The Marks of a Mature Person Developing a Faith that Works An Overview of James

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore, leaving the elementary message about the Messiah, let us go on to maturity, . . . (Holman’s Christian Standard Bible)

What Maturity Isn’t . . . It’s not age It’s not appearances It’s not achievement It’s not academics

Five Marks of Maturity A mature person is positive under pressure

James 1:2-4 2 Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. 3 You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. 4 So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. (The Message)

John 10:10 (Jesus said,) . . . I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance. (Holman’s Christian Standard Bible)

James 1:12 God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (New Living Translation)

Five Marks of Maturity A mature person is positive under pressure A mature person is sensitive to people

James 2:8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. (New International Version)

Matthew 25:31-40 31 “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate them as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. 34 Then the King will say to those on the right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

Matthew 25:31-40 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ 37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?

Matthew 25:31-40 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?’ 40 And the King will tell them, ‘I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ (New Living Translation)

Five Marks of Maturity A mature person is positive under pressure A mature person is sensitive to people A mature person has mastered his or her tongue

James 3:2 We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way. (New Living Translation)

Ephesians 4:29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. (New Living Translation)

James 1:26 If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. (New Living Translation)

Five Marks of Maturity A mature person is positive under pressure A mature person is sensitive to people A mature person has mastered his or her tongue A mature person is a peacemaker not a troublemaker

James 4:1 Do you know where your fights and arguments come from? They come from the selfish desires that war within you. (New Century Version)

James 4:2-3 2 You want something you don’t have, and you will do anything to get it. You will even kill! But you still cannot get what you want, and you won’t get it by fighting and arguing. You should pray for it. 3 Yet even when you do pray, your prayers are not answered, because you pray just for selfish reasons. (Contemporary English Version)

Proverbs 13:10 Pride leads to arguments; . . . (New Living Translation)

James 4:11-12 11 Don’t speak evil against each other, my dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize each other and condemn each other, then you are criticizing and condemning God’s law. But you are not a judge who can decide whether the law is right or wrong. Your job is to obey it. 12 God alone, who made the law, can rightly judge among us. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to condemn your neighbor? (New Living Translation)

Five Marks of Maturity A mature person is positive under pressure A mature person is sensitive to people A mature person has mastered his or her tongue A mature person is a peacemaker not a troublemaker A mature person is patient and prayerful

James 5:7, 11, 16 7 My friends, be patient until the Lord returns. . . . 11 In fact, we praise the ones who endured the most. (Contemporary English Version) 16 . . . The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results. (New Living Translation)