MARKS OF THE MATURING CHRISTIAN
Introduction:
1. One of the great concerns of new parents is the normal and
healthy growth of their newborn. Doctors know precisely how
much weight should normally be gained and if the child does
not follow this pattern, the doctor seeks to determine the
problem, if any. Parents are greatly concerned with the
maturity of their children.
2. Illus. The father was encouraging his young son to eat
properly so that he would grow. The son said, "But I know
I'm growing already." "How do you know," asked the father.
The answer, "I know I'm growing, because I don't have to
tip-toe anymore to look over the back of the benches in
church when we stand up."
3. When one is born into God's family, God expects him/her with
the passing of time, to grow to maturity.
4. Heb. 5:12-14 -- "When by reason of time ye ought....."
5. Jehovah expects each of His children to grow so that we may
reach the level of maturity of a full grown, active servant
in His kingdom.
6. The 15th chapter of Romans offers us a number of admonitions
as the marks of a mature Christian.
I. MATURING CHRISTIANS MUST LEARN TO DEPEND UPON GOD:
1. The nature of God that will assist Christians is defined
at least three times in this chapter.
(1) Rom. 15:5 -- God of patience and comfort (consolation)
(2) Rom. 15:13 -- God of hope
(3) Rom. 15:33 -- God of peace
2. We serve a God that is patient, filled with comfort and
consolation; a God of hope and peace.
3. These are all characteristics upon which we can depend. We
can find peace and contentment by serving this God.
4. Yet, the world looks for these things in other ways,
rather than full submission to Jehovah.
5. To have peace, we build a bigger gun.
6. Phil. 4:7 -- "Peace that passeth all understanding..."
II. MATURING CHRISTIANS MUST BE "FULL OF GOODNESS"
1. Rom. 15:14 -- Full of goodness
2. One who is full of goodness has qualities that are God-
like.
3. Others in God's Word have displayed this characteristic.
(1) Matt. 26:6-13 -- Woman who anointed Christ, Jesus said
of her, "she hath wrought a good work.."
(2) Acts 9:36 -- Dorcas was "full of good works and....
(3) Acts 11:24 -- Barnabas "a good man and full of the
Holy Spirit...and faith..."
NOTE the results: "much people were added to the Lord"
4. 1 Pet 2:12 -- Even those who speak evil of you "may behold
your good works..."
5. The world can tell the difference between "a good person"
and "a mean or disgruntled person." Our lives should
exhibit the characteristics of "goodness" to the world
around us. Be a good neighbor.
III. MATURING CHRISTIANS ARE "FILLED WITH ALL KNOWLEDGE":
1. Romans 15:14 -- "filled with all knowledge"
2. Ignorance does not produce Christians. And surely, ignorance
will not cause the Christian to mature.
3. John 8:31,32 -- Knowledge of "truth" is essential to being
"free." Also, to continue in "freedom."
4. Acts 17:11 -- The Beroeans were more noble.....they were
"examining the scriptures...."
5. How can one decide if something is right or wrong? Only by
comparing it with the revealed truth of God's Word. Thus,
the solution to our being acceptable before Jehovah is an
understanding of and abiding in the "truth." (God's Word).
6. For this reason, among others, a maturing Christians will
make every effort possible to be present for each service of
the Lord's family; classes, worship, study, etc. The
maturing Christian will not allow trivial things to keep him
or her away from these important gatherings.
7. God's wisdom -- The Lord's Supper on the first day of each
week. We are never more than three days from remembering
that precious gift given for us.
IV. MATURING CHRISTIANS ARE "ABLE TO ADMONISH ONE ANOTHER":
1. Romans 15:14 -- "able to admonish one another."
2. Heb. 5:12-14 -- The maturing Christian will admonish others
rather than needing to be admonished from others.
3. Obviously, there are always times in the lives of each of us
that we need the admonishment and encouragement of others
who are mature. But, what we are saying is: the maturing
Christian will be listened to; respected for their insight
and understanding of the problems of life.
4. NOTE: This last point is the conclusion to the first three
that was made: If one really depends upon God, is a good
person, and is filled with knowledge of God's Word; that one
is prepared to assist others, Others will be inclined to
heed the admonishment offered.
5. If I have not shown a disposition to be dependent upon God,
how could I encourage others to be dependent? If I have not
shown myself to be a good person, how could I encourage
others to be good? If I have no desire to increase my
knowledge of God's Book, how might I encourage others to
study the Book? We become good examples only so much as we
are willing to display the characteristics of the Christ.
6. Gal. 6:1-5 -- A two-fold responsibility; "Bear one another's
burden" and "bear his own burden." I will have trouble
helping others if I have no desire to help myself.
7. Rom. 15:1-3
Conclusion:
1. Notice that the term "Maturing Christians" has been used
rather that "Matured Christians." This idea of maturity is a
constant, ongoing process.
2. Heb. 6:1 -- we are to "press on unto perfection..."
("fullgrown maturity")
3. As long as we tabernacle in the flesh, there is room for
growth and development, for maturing. There will never be a
time reached that we can rest on our laurels.
4. But, you cannot mature as a Christian unless you obey our
Lord and become the Child of God.
5. Submission to Jehovah.
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