Growing into Maturity — Study Notes Big Idea “What kind of intentionality… what kind of conscious choices will help us grow to be more like Jesus, and help this church grow to be everything Jesus intends for it to be?” Spiritual maturity does not happen accidentally. Hebrews 10:24–25 gives us three concrete practices that shape a healthy Christian life and a healthy church: mutual accountability, committed presence, and eternal perspective. Scripture Focus “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24–25, NLT) “There are three imperatives here, three commands.” 1. Consider How to Motivate One Another “Acts of love and good works are the way we function as the light of the world in the same way he is the light of the world.” “The thing is that acts of love and good works are not .” Spiritual growth requires intentional encouragement and accountability. The word translated motivate carries weight: “The Greek verb paroxyno, the word we translate as ‘motivate,’ is decidedly all about the stick. It means to .” Judgment vs. Accountability “Judgment says are unacceptable.” “Accountability says your behaviour, your attitude, or your line of thinking is not aligned with who you were made to be.” “Judgment says, ‘I’m better than you.’” “Accountability says, ‘I know can do better.’” “Condescending, judgment has no place among God’s people.” Accountability is not rejection; it is a to one another’s growth. “Sin resists .” “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” (Proverbs 27:6) Reflection Where do you resist accountability because it feels like judgment? Who has permission to speak honestly into your life? 2. Do Not Neglect Meeting Together “Lean in to the opportunities you have to worship with others, read scripture with others, pray with others, and serve with others.” The church is not a product to consume but a to belong to. “The church isn’t a building, it's a of believers who are becoming a living body.” “Without one another, we’re severed .” “If we’re not and supported by other believers, we can’t thrive, we can’t grow.” A Consumer Age “We live in a unique age when… spirituality is a to be consumed.” “You have the freedom to choose your own faith .” The temptation is to when church becomes inconvenient, uncomfortable, or demanding. “Why would you lay down your rights as a consumer and come to a church where you’re not in control?” God’s Design for Unity “Following Jesus means being united to his people.” “If you’re a child of God, you have brothers and sisters.” “You don't get to be a forgiving person any other way than by being in circumstances that require you to forgive.” Maturity is formed not by avoiding imperfect people, but by loving them. Reflection In what ways have you engaged in church as a consumer? Where might God be forming patience, forgiveness, or humility through others? 3. Remember That Jesus Is Coming Soon “What does this change? Two things. First, it communicates , and second, it clarifies what is truly .” Living with eternity in view reshapes priorities. Time, Rest, and Distraction “Our world gives us unprecedented information to take in… but it robs us of processing time.” “We ourselves rest, reflection, and peace and there is nothing left to give to God’s kingdom or God’s people.” “Our generation has some unique challenges that distract us… and lure us into living as if we have time to waste.” Living with Clarity “When your thoughts about time are defined by a coming point when you will see Jesus face to face, you have access to a level of and boldness the world doesn’t know.” “ lose their power to grab you.” “Things that are of no kingdom value either get repurposed for the kingdom or they just out of your priorities.” Reflection If your time and attention were audited, what story would they tell? What distractions are dulling your sense of urgency? What changes are you going to make to embrace opportunities to grow, serve and witness in 2026?