Grow Up: A Deeper Look at Mature Christianity

This thirty-day plan walks through 1 Corinthians with Dan Sweetman. The church in Corinth was not a picture of calm, tidy faith. They were gifted and passionate, but also self-absorbed and messy. They argued, sued one another, and treated communion carelessly. Paul loved them, but he also told them they needed to grow up.

The big idea is that Christian maturity is not about having it all together. It is about learning what real faith looks like when it is lived among imperfect people. And nobody grows up alone.

Day 1: This One’s for You
Day one starts with a surprising move from Paul. Before he corrects anything, he calls the church holy. He says they are not missing any gift from God. He thanks God for them.

That matters because we often think God’s good words are only for people who have their lives sorted out. We think the rest of us qualify later, after we break the bad habit or look more like Jesus.

But Paul’s letter was addressed to a church in a mess, and it opened with grace and peace. The reason was not their performance. It was God’s faithfulness.

That means God’s call and blessing are for you too, mess and all.

The reading asks you to notice where you have decided God’s kindness is for someone else but not for you. Then it gives a simple next step. Read verses 4 to 9 again and put your own name in wherever Paul says you.

The prayer is short and honest. God, thank you that you are faithful even when I am not. Help me believe this good news was written for me.

A gentle reminder to start the day. You do not have to clean yourself up before you receive grace. Grace comes first.

Start the full plan here: Bible.com