Spiritually Smart and Spiritually Strong

Two Ways God Wants You to Grow

Aaron Lee | July 27, 2025 | FCBCW Children’s Worship | Ephesians 4:11-14

This is an article version of our Children’s Worship Graduation sermon. Watch the video on YouTube.

Introduction

The end of summer and the start of a new school year gets me thinking about how you’ve grown. How does God want you to grow?

11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. (Ephesians 4:11-14)

1. Spiritually Smart

The first word we see is to be mature. In this verse, mature refers to being spiritually smart. This means to grow in doctrine and knowledge. Doctrine is what the Bible teaches us. Knowledge is what the Bible teaches us about God. Another way to say this is to be united in the Bible and to know Jesus.

Application

You can be spiritually smart by coming to church, reading the Bible, and praying. More advanced applications would be to think and seek to understand, as well as ask (hard) questions and expect (hard) answers.

2. Spiritually Strong

The second phrase we see is to “no longer be children.” This means to be like an adult – to be fully grown, to be big and strong. This means not tossed by lies and schemes. Big and strong people do not get pushed around. They stand their ground and hold fast. Another way to say this is to be tethered to the Bible and to trust in God.

Application

You can be spiritually strong by exercising your spiritual muscles. Some examples would be doing the right thing, spotting lies and saying the truth, and taking steps of faith to trust God. More advanced applications would be to memorize the Bible, speak the Bible, pray the Bible, and share the gospel as well as inviting your friends and family to church. The more you practice these things, the more you exercise these muscles in your life, the easier it will get and the more you will grow.

Conclusion

How does God want you to grow? You can grow up to be spiritually smart and spiritually strong. But it’s good to remember that it is God who gives the growth. This is true for salvation, and it is also true for your sanctification. Glory to God who grows you!

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. (1 Corinthians 3:6)