Problem of Not Growing Up

1 Corinthians 3:1-5; 1 Peter 2:2; Hebrews 5:11–14

By Rodney Holloman , January 04, 2026

Problem of not Growing Up

1 Corinthians 3:1-5; 1 Peter 2:2; Hebrews 5:11–14

Every church should have a zero-tolerance attitude towards those that cause division

schism – to rend a garment.

Every church should have a zero-tolerance attitude towards those who refuse to grow spiritually.

Every church should have a all-in attitude to help baby Christians to grow spiritually.

Where is your Bible?

How is your Bible?

How are you and your Bible?

“I keep going over the same stuff because you won’t grow up.” Show up

Carnal/Fleshly = Spiritual Infant/Babies

1. You act like non-Christians (3:1,4)

*Almost indistinguishable from unsaved.

  • temporary versus normal

2. You lack spiritual growth (3:2)

  • Have to be fed
  • Refuse to feed themselves
  • Need “meat” to grow

3. You nurse unconfessed sin (3:3-4)

  • Selfish/Self-Centered
  • Sinful
  • Schisms

Nothing causes us to ignore God’s truth more than not living it .

Three Assaults on Bible Intake

1. Keep Them Up Late

2. Distract Them

3. Make Them Rush

  • Dave Mathis

Five “Firsts” for Success

I. GIVE GOD THE FIRST HOUR OF EACH DAY.

  1. To Pray, Mk. 1:35. -To avoid anxiety, to remember others, to trust and hope in God each day, to be thankful, Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1-2; 1 Thess. 5:17.
  2. To Read, Psa. 119:33-40. -God’s word and its strengthening effects on our life.
  3. To Meditate, Psa. 1:1-2; 119:97. (Josh. 1:8) -To set our path away from sin, away sinful influences, and toward God.

II. GIVE GOD THE FIRST DAY OF EVERY WEEK.

  1. To Worship Him, Acts 20:7. -To do so we must first…
  1. Reconcile trouble, Matt. 5:23-24.
  2. Examine our purposes, cf. 1 Cor. 11:28-29.
  3. Cleanse our hearts and our conduct, Jas. 4:8.
  1. To Encourage Brethren, Heb. 10:24-25; Col. 3:16; 1 Cor. 14:26.

III. GIVE GOD THE FIRST PORTION OF EVERY PAYCHECK.

  1. According to Your Success, 1 Cor. 16:2 (prospered).
  1. Bountifully, not sparingly, 2 Cor. 9:6.
  2. Sets | keeps a proper perspective on life and things, 1 Tim. 6:17.
  1. Purposefully, 2 Cor. 9:7; 1 Chron. 29:3, 6, 9. -Heart set on the house (church) of God (3), willingness (6), devoted heart (9)
  2. Cheerfully, 2 Cor. 9:7; 1 Chron. 29:13-16. -Thankfulness and stewardship

IV. GIVE GOD THE FIRST CONSIDERATION IN EVERY DECISION.

  1. Priority Firmly Established, Matt. 6:33-34; Lk. 14:25-33. -Seek (goal), set (commitment), and sustain (endurance), Col. 3:1-3

V. GIVE GOD THE FIRST PLACE IN YOUR HEART.

  1. A Decision of Faith, 1 Pet. 3:15.
  2. Action of Love, Matt. 22:37 (Jno. 14:15).
  3. Sacrifice for Eternal Life, Matt. 19:16, 20-22 (Phil. 3:7-8).
  4. The Determination of Hope, 1 Pet. 1:3, 6-9.

*Basic outline by Heath Rogers, Five “Firsts” To Success, Knollwood Reminder, October 2014 By: Joe R. Price Posted September 3, 2019