The Mature–Stage #3
The mature stage is pictured as spiritual fatherhood: a life that reflects Christ and accepts responsibility for others. This spiritual stage applies to women and men and is not determined by physical parenthood or age.
Lesson goal: Pursue Christlike maturity by sharing the gospel and responsibly caring for other believers.
Watch the Lesson
Video length: 13:40
Read and Apply
Read Chapter 17: The Mature–Stage #3 in The Life Core, pages 94–98.
Use the PDF or EPUB book from your enrollment links or Lesson 1.
The chapter connects maturity with leading others toward new life in Christ and caring for those God brings nearby. Personal mentoring and attention to people outside existing programs make God’s love and wisdom available to the next generation.
Key Teaching Points
- God intends believers of every culture to grow toward Christlikeness.
- Spiritual fatherhood applies to mature women and men.
- Maturity includes sharing the gospel and nurturing others.
- Care for people God brings near, including those outside regular programs.
Scripture to Consider
Ephesians 4:13
For Reflection
- Who is receiving spiritual care through you now? What would make that care more faithful and practical?
- Look beyond familiar ministry groups. Who nearby might need personal mentoring or help to begin following Christ?
Reflection prompts help you apply the lesson; they are not graded quiz questions.
Three-Question Lesson Check
Answer all three questions; all three correct answers pass. After checking your answers, use Retake to clear the answers and explanations before trying again.