Use Your Bible
MARKS OF MATURITYIntro.
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