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Episode Summary
In this episode of Anchored in the Word, Dave Jenkins walks through what theological maturity is, why it matters for every Christian, and how believers grow in it by God’s grace. Drawing from Hebrews 5:14, Ephesians 4:13–14, and other key passages, Dave explains how maturity means being rooted in God’s truth, steady in faith, discerning in practice, and Christlike in character.
Dave also highlights how theological maturity protects us from false teaching, strengthens our witness before a watching world, and deepens our love for God as we grow in our knowledge of Him and obedience to His Word.
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Episode Outline
1. What Is Theological Maturity?
- Theological maturity is not about knowing every Greek verb or winning debates.
- It is about being rooted in truth so that we are steady in faith, discerning in practice, and Christlike in character.
- Paul’s vision in Ephesians 4:13–14, maturity means being anchored in truth and not tossed about by every wind of doctrine.
2. Why Does Theological Maturity Matter?
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Protects from false teaching.
Immaturity leaves us vulnerable to error, while mature believers can discern truth from error in light of Scripture. -
Strengthens our witness.
A mature church reflects Christ well to the world, whereas shallow faith leads to shallow testimony. -
Deepens our love for God.
Knowing God rightly fuels true worship and obedience, knowledge that is warmed by love for Christ.
3. How Do Christians Grow in Maturity?
- Stay in the Word: Maturity requires consistent exposure to Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
- Commit to sound doctrine: Do not settle for feel good teaching, pursue truth that accords with godliness (Titus 2:1).
- Practice discernment: Train yourself by comparing all things to Scripture (Hebrews 5:14).
- Pray in dependence on the Spirit: Growth is Spirit empowered, not self powered.
- Stay planted in a local church: Christ gave pastors and teachers to equip His people (Ephesians 4:11–12).
- Live out what you know: Obedience is the mark of true maturity (James 1:22).
Application
Are you growing in Christ, or simply coasting? Do you find yourself easily swayed by new trends and teachings, or are you anchored in the truth of God’s Word? The good news is that growth is possible for every believer. By God’s Spirit, we can move from milk to solid food, from immaturity to maturity, from instability to stability in Christ.
Scripture Referenced
- Hebrews 5:14
- Ephesians 4:13–14
- 2 Timothy 3:16–17
- Titus 2:1
- James 1:22
- Colossians 1:28
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah, and lives in beautiful Southern Oregon. He is a writer, editor, and speaker who loves Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology.
Dave serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries and the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine. He is the Host and Producer of the Equipping You in Grace Podcast and a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word.
He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024).
You can connect with Dave on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or subscribe to his newsletter.
When he is not engaged in ministry work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, going to movies, sharing a meal at a favorite restaurant, or playing a round of golf with friends. He is also a voracious reader, particularly of Reformed theology and the Puritans, and is often found working through a stack of new books from a wide range of Christian publishers.
Dave earned his M.A.R. and M.Div. from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
