What does the Bible say about adulthood?

Biblical overview

The biblical picture is one in which the focus is less on adulthood as a developmental or psychological stage or age and more as the attainment of spiritual maturity.

• Galatians 3:23-25, spiritual maturity is found in Christ
• Deuteronomy 21:18-21, Ephesians 4:11-15, in obedience to God
• Hebrews 6:1-2, 1 Peter 2:2-3, in study of Scripture

These signs of spiritual maturity are accessible to all, regardless of one's actual age (1 Timothy 4:12; 1 John 2:13 - 14)

Knowing and being known

"When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to my childhood ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known" (1 Corinthians 13:11 - 12).

Children

While Scripture suggests that we should move beyond elementary matters to a more mature, deeper faith (Hebrews 6:1 - 2), we are reminded that Jesus praises the faith of children and invites them to him (Luke 18:17). Jesus tells us that we are to become like children (Matthew 18:2). God ordains praise from the lips of children and infants (Psalm 8:2). While we desire to grow in spiritual maturity, we should not lose the childlike wonder of faith.

Changing landscapes

Scripture's indifference to age is an important reminder as today's world wrestles with the concept of "emerging adulthood," often understood as prolonged adolescence. For older folks concerned about the perceived laziness of younger folks, we are reminded to avoid proof-texting our expectations of how certain ages are supposed to act. For younger folks navigating the realities of a changing world, we are reminded that God expects all believers, young and old alike, to grow in spiritual maturity.

Practical realities

The census of God's people in the early chapters of Numbers demonstrates that the people of Israel were to be aware of practical realities and differences between children and adults during their wandering in the desert. They were to take into consideration how many adult men would be available for the wars they would face (Numbers 1:3). Levites were given specific instructions for ages of eligible priestly service (Numbers 8:24 - 25). Churches do well to consider these practical realities when considering communal life. Young people may be spiritually mature but, due to unfamiliarity with budgets, decide it best to withhold voting rights until reaching a certain age. An individual may be wise beyond their years, but contextual expectations may mean that it is best not to allow such an individual to serve on council. As God expected Israel to take practical considerations into account, so too should our churches.

Covenantal reminders

In the midst of the census data of Numbers, the Levites are counted not from fighting age, but from birth (Numbers 3:15). The Levites, representative of God's people in their service to the tabernacle and temple, were also a reminder of the covenantal promises of God given to the whole household (Acts 2:39). As churches wrestle with the practical distinctions of youth and adulthood, we are reminded that God's covenant is not just with adults, but with children as well.

Sermon ideas about adulthood

"He is foreshadowing the work of he would take as Messiah as an adult: arguing theology and law with the powers that be, speaking in confounding sentences that would be revealed later, and finding meaning and purpose in his Father's house." Sermon Preparation or Illustration by David Peter from A Plain Account

"As we live in this new womb that is the world, awaiting our birth into eternal life, we have a much clearer idea of who we are and who our Divine Family is; for their part they eagerly look for our entry into that fullness of life." Article about Theology by Charles Kestermeler from Church Life Journal

"Young adults often challenge middle-age and older adults to think differently and more deeply about our traditions and values and what really matters." Service Outline by Reginald Bell Jr. From The African American Lectionary