Text: Philippians 3:12-16, Matt. 5:48;
Phil. 3:12; Eph. 4:13.
Introduction
Many people believe God will accept them just as they are. But Scripture
nowhere supports this idea. God expects His true followers to grow, mature and
bear fruit. Therefore,
leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to
perfection” (Hebrews 6:1).
Correctly understanding the scriptural truth that
the Holy Spirit is God’s power that can transform our lives helps us better
understand His purpose and will for us. The entire conversion process
concerns the wonderful transformation that God—through Christ and the
power of the Holy Spirit—makes in us.
Paul wrote that “we must grow up in
every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15, NRSV). He also said, “Brethren, do not be children in
understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature”
(1 Corinthians 14:20).
This growth process involves overpowering the
pulls of the flesh, replacing them with the character of Jesus Christ.
by
definition, it means: "brought to its end, finished; wanting nothing
necessary to completeness; perfect; that which is perfect; consummate human
integrity and virtue; of men -- full grown, adult, of full age, mature"
The preaching of the gospel is intended
to perfect us in Christ, Col. 1:28.
How do we reach and secure our own spiritual
maturity?
1. BY PUTTING AWAY CARNAL THINGS.
Ø
Put
Away Sin, 1 Cor. 3:1-3 (Col. 3:5-9).
Ø
Immaturity/undeveloped
spirituality (3:1) will soon
give way to anti-spiritual conduct (3:3). Flesh
controls rather than the spirit.
Ø
This
causes contentions, strife and sin in our lives (cf. 1:11).
Ø
With
these present we are not maturing; not spiritual mature.
2. BY CULTIVATING YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF TRUTH, 1 Cor. 14:20;
Eph. 5:17; Jno. 8:31-32.
i.
Word of Christ must be in Our Heart, Col. 3:16; Jas. 1:21.
ii. The instrument of our obedience, Jas. 1:22-25 (3:2).
iii. Able to answer others, 1 Pet. 3:15.
iv. The Mature Wisely Use their Understanding, Jas. 3:13-18.
3. BY BEING MORE AND MORE LIKE CHRIST, Eph. 4:13, 15.
A.
The Maturing Christian Measures
Himself by Christ.
By the
stature of His character and conduct, 1
Jno. 2:5-6 (1 Pet. 2:21).
a. Is faith
in Christ present? Jhno. 8:24
b. Does the humble
mind of Christ define you? Phil.
2:5
B. Christ must be Formed
in You, Gal. 4.19 (2:20).
4. BY PROGRESSING BEYOND FIRST PRINCIPLES, Heb 5:12- 6:1
(press beyond first principles to
fully develop, 6:1-3).
A. In
Your Understanding and Use of God's Word, 5:11, 13.
-The
mature devote themselves to comprehending and using truth.
B. In Your Willingness and Ability
to Teach the Truth, 5:12.
-The
mature devote themselves to teaching what they have learned.
C. In Your Ability to Discern
Right and Wrong, Truth and Error, 5:14;Phil.1:9-11 (Lk.
12:57; Jno. 7:24).
-The
mature are able and willing to discern (judge, separate) sin and error from
righteousness and truth.
5. BY OVERCOMING TEMPTATION, 1 Jno. 2:14 (1
Pet. 5:8-9).
A. The Word of God
Abides in the Strong, Psa. 119:11.
-This is not
merely quoting scripture -- It is walking in the truth.
B. By Diligently Increasing
in every Fruit of Righteousness, 2 Pet. 1:5-11.
-You can do it! (cf. 1 Cor. 10:12-13)
Conclusion
1. You have a mandate
to mature (2 Pet. 3:18).
2. How are you doing?