Unspiritual Infants
Alan Martin teaches that spiritual maturity requires believers to move beyond selfishness and division by embracing self-denial, unity, and the sacrificial love exemplified by Christ.
This sermon from 1 Corinthians chapter 3 emphasizes the need to mature in faith and love, moving away from selfishness and division. It challenges believers to disown themselves, take up their cross, and follow Christ by loving and serving others sacrificially, even in the face of difficulties and suffering. The message highlights the importance of dwelling in the love of God, rooting oneself in love, and growing into spiritual maturity through endurance and character development.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Condition of Spiritual Infants
- Believers can be unspiritual and immature despite church membership
- Carnality is marked by jealousy, strife, and division
- Spiritual milk versus solid food illustrates immaturity
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II. The Danger of Division and Selfishness
- Taking sides ('I am of Paul') reflects unspiritual thinking
- Division causes decay in the temple of God
- God will 'loose away' those who cause decay
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III. The Call to Self-Denial and Following Christ
- Jesus commands denying self and taking up the cross
- Saving your life by avoiding suffering leads to spiritual infancy
- True maturity involves suffering for others as Christ did
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IV. The Power of Christlike Love
- Love bears all things, suffers long, and endures
- Laying down selfish desires opens the way to God's heart
- God sent His Son to save sinners and calls us to love likewise
Key Quotes
“You can be a church member and you can be a believer and still be unspiritual. Non-spiritual, fleshly.” — Alan Martin
“If any man causes decay in the temple of God, God will destroy him. God begins to loose him away from the very fountain of life, his love.” — Alan Martin
“Disown yourself, deny yourself, take up your cross and follow him.” — Alan Martin
Application Points
- Examine your heart for selfish attitudes and seek to grow beyond spiritual infancy by embracing self-denial.
- Pursue unity within the church family by rejecting divisive attitudes and focusing on 'we' rather than 'I.'
- Practice sacrificial love by bearing with difficult people and following Christ's example of suffering for others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a spiritual infant?
A spiritual infant is a believer who remains immature, selfish, and untrained in the ways of the Spirit, unable to handle deeper spiritual truths or love others sacrificially.
Why is division among believers considered unspiritual?
Division reflects a carnal mindset focused on 'I' rather than 'we,' contradicting God's purpose to reconcile all things under one Lord and causing decay in the church.
How does taking up the cross relate to spiritual growth?
Taking up the cross means denying oneself, embracing suffering and sacrifice for others, which leads to maturity and deeper participation in Christ's love.
Can a believer remain immature and still be saved?
Yes, believers can be saved yet remain spiritually immature if they avoid the challenges of growth and remain focused only on God's love for themselves.
What practical steps help believers move from spiritual infancy to maturity?
Believers should deny selfish desires, pursue unity, bear with others in love, and embrace the hardships of discipleship as Jesus modeled.