The defining mark of spiritual maturity is Christlikeness. The goal of disciplemaking is not merely transferring information or accumulating knowledge. It is about life transformation. There is a false assumption that truth alone changes lives. Truth alone doesn't change lives; it is the application of truth that brings about change. We are not called to merely appreciate or admire the truth; we are called to apply it. Spiritual transformation occurs through application. While faithful preaching is important, it must be complemented by intentional growth strategies and discipleship processes that foster growth through application. When believers grow in applying God's Word, it leads to spiritual maturity.
Spiritual maturity must lead to spiritual multiplication! Both are necessary, but maturity comes before multiplication. The quality of the fruit is determined by the depth of the root. In the words of Bill Hull, "Unless the church makes making disciples its main agenda, world evangelism is a fantasy." It is impossible to win the world through mere addition. God intends for the world to be won through the strategy of spiritual multiplication. The power of spiritual multiplication lies in the understanding that God desires every believer to be a disciple of Christ and every disciple of Christ to intentionally disciple others.
The defining mark of spiritual maturity is Christlikeness. Before we disciple others, we must first allow ourselves to be discipled by Christ Himself. To do so, we must be:
a. God-centred orientation
b. Biblical worldview and Kingdom values
a. Abide (rootedness in the Scriptures)
b. Alignment (mastered by the Word of God)
a. Security (inward restedness—nothing to prove, hide and lose)
b. Stewardship (simplicity of life and open hand)
a. Living with a sense of calling (marriage, ministry, marketplace, mission)
b. Walking in the spirit of faith (divine appointments and active obedience)