Being Mature In The Faith (2) Hebrews 5:12-14

Phil 3:15 - - Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this to you

Col 1:28 - - Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus

Heb 5:14 - But solid food belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil

Positive Focus On Maturity Maturity is presented as a goal that is attainable Some at Philippi were mature (Phil. 3:13-15) The gospel was to produce mature disciples (Col. 1:28) The word of God is for babes AND the mature (Heb. 5:12-14) The mature disciple is the one who contributes to success in the Lord’s work (Eph. 4:11-16)

Maturity is not uniform The parable of the sower illustrates this (Matt. 13:23) The emphasis is on fruitfulness versus unfruitfulness (note the amounts)

There is no truth in denying that maturity can be achieved Such denials are detrimental to the individual and to the church Defeats any measure of faithfulness Stifles all efforts toward growth Impedes success of work in the body of Christ

Marks Of Maturity The ability to handle the “strong meat” of the word (Heb. 5:13-14) Learn to discern good and evil Not blown about by “every wind of doctrine” (Eph. 4:14) Become a skilled workman (2 Tim. 2:15)

The employment of spiritual judgment Not according to the person (James 2:1) Righteous judgment (Jn. 7:24) As per the Bereans (Acts 17:11)

The ability to deal with spiritual adversity (Acts 14:23) Unnamed severe obstacles (2 Tim. 3:11-12) Weak brethren (2 Tim. 4:3-4; 10) Family (Matt. 10:34-37)

The ability to deal with life’s adversities (2 Cor. 4:16)

4256 hits 511 wins 5714 strikeouts 10328 outs 316 losses 2795 walks

All success includes some failure Once held 1093 patents Invented practical light bulb Had thousands of failures I now know 3000 things that won’t work All success includes some failure

The ability to deal with life’s adversities (2 Cor. 4:16) Things happen in life (Eccl. 9:11) It is not what and when things happen It is how we handle these things when they do happen Two things are necessary for success: determination and hard work Those who are mature do it Those who are immature do not do it

The ability to be responsible (Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10)