Scott Worthington
What Maturity Looks Like
Next Step Sundays 2026
Apr 19, 2026Colossians 1:27b-28
In Week 2 of Next Step Sundays, Pastor Scott teaches from Colossians 1:27b to 28.
In this sermon, we look at what spiritual maturity really means for a Jesus follower and walk through three key realities:
1. Christ in me is my only hope for spiritual maturity
2. Spiritual maturity is not just an option, it’s an expectation
3. Spiritual maturity requires effort
Jesus follower, you were not meant to stay the same. It’s time to grow! It’s time to take your next step in your faith towards spiritually maturity and Christlikeness. Watch this sermon to learn more!
Sermon Notes
What Maturity Looks Like
Next Step Sundays Week 2
“…which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” Colossians 1:27b-28
“..all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
We help people discover where they are on their spiritual journey and how to take their next step.
“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son...” Romans 8:29a
“In a world saturated with Christian values, you might get away with dabbling, but in a post-Christian and increasingly anti-Christian world, we need discipleship that produces change into the image of Jesus.” Paul Miller
Am I becoming more like Jesus?
“…which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” Colossians 1:27b-28
Three Realities About Spiritual Maturity:
1. Christ in me is my only hope for spiritual maturity
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”John 15:5
Three Realities About Spiritual Maturity:
2. Spiritual maturity is not just an option, it’s an expectation
"Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” Colossians 1:28
“…we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ." Ephesians 4:15
“…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3:18
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
“Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity...” Hebrews 6:1a
Three Realities About Spiritual Maturity:
3. Spiritual maturity requires effort
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
“The thrust of the New Testament is not to end with the celebration of justification; but to end with a celebration of the glory of God shown in blood-bought sanctification.” John Piper
“…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12b-13
“For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” Colossians 1:29
“…make every effort to supplement your faith…” 2 Peter 1:5a
“We must be diligent in making progress in the Christian life, constantly striving to grow in holiness, asking the Spirit to build us up as we go deeper." Alistair Begg
Survey Results:
• 72% of you have been here 5 years or less
• 64% are not connected in a group
• 41% of you have no “2 am friends” at Hope.
• 75% do not currently serve anywhere in our church
• 66% do no invest financially or “give what you can”
• 86% haven’t participated in a Go Trip…either through giving, praying, or going.
• We’ve baptized 365 people in 2026
What’s your next step?
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“Genuine sanctification is a thing that can be seen.” J.C. Ryle
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