1. Company LOGO 1 Corinthians 14:20 MARKS OF A MATURE CHRISTIAN

2. Mature vs. Babes Babes In Christ Are Expected To Mature. –Corinthians remained babes (1 Cor. 3:1-3) –Hebrews became babes (Heb. 5:12-14) Mature In Christ Have Distinguishing Marks.

3. Marks of Maturity 1. UNDERSTANDING (1 Cor. 14:20)

4. UNDERSTANDING More than just first principles (Heb. 5:12 – 6:1) –Must understand these to become Christians –Have to use them or you won’t retain them (v. 14) Understand enough to know your limits –Philippians 3:12-16

5. Marks of Maturity 1. UNDERSTANDING (1 Cor. 14:20) 2. DISCERNMENT (Heb. 5:14)

6. DISCERNMENT “Have their senses exercised” –Can sense a little leaven (1 Cor. 5:8; Jas. 1:14-16) –Can sense a threat (Gal. 2:4-5) “Discern both good and evil” –Discern between appearance & reality Gal. 2:5; Matt. 7:15; 2 Peter 2:18 –Discern between differences between brethren

7. Differences Between Brethren Can Be Worked Out Acts 15:36- 41 Can Be Worked Out Acts 15:36- 41 Matters of Opinion Romans 14 Matters of Opinion Romans 14 Doctrinal Matters 1 Tim. 6:3- 5 Gal. 2:5, 14 Doctrinal Matters 1 Tim. 6:3- 5 Gal. 2:5, 14 Not Tolerable Tolerable No Immediate Solution

8. DISCERNMENT “Have their senses exercised” –Can sense a little leaven (1 Cor. 5:8; Jas. 1:14-16) –Can sense a threat (Gal. 2:4-5) “Discern both good and evil” –Discern between appearance & reality Gal. 2:5; Matt. 7:15; 2 Peter 2:18 –Discern between differences between brethren –Discern between erring brethren 1 Thess. 5:14; Jude 22-23; Gal. 6:1; Titus 1:13

9. Marks of Maturity 1. UNDERSTANDING (1 Cor. 14:20) 2. DISCERNMENT (Heb. 5:14) 3. SPIRITUALITY (1 Cor. 3:1-4)

10. SPIRITUALITY Know Meaning of Real Spirituality –Not measured by pious look, voice, or “spiritual” talk –Measured by following the Spirit’s words –1 Cor. 2:12-13; 14:37; Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:18-19 Produce Fruit of the Spirit –1 Cor. 3:3; Gal. 5:19ff Use Spiritual Weapons –2 Cor. 10:1-5 Value Spiritual Interests –2 Cor. 4:17ff

11. Marks of Maturity 1. UNDERSTANDING (1 Cor. 14:20) 2. DISCERNMENT (Heb. 5:14) 3. SPIRITUALITY (1 Cor. 3:1-4) 4. STABILITY (Eph. 4:14-15)

12. STABILITY Change Only For Good Scriptural Reason –Not for emotional whim or due to peer pressure Neither Closed-Minded or Gullible –Acts 17:11 Stable In All Their Ways –James 1:8 Rational or Reasonable –2 Thess. 3:2

13. WHERE ARE YOU? MATURITY UnderstandingSpiritualityDiscernmentStability