IMMATURE SHEPHERDS AND THE DESIRE OF GOD A Call to Spiritual Maturity, Divine Discipline, and Daily Fellowship with God By: Major Frank Materu

KEY SCRIPTURE

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine.” — Ephesians 4:14 (KJV)

“For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” — Habakkuk 2:14 (KJV)

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INTRODUCTION

God desires His people to grow in spiritual maturity, accept responsibility, and walk faithfully in His truth. He calls believers beyond spiritual laziness, childish attitudes, and dependence on human personalities. Christian maturity requires discipline, discernment, obedience, and an increasing knowledge of God.

When people repeatedly reject correction and refuse to follow the truth, they become vulnerable to deception and unhealthy spiritual leadership. However, God continues to call them to repentance and restoration. His desire is that His people become spiritually mature, exercise their responsibilities faithfully, and develop a deeper relationship with Him.

The desire of God also extends beyond a future understanding of the Rapture. He calls believers to daily fellowship with Him, seeking His presence and allowing the Holy Spirit to lift their hearts above worldly distractions. This lesson examines spiritual immaturity, irresponsible leadership, divine discipline, and the privilege of living daily in fellowship with the Living God.

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SPIRITUAL MATURITY IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERY BELIEVER

“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” — Ephesians 4:15 (KJV)

God does not call His people to remain spiritually immature. He desires them to grow in understanding, obedience, character, and responsibility. Spiritual infancy may be expected at the beginning of the Christian journey, but believers must continue growing toward maturity.

Those who refuse spiritual growth become easily deceived, repeatedly resist correction, and depend excessively on others to make decisions that require personal discernment. Instead of allowing God's Word to transform them, they remain controlled by emotions, personal preferences, and worldly influences.

Every believer has a responsibility to seek God, study Scripture, practise obedience, and serve faithfully. Spiritual maturity is not measured by age, titles, or years spent in church. It is demonstrated through Christlike character, sound judgment, humility, and faithful service.

“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” — 1 Corinthians 13:11 (KJV)

God desires His people to move beyond childish attitudes and accept the responsibilities entrusted to them. Do not remain spiritually stagnant when God calls you to grow.

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IMMATURE LEADERSHIP AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF REJECTING TRUTH

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.” — 2 Timothy 4:3 (KJV)

When people reject truth and refuse correction, they become vulnerable to leaders who tell them what they want to hear. Such leaders may use deception, hypocrisy, manipulation, or false promises to maintain influence.

The problem is not simply the presence of imperfect leaders. Every leader needs God's grace and correction. The danger arises when leaders deliberately reject truth, exploit those under their care, and refuse accountability.

Believers must therefore examine spiritual teaching against Scripture rather than accepting every claim because it comes from a religious personality. God's Word remains the standard by which teaching and conduct must be evaluated.

Sometimes the consequences of repeatedly rejecting correction become severe. People may find themselves under oppressive leadership because they have preferred deception to truth. Nevertheless, Scripture continues to offer a path toward repentance, discernment, and restoration.

“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” — 2 Timothy 3:13 (KJV)

When believers recognize that they have been deceived, they must seek God sincerely, return to sound biblical teaching, and pursue trustworthy spiritual guidance. God's discipline is intended to turn people away from destructive paths and toward His truth.

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GOD DISCIPLINES HIS PEOPLE TO RESTORE THEM

“For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” — Proverbs 3:12 (KJV)

Divine discipline is an expression of God's righteous authority and concern for His people. He corrects those who wander from His truth and calls them to return to His ways. His correction must not be confused with human cruelty, manipulation, or abuse.

When people refuse correction, they may experience painful consequences arising from their decisions. These consequences should prompt sincere examination rather than stubborn resistance. However, believers must not automatically interpret every hardship as proof of God's specific judgment; Scripture calls for wisdom and humility in such matters.

God welcomes those who genuinely seek Him. His mercy provides hope for people who acknowledge their errors and turn away from wrongdoing. Those who continue rejecting truth, however, cannot expect their choices to remain without consequences.

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” — 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)

The appropriate response to correction is humility, repentance, and renewed obedience. Rather than defending every mistake, believers must allow God's Word to examine and transform their lives.

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THE DESIRE OF GOD: DAILY FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” — James 4:8 (KJV)

Many Christians discuss the Rapture while neglecting the daily fellowship God desires with His people. The promise of Christ's return is important, but believers must not allow discussions about future events to distract them from present obedience.

God invites His people to seek His presence daily through prayer, worship, meditation on Scripture, and faithful obedience. He desires a relationship that influences their thoughts, decisions, relationships, and conduct.

Daily fellowship with God enables believers to rise above worldly distractions and develop a deeper understanding of His wisdom. This does not mean escaping physical reality or claiming that believers are literally transported into heaven whenever they pray. It means living in spiritual communion with God while faithfully fulfilling earthly responsibilities.

“Pray without ceasing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV)

Make seeking God a daily practice rather than an occasional activity. Do not wait for a crisis, a church service, or an uncertain future moment before approaching Him. Through Christ, believers can continually draw near to God and grow in His grace.

The true desire of the Christian heart should be to know God more deeply, obey Him more faithfully, and remain prepared for the return of Jesus Christ.

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REJECT SPIRITUAL LAZINESS AND FALSE TEACHING

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” — 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

Spiritual laziness leaves believers vulnerable to false doctrines, misleading traditions, and teachings that appeal to human desires rather than biblical truth. When people refuse to study Scripture, they may become dependent on others to interpret every spiritual matter for them.

The solution is not to abandon the church but to pursue biblical truth and responsible Christian fellowship. The church is intended to equip believers, encourage spiritual growth, and proclaim the Gospel faithfully. Its leaders must teach sound doctrine, while its members must examine what they hear.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)

Believers must reject teachings that contradict Scripture, regardless of how popular or persuasive they appear. They must also avoid assuming that every unfamiliar teaching is false or that every church is corrupt. Discernment requires careful study, prayer, and a willingness to receive correction.

Spiritual maturity grows when believers submit their thoughts and conduct to God's Word. Do not allow laziness, pride, or unquestioning loyalty to human personalities to prevent you from knowing the truth.

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THE ROYAL PRIESTHOOD: EVERY BELIEVER HAS A RESPONSIBILITY

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” — 1 Peter 2:9 (KJV)

God calls His people to belong to Him and proclaim His goodness. The royal priesthood is not a privilege reserved exclusively for paid ministers or prominent church leaders. Through Jesus Christ, all believers are called to worship God, live holy lives, and bear witness to His truth.

Church leaders have important responsibilities to teach, shepherd, and equip God's people. However, their calling must not be used to make other believers spiritually passive or dependent. Every Christian must grow in faith and participate faithfully in the work God has entrusted to His people.

Spiritual responsibility includes prayer, service, evangelism, compassion, integrity, and the faithful use of one's gifts. No believer should assume that ministry belongs only to those holding official positions.

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” — 1 Peter 4:10 (KJV)

God desires a mature people who serve faithfully, support one another, and reflect the character of Jesus Christ. Accept your responsibility and use your gifts to glorify God rather than seeking recognition for yourself.

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SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

God calls His people to spiritual maturity, responsible service, and daily fellowship with Him. Spiritual immaturity, rejection of correction, and dependence on deceptive leadership can lead believers away from truth.

The answer is to return to Scripture, seek God sincerely, accept correction, and grow in obedience. Church leaders must exercise their authority responsibly, while every believer must take personal responsibility for spiritual growth.

The Rapture and the return of Jesus Christ should encourage readiness, holiness, and faithful service—not speculation that distracts believers from their daily walk with God.

God desires a people who know Him, obey His Word, and faithfully demonstrate His character. Do not remain spiritually stagnant. Grow in Christ, seek His presence daily, and fulfil the responsibilities He has entrusted to you.

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THE CALL TO ACTION

Examine your spiritual life today. Have you resisted correction, neglected prayer, or depended entirely on others for your spiritual understanding? Have you accepted teachings without testing them against Scripture?

Repent where necessary. Establish a consistent life of prayer and Bible study, seek trustworthy Christian fellowship, and accept responsibility for serving God faithfully.

If you are a leader, teach the truth, protect those entrusted to your care, and welcome accountability. If you are a believer, refuse spiritual laziness and pursue maturity in Christ.

Rise from spiritual immaturity. Seek God daily. Accept responsibility. Walk in truth. Remain faithful to Jesus Christ.

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FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT

God has not called you to remain spiritually stagnant. Through His grace, you can grow in wisdom, strengthen your faith, and become more faithful in your service.

Do not be discouraged by the failures of human leaders. Keep your eyes on Jesus Christ, remain grounded in Scripture, and seek God's presence every day.

Let your life demonstrate spiritual maturity through obedience, humility, integrity, and love. Be faithful in your responsibilities and steadfast in your hope of Christ's return.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” — 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)

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SALVATION PRAYER

Heavenly Father, I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. I acknowledge my sins and my need for Your forgiveness. I repent and ask You to cleanse my heart.

Lord Jesus, I believe You died for my sins and rose again from the dead. I receive You as my Lord and Saviour and place my trust in Your saving grace.

Deliver me from spiritual laziness, deception, pride, and disobedience. Give me a hunger for Your Word, a desire to seek You daily, and the courage to follow Your truth. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and teach me to live faithfully.

Help me grow in spiritual maturity, fulfil my responsibilities, and serve others with humility and love. Establish my life in Your truth and prepare me for Your return.

Thank You for Your mercy and salvation. I surrender my life to You and commit myself to following You.

In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, I pray.