1. What Maturity Means
Hebrews 6:1

2. We must strive for maturity
Matthew 5:48
Cf. 1 Corinthians 13:11-13
2 Corinthians 7:1
James 1:4
Philippians 3:13-14
Is it worth the effort?
We must strive for maturity

3. We have greater appreciation of our fellowship with God
Matthew 5:8 – the pure in heart see God
1 John 1:3-7 – our fellowship is with the Father and Jesus
With maturity…

4. Our faith is strengthened
Faith needs to mature.
2 Timothy 1:12, 4:7-8 – Paul’s faith toward the end
Psalm 37:25 –David’s declaration
1 John 5:4 – faith is the victory
With maturity…

5. We have greater knowledge and understanding
Continued study leads to this
Ephesians 4:14 – no longer children
Hebrews 5:12-14 – our context
With maturity…

6. We are better equipped to deal with our sins
Better understanding of temptation and sins
James 1:12-14 – he endures (perseveres) temptation
2 Peter 2:9 – he knows that God can deliver the godly…
With maturity…

7. We are better equipped to deal with problems
Why must elders be mature? Titus 1:9, Acts 20:28-31 so they can identify error, etc.
1 Corinthians 10:13 we know God will make the way of escape
Proverbs 16:31
With maturity…

8. With maturity… We have greater confidence in prayer
We know God answers prayers 1 Peter 3:12, 1 John 5:14-15
We know, because He has!
We are better prepared to accept His answers cf. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
He knows best
Philippians 4:6-7
With maturity…

9. With maturity… We have greater appreciation of our brethren
Brethren are our lifeline in an ungodly world
Our spiritual family – Ephesians 4:16
We prefer one another – Romans 12:10
We are thankful for our spiritual family – cf. Philippians 1:3
With maturity…

10. With maturity… We can avoid the judgment of the ungodly
Though unpleasant, hell is real 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9, Matthew 25:46, 41, 18:8-9, etc.
Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away!
Maturity helps us better understand how we can avoid this fate
With maturity…

11. We have hope of eternity in heaven
The godly are ready to stand before God – Hebrews 11:13-16, 2 Timothy 4:8 2 Peter 1:11 2 Corinthians 5:1-8
This is the reason we are here!
If you miss heaven, you miss all!
With maturity…

12. Are you striving toward maturity?