Another Level - Next Level Growth

Here are the main takeaways from this sermon!

1 Corinthians 13:11

“As an individual, I need to grow.”

Not just in age, not just in routine, but in maturity.

Paul speaks clearly: “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.”

Growth is not automatic—it is a choice.

Understanding Real Love

1 Corinthians 13:4–7

This kind of love requires maturity.

Patience. Kindness. Selflessness. Endurance.

You cannot live out this love with a childish mindset. Children respond from emotion and impulse. They see only what’s in front of them, not the bigger picture.

Paul wasn’t just describing love, he was calling the church higher. He was calling them to maturity.

Childish Thinking vs. Mature Thinking

• A child says: “What can I get?”

• A mature person asks: “What can I give?”

• A child reacts emotionally.

• A mature person responds with wisdom.

• A child lives from experience alone.

• A mature person understands purpose and perspective.

When we come into church only wanting to receive, we remain in a childlike state.

Growth begins when we shift from consuming to contributing.

Religion vs. Relationship

Religion is routine without transformation. It’s showing up without growing. But God is not calling us to routine. He’s calling us into relationship, and relationship requires development.

The Stages of Growth (Individually & as a Church)

Infant Stage – Completely dependent

Toddler Stage – Learning,

Child Stage – Growing, but still self-centered

Teenager / Young Adult – Developing identity, learning responsibility

Adult Stage – Mature, stable, and able to reproduce growth in others

The true sign of maturity?

You can help grow others.

The Turning Point: A Decision

“When I became a man…”

That wasn’t just time passing, that was a decision made. If you don’t choose to grow, you won’t. Standing still is not neutral, it’s falling behind.

And the danger is this:

If you don’t transition when it’s time, you may look back with regret.

Every situation God places you in is not meant to break you—it’s meant to grow you.

When God allows something in your life, He’s saying:

“You can do this. You’re ready for the next level.”

So the question is not: “Am I able?”

The question is: “Will I choose to grow?”