Spiritual Maturity

In Matthew 5:48, Jesus says that we must be perfect.

Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:48 NASB® 1995

The word “Perfect” here in Matthew 5:48 is teleios in Greek.

“Perfect”: Strong’s: The adjective “Perfect” is the Greek adjective teleios (5046): perfect, complete, mature, full-grown.
- NAS Exhaustive Concordance Definition:having reached its end, i.e., complete, by ext. perfect
- HELPS Word-studies: 5046 téleios (an adjective, derived from 5056 /télos, "consummated goal") – mature (consummated) from going through the necessary stages to reach the end-goal, i.e., developed into a consummating completion by fulfilling the necessary process (spiritual journey). See 5056 (telos). [This root (tel-) means "reaching the end (aim)." It is well-illustrated with the old pirate's telescope, unfolding (extending out) one stage at a time to function at full-strength (capacity effectiveness).]

The question is, how do we become perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect? If Jesus is saying that we are to be this teleios person, then we need to examine this statement and not disregard it. Hebrews 5:14 gives us more insight. It says,

But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained discern good and evil.
Hebrews 5:14 NASB® 1995

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
Hebrews 5:14 ESV

The word “Mature” is the same Greek word teleios (5046) as the word “Perfect” used in Matthew 5:48. The writer of Hebrews is giving us some attributes of what the life of the teleios person looks like here on earth.

Hebrews 5:14 shows that the spiritually mature develop discernment through “Practice”, learning to distinguish good from evil. We do this by studying Scripture and allowing the Holy Spirit to teach us.

“Practice”; “Constant Practice”: Strong’s: The noun “Practice” or “Constant Practice” in Hebrews 5:14 is the Greek noun hexis (1838): habit, practice, condition

In 1 Peter 1:14-23, we are shown a difference between a spiritually mature believer and a spiritually immature believer. Peter tells us that we must put away our former passions and become holy like our Father.

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.
1 Peter 1:14-23 NASB® 1995

In 2 Peter 1:2-11, we are shown that we must make certain our calling and election and that we can do this through His divine power.

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.
Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence,
in your faith supply moral excellence,
and in your moral excellence, knowledge,
and in your knowledge, self-control,
and in your self-control, perseverance,
and in your perseverance, godliness,
and in your godliness, brotherly kindness,
and in your brotherly kindness, love.
For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you;
for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;
for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.
2 Peter 1:2-11 NASB® 1995

There is a very important truth in 2 Peter 1:10, which says, "if you practice these qualities, you will never stumble.” NEVER. This is HUGE because Peter then continues to say in 2 Peter 1:11, “for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.”

“Practice”: Strong’s: The verb “Practice” in 1 Peter 1:10 is the Greek verb poieó (4160): to make, to do, to act, to cause, to work

Many people do not realize that even after being “saved,” a person can choose to turn away from following Jesus. In doing so, they forfeit the promise of eternal life with Him.

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 NASB® 1995

For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:9-14 NASB® 1995

We must present ourselves as ones approved by God and walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him. We must bear fruit in every good work and increase in the knowledge of God. We do this by becoming imitators of Jesus, Peter, John, Paul, and all of the other people in scripture who are pleasing to God.

How We Become Spiritually Mature

We need to look at Jesus’ obedience to learn obedience. Obedience to God cultivates spiritual maturity. It produces the kind of fruit God is looking for in each of us.

7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being madeperfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. 11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
1 Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
Hebrews 5:7-6:2 ESV

There is so much in these verses that we could focus on. For now, our focus will be on how Jesus learned obedience through what He suffered, because this is how we, too, learn obedience, become mature, and, in turn, grow spiritually.

In Philippians 3 Paul says this.

More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, (This word ‘Perfect’ is the verb teleioō 5048,‍ ‍NOT teleios the adjective) but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect (Here the word ‘Perfect’ is the adjective, teleios 5046), have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.
Philippians 3:8-17 NASB® 1995

“Righteousness”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Righteousness” is dikaiosunē (1343): Righteousness, justice
- HELPS Word-studies: 1343‍ ‍dikaiosýnē (from 1349 /díkē, "a judicial verdict") – properly, judicial approval (the verdict of approval); in the NT, the approval of God ("divine approval"). 1343/dikaiosýnē ("divine approval") is the regular NT term used for righteousness ("God's judicial approval"). 1343/dikaiosýnē ("the approval of God") refers to what is deemed right by the Lord (after His examination), i.e. what is approved in His eyes. In a broad sense, dikaiosunē means conformity to the Divine will in purpose, thought, and action; in a narrower sense, it means justice.
“Perfect”: Strong’s: The verb “Perfect” is the Greek verb teleioō (5048). Notice it is a verb: to complete, to perfect, to accomplish, to bring to an end.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: consecrate, finish, fulfill, make perfect. From teleios (5046): to complete, i.e. (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character) -- consecrate, finish, fulfil, make) perfect.
- HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 5048‍ ‍teleióō – to consummate, reaching the end-stage, i.e. working through the entire process (stages) to reach the final phase (conclusion). See 5056 (telos).

In Philippians 3, Paul explains that he has not yet finished his race and has not yet obtained the resurrection from the dead. Nevertheless, he continues to press on to complete the work God has given him. As he continues, Paul says that everyone who is teleios is to have this same mindset. He is addressing believers who are teleios, calling them to think as he does—counting all things as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus.

These teleios believers have their powers of discernment trained through constant practice, enabling them to distinguish good from evil. This is how we become teleios: through grace. Titus 2:11-12 teaches that grace trains and instructs us in how to live and mature as teleios people.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing usto deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,
Titus 2:11-12 NASB® 1995

“Deny”: Strong’s: The Greek word for “Deny” is arnéomai (720): to deny, to disown, to reject
- HELPS Word-studies: 720‍ ‍arnéomai – properly, deny (refuse); hence, contradict, refuse to affirm or to confess (identify with); disown (repudiate). See also 4716/staurós ("cross").

Scripture teaches that grace instructs us how to live in this present world. Grace trains us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires—that is, to say “no” to them. Therefore, if we choose to love Jesus, we will obey what grace teaches us day by day. As we do this, we grow and mature, becoming teleios.

Hebrews 5:7-9 tells us that Jesus was heard by God because of His reverence. He learned obedience through suffering, and through that suffering, He was made perfect.

God teaches us in the same way He taught Jesus. As we walk through life, He presents tests that give us opportunities to learn. In every situation, we are faced with two choices: the one that pleases Him or the sinful one.

When we are first learning, we may not always recognize sin. Because of our familiarity with sinful habits, cultural influences, or deeply ingrained incorrect beliefs, we may struggle to know what is truly pleasing to God. We need help—when we feel we do not know how to stop practicing sin—Scripture gives us hope. First Corinthians 10:13 says this:

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB® 1995

If God provides a way of escape every time we are tempted, then there is never a reason to give in to sin. What we must learn is to ask Him for help in each moment of testing. James tells us that when we do not know what to do, we should ask God for wisdom, and He will give it generously.

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
James 1:2-5 NASB® 1995

When Jesus tells us that we must be perfect, we should not respond by saying, “I cannot.” Instead, we should say, “How, Lord? Please teach me.”

If we approach every trial understanding that its purpose is to expose our weaknesses, it will help us allow God to grow us toward spiritual maturity. The growth we experience in our lives is something we can truly rejoice in.

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
1 Peter 4:12-14 ESV

James 1:2-4 and 1 Peter 4:12-14 show us that suffering is not bad and should not be feared. These Scriptures teach us to rejoice in it and to see it as an opportunity for spiritual growth. Suffering can mature us and allow us to participate in what Jesus accomplished for us.

1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.
1 Peter 4:1-2 ESV

Measuring Our Spiritual Maturity

So how does all of this fit together? When we face a test or trial, it reveals how we handle life’s challenges. God’s goal for us is to respond to every test the way Jesus did.

The way we handle each test determines whether it remains a test. For example, kindergarten children learn numbers, but by the time they reach first grade, they are expected to add numbers. If a child has already mastered counting, simply reciting numbers is no longer a test. Because it is easy for them, they do not struggle in that area—they have conquered that lesson.

The same principle applies to spiritual maturity. Tests reveal what we have learned and what areas we still struggle with in our lives.

Jesus says you will know the tree by its fruit. The fruit is what comes out of us when we are put to a test or trial.

43 “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, 44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. 45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Luke 6:43-45 ESV

In Luke 6:43-45, we learn that a tree is known by its fruit. In the same way, a person is known by the kind of fruit they produce—whether it is the fruit of the Spirit or sin. Trials reveal what kind of tree we truly are, because they expose what is inside us.

We often see what is truly inside us most clearly during difficult situations. For example, when we encounter someone who is hard to love, that person reveals what is within us. Do we pull away, respond in anger, or lash out? Or do we ask God how to love that person His way? Do we allow Him to work His perfect love through us? These moments serve as simple tests that show us our level of spiritual maturity.

The fruit of the Spirit is what we are called to produce in our lives in every situation.

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is
love,
joy,
peace,
patience,
kindness,
goodness,
faithfulness,
gentleness,
self-control;
against such things there is no law
24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:16-26 ESV

The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This fruit will never produce pride; it will produce more humility. The fruit of the Holy Spirit conquers sin and darkness. We cannot practice sin and walk in the Spirit at the same time; it is either one or the other.

We also need to look at God’s description of love from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

Love is patient
and kind;
love does not envy or boast;
it is not arrogant
or rude.
It does not insist on its own way;
it is not irritable or resentful;
it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
Love bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes all things,
endures all things.
Love never ends.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 ESV

The way we pursue developing this fruit is by following the 2 great commandments in Matthew 22:36-40.

36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 22:36-40 ESV

We are called to strive to live out God’s commandments in every area of our lives. This is part of our journey toward spiritual maturity, and along this journey, we will be tested. These tests reveal the fruit within us. When that fruit is exposed, and it is not the fruit of the Holy Spirit, we must humbly seek God’s help and ask for His wisdom.

As we go through this testing process repeatedly and choose to embrace His correction, He refines us. This refinement produces spiritual maturity in us. When we allow Him to change us, we begin to live by His Spirit.

In Jeremiah and Ezekiel, several passages tell us that God will give us a new heart and a new spirit. These are New Covenant promises. We are meant to become a new creation—one that is trained in righteousness and learns the heart and mind of the Father. As this training takes place, we are being formed as a new creation in Christ Jesus. Through this process, we begin to take on the thoughts and desires of the Father. We do what He tells us to do and say what He tells us to say, just as His firstborn Son, Jesus, did.

To see more on living this life, check out Being One Heart One Mind

Removing Lies

There are lies within the Body of Christ that many people may not even realize they believe.

Here are 4 common lies about spiritual maturity:

God doesn't require or expect us to mature spiritually.
A theological education guarantees one’s spiritual maturity.
Anyone holding a leadership position in a church is spiritually mature.
Only spiritually mature people can perform Biblical works.

Lie 1: God doesn't require or expect us to mature spiritually. The first lie about spiritual maturity I want to expose is that some believers do not believe they must mature spiritually. They think all they need to do is believe and profess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they are saved. The problem with that teaching is that it is not the whole truth. As we go through the scriptures, we will see that God takes His children's maturing process very seriously. He takes our spiritual growth so seriously that He tells us in scripture that He disciplines those He loves.

To see more on discipline, check out: God Disciplines His Children.

3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
“MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD,
NOR BE WEARY WHEN REPROVED BY HIM.
6 FOR THE LORD DISCIPLINES THE ONE HE LOVES,
AND CHASTISES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES.”
7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:3-11 ESV

The word “Discipline” in this passage from Hebrews is used in both its noun form and verb form.

“Discipline n.”: Strong’s: The noun “Discipline” is the Greek noun paideia (3809): Discipline, instruction, training, education
- Strong's Exhaustive Concordance: chastening, chastisement, instruction, nurture.
- NAS Exhaustive Concordance Definition: the rearing of a child, training, discipline
- HELPS Word-studies: Cognate: 3809‍ ‍paideía (from 3811/paideúō, see there) – properly, instruction that trains someone to reach full development (maturity).

“Discipline v.”: Strong’s: The verb “Discipline” is the Greek verb paideuō (3811): to train, to educate, to discipline, to instruct, to correct.
- Strong's Exhaustive Concordance: chastise, instruct, learn, teach. From pais; to train up a child, i.e. Educate, or (by implication), discipline (by punishment) -- chasten(-ise), instruct, learn, teach.
- HELPS Word-studies: 3811‍ ‍paideúō (from 3816 /país, "a child under development with strict training") – properly, to train up a child (3816 /país), so they mature and realise their full potential (development). This requires necessary discipline (training), which includes administering chastisement (punishment).

Hebrews 10:26-27 says this:

For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries.
Hebrews 10:26-27 NASB® 1995

So, as we walk through life—learning by listening to the Holy Spirit, reading God’s Word, and obeying what He teaches—we are growing and becoming teleios.

If we choose not to obey His Word, then God gives a sober warning in Hebrews:

Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.
For yet in a very little while,
He who is coming will come, and will not delay.
But My righteous one shall live by faith;
And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him.
But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.
Hebrews 10:28-39 NASB® 1995

This is a good thing. Even though our culture is against discipline, God is not. We should expect and even desire His discipline in our lives. If you do not sense that He is disciplining you, ask Him to do so.

Lie 2: A theological education does not guarantee spiritual maturity. It is a lie to believe that someone is spiritually mature simply because they have attended Bible college or studied theology. Education alone does not make a person mature in their walk with God. Those who are highly trained in theology may have extensive head knowledge and may speak Scripture eloquently. However, if they do not produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit, they are not mature believers. In fact, they may not even be children of God. First John clearly tells us who the children of God are and who are the children of the devil.

7 Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. 8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. 10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.
1 John 3:7-10 ESV

“Practice”: This is the same “Practice” we saw in 1 Peter 1:10 (poieó 4160): to make, to do, to act, to cause, to work

“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits.
Matthew 7:15-20 NASB® 1995

Lie 3: Anyone holding a leadership position in a church is spiritually mature. The third lie is that holding a leadership position means someone is spiritually mature. While this should be true, the reality is that many churches do not consistently follow Scripture when appointing leaders. When people are placed in leadership without going through God’s biblical testing and qualification process, we cannot automatically assume they are spiritually mature. We must be careful not to follow those who are not walking in obedience to Scripture, regardless of the authority they have been given. This does not mean we should disrespect them. Rather, it means we should speak the truth to them in love. God’s Word shows us how to navigate these situations with wisdom and humility.

It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 3:1-13 NASB® 1995

To better understand God’s expectation of leaders in His Body, see The Heart of Godly Leaders.

Lie 4: Only spiritually mature people can perform Biblical works. The fourth lie is the belief that when people do many works—such as prophesying, casting out demons, or performing miracles—these acts are true indicators of spiritual maturity. Once again, this is not true; Jesus addresses this in Matthew 7:21-23.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS’.
Matthew 7:21-23 NASB® 1995

“Practice”: Strong’s: The verb “Practice” in Matthew 7:23 is the Greek verb ergazomai (2038): to work, to labor, to do, to perform, to accomplish
- Word Origin:1. to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc.

Matthew 7:24-27 shows us the kind of foundation we must build our lives on. We cannot be lazy children of God. We are called to study and show ourselves approved. We must understand that knowing theology alone will not save us. Being in a leadership position or having spiritual gifts operating in our lives does not prove that God is pleased with us. Our foundation must be built on learning God’s Word and obeying Scripture.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”
Matthew 7:24-27 NASB® 1995

If you believe any of these lies, I urge you to examine the Scriptures and honestly evaluate these beliefs. A good place to begin is the book of 1 John.

References:

"Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”
Strong’s Greek/Hebrew: Biblehub.com
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Biblehub.com