Vol.XVIII No.VII Pg.5
September 1981

Use Your Bible

Dan S. Shipley

MARKS OF MATURITY

Intro.

1. The process of growth is as essential in spiritual realm as physical. 2. The growth process is EDIFICATION (1 Cor. 14:26; Eph. 4:11-14). 3. The growth goal is PERFECTION a. TELEIOS: maturity, completeness, entire, fully developed 4. All Christians to "press on unto perfection" (Heb. 6:1) a. Can measure our growth by marks of maturity found in Scripture

I. THE HEBREW MARKS (Heb. 5:11-6:3)

A. The ability to teach others ("Ye ought to be teachers", v..12) l. Involves knowledge (all teachers must be learners)

2. Involves disposition (willingness, see seriousness of, Jas. 3:1) B. The ability to receive "meaty" teaching (v. 14)

1. Means leaving (not abandoning) first principles & building thereon. 2. Failure here is sign of carnality, 1 Cor. 3:1-3

C. The ability to discern between good and evil ("senses exercised to...") 1. Maturity recognizes difference between what God says & what men say. 2. Sees evil in perspective, even tendencies and trends (Phil. 1:9,10)

II. THE MARK OF HUMILITY

A. Humble enough to receive instruction, Col. 1:28 1. To be perfect in Christ, men must receive this teaching B. Humble enough to be admonished, Col. 1:28

1. To be perfect in Christ, men must also receive admonition 2. All need reproof, correction & instruction from Scriptures, 2 Tim. 3:17

C. Humble enough to recognize own shortcomings

1. Being perfect means recognizing own imperfections 2. Ability to say, "I have sinned" as did David & prodigal son

III. THE MARK OF TONGUE CONTROL, Jas. 3:2

A. By refraining from speaking against one another, Jas. 4:11; 1 Pet. 3:10 B. By refraining from speaking lies, Eph. 4:25 C. By refraining from speaking profanity, Jas. 3:10; Matt. 12:36 D. By refraining from murmuring, Phil. 2:14; 1 Cor. 10:10

iV. THE MARK OF LOVE

A. The bond of perfectness, Col. 4:14 B. Love for God, brethren, even enemies; 1 Jn. 4:17-21; Jn. 13:35; Matt. 5:43-48

V. THE MARK OF STEADFASTNESS

A. Steadfast in trials, Jas. 1:2-4 B. Steadfast in temptations, Jas. 1:12-15