes will become more prominent in my inner life:

Joyful
Persevering
Full of faith
Humble
Patient
Selfless
Self-controlled and disciplined

3. Spiritual Maturity in Our Relationships with Others

Here are practical questions and verses from James that will guide us to maturity as we interact with others:

Am I quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry? (1:19)
Do I keep a tight rein on my tongue? (1:26, 3:3-12)
Do I help care for those who can't care for themselves? (1:27)
Do I show favoritism? Or do I discriminate? (2:1-11)
Am I full of mercy? Or am I harsh, critical and judgmental? (2:12,13; 4:11,12; 5:9)
Is my love for God and others demonstrated by good deeds? (2:14-26)

Spiritual maturity can be seen most clearly in our interactions with others. As I mature, I will be:

Quick to listen
Quick to do good
Quick to show mercy
Quick to make peace
Quick to desire God's wisdom
Slow to speak
Slow to become angry
Determined not to discriminate
Determined not to be judgmental
Determined not be quarrelsome
Determined not to gossip or slander

Now it's your turn! Study the rest of James so that you can mature in your relationship with God, your inner life, and your relationships with others. Use the three questions: