Grow Up: Maturity That Matters

A Reflection from Pastor Loren Regier

These weekly reminders accompany our Sunday morning series at Bible Baptist Church, Rooted in Christ. Each post offers key thoughts drawn from our journey through Paul’s letter to the Colossians.

My prayer is that these reminders will take root in your heart and bring forth fruit in your walk with Christ.

Paul reminds us that the true north in the compass of our lives is Christ. He must be the Head, the First, the Best, and the End-all in our pursuit of truth. Our thoughts this week spring from Colossians 1:25–2:7.

“Would you please, grow up!”

How many times do we hear that comment from frustrated parents to childish children—or even from wives to silly husbands who are acting too much like children! We expect that in children, but not so much in husbands.

As Paul ends chapter one, his heart exposes his great desire to see the Colossian church grow up. Not because of their silliness or naivete, but simply because they are young in Christ—and because of the great need for maturity in the face of divergent and false doctrines at Colossae.

He declares his desire for deep roots of faith. He says in verses 27–29, it is for the growth of the believers that:

“I labor and strive.”

The Greek word kopiao means “I labor to the point of exhaustion,” and the word strive is from the word we translate as agonize.

Like any true pastor or parent, Paul’s heart was deeply moved for development in his followers. He wanted them to develop deep roots that were vital for Christian living. He is serious about growth—and the Spirit of God has the same desire for us.

Five Measures of Maturity (Colossians 2:2–7)

1. Develop a Strong Heart (Col. 2:2)

“A strong and encouraged heart” is Paul’s concern in chapter two:

“That their hearts might be comforted.”

The original indicates a need for a heart that is firmly grounded and encouraged for the battles they face.

Mature people are not easily dissuaded away from their mission, doctrines, calling, and purpose—while immature believers are constantly drifting off mission.

My father-in-law used a saying for his young helpers on the farm:

“One boy is a helper. Two boys are half a helper. Three boys are no help at all!”

They are easily distracted. The distractions of the false teachers at Colossae caused Paul to yearn for the strength of heart needed to face these concerns.

Are you strong enough to stand against the distractions of the devil?

2. Develop a Loving Spirit (Col. 2:2)

The phrase that follows in verse 2 is:

That the believers would be "knit together in love."

Paul may have been thinking of the many tents he had laced together when he used that word for the spirit of the church.

Unity is precious in the church. Like our Lord prayed in His high priestly prayer (John 17), He longed for the church to be united in close community. The early church became known for their love and loyalty to each other.

It is true of mature believers that while we are protective of sound doctrine, we are also to be known by our ability to settle strife and bring peace to the culture of the church through selfless acts of love.

If your church is always infighting, there is a great possibility that it lacks the maturity to prioritize what is most important.

Doctrine both divides and unites. Not every hill should be a hill to die on. We are to be both steadfast and abounding.

Paul was clear: the centrality of the Gospel and the shared display of love between believers would be the best apologetic for the reality of saving faith.

Would unbelievers be attracted by our unity?
Are you a peace-maker or a troublemaker?

3. Develop a Resolute Mind (Col. 2:2)

Paul wanted the believers to come to a:

“Full assurance of understanding.”

The Greek word for understanding implies that they were to reach a place where doctrine was applied to life.

The problem with false doctrine is that it is not usually blatantly wrong or completely false. It often comes dressed in cloaks of righteous-sounding phrases and looks acceptable—but upon close investigation, the lives of the false teachers are found empty, immoral, and greedy for money.

It takes a mature believer to discern truth and apply it to life. Such a practice soon produces roots that are not hypocritical.

I remember serving on a nominating committee for church officers and one comment offered was:

“Before we nominate deacons to serve the church, maybe we need to ask their wives if these men ever volunteered to do the dishes at home!”

Are you fully assured by “applied doctrine” that is both fully known and fully lived?

4. Develop a Faithful Walk (Col. 2:6)

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.”

The hymn writer Eliza Hewitt put it this way:

“I need no other argument, I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died and that He died for me.”

How did you receive the Gospel?
By faith, through grace.

A simple faith in the message about a Savior who came, lived a sinless life, died a substitutionary death for your sins, rose by His own power and prediction, and promised spiritual and eternal life to all who repent of sins and believe.

You prayed to this one true God to save you from your sins—and He did. Now we are to live by the life and power He supplies.

No need for fleeces, feelings, or phenomena. Christ is enough.

Cling to Him. Love His Word. Live by His revealed truth in Scripture. Anticipate His glorious return.

Keep it simple: Love God — Learn the Word — Live by Faith.

5. Develop a Grateful Voice (Col. 2:7)

“. . . Abounding therein with thanksgiving.”

It is a testament to our growth when we understand that God is the author of all that happens and is orchestrating everything for our good and His ultimate glory.

The Colossians were surrounded by trials and difficulties. Are you forgetting that what holds us fast in troubles is God’s hold on us?

Isaiah said that the same God who parted the seas and allowed the Israelites to cross over on dry ground will preserve His people:

“Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head; and they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.”
Isaiah 51:11

Grown-up believers are marked by joy.

Counting your bruises? Why not count your blessings?

Anchors upward,
Pastor Loren Regier