Essential that the Church Grows to Maturity Ephesians 4:11-15 Maturity – “completeness, entire, fully developed”

Marks That Measure Maturity Hebrew Marks- Hebrews 5:11 – 6:3 Ability to Teach Others – 5:12; Ephesians 4:11 Ability to Receive “Meaty” Teaching – 5:12-14; 6:1; 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 Ability to Discern Good & Evil – 5:14; Philippians 1:9,10; 1 Kings 12:6-8; Titus 2:3-5

Marks That Measure Maturity Mark of Humility – Philippians 2:3,4 Colossians 3:12 “put on…humility” How Do You Receive Correction? 2 Timothy 3:16,17 “complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Samuel 12:13 “I have sinned.” Luke 15:18 “I have sinned”

Marks That Measure Maturity Mark of Love – Philippians 1:9,10 Not love for dog – “philos,” affection Not sexual desire, passion – “eros” But Jesus’ type – “agape” Matthew 5:43-47 love enemies Romans 12:16-21 “not be overcome by evil”; James 1:2-4 Matthew 5:38-42

Different Responses to The Word Luke 8:11-15 Wayside – hear, Devil takes seed away On Rock – hear, receive word with joy, have no root, fall away Among Thorns – hear, choked with cares, riches, etc. no mature fruit Good ground – heard with noble & good heart, keep & bear fruit

Which Kind of Soil Are You? Wayside ? On Rock ? Among Thorns? Good ground ?