1. Marks of Christian Maturity Hebrews 13

2. Background to Hebrews These Christians were in danger of falling away from Christ (2:1; 3:12; 6:6) The author writes to exhort them not to apostatize (13:22) Practical, daily Christianity would keep these Christians faithful Note the transition in 12:1 and 12:28

3. Marks of Christian Maturity Brotherly Love (v.1)  Rom. 12:10; 1 Thess. 4:9; 1 Pet. 1:22  Avoid two extremes: unsympathetic criticism or becoming soft Hospitality (v.2)  Mt. 25:35; Rom. 12:13; 1 Tim. 3:2; 1 Pet. 4:9  First century living conditions demanded that love be shown

4. Marks of Christians Maturity Compassion (v. 3)  Mt. 25:36; Lk. 10:33; Col. 3:12; 4:18; Heb. 10:34; 1 Jn.3:17  First century persecution demanded it Marital Purity (v. 4)  Mt. 19:9; 1 Cor. 6:9; Rom. 13:9; Gal. 5:19; 1 Thess. 4:6  Avoid two extremes: asceticism or sexual immorality

5. Marks of Christians Maturity Contentment (vv. 5-6)  Phil. 4:11-13; 1 Tim. 6:8-10  Not constantly striving for more and more Obedient Submission (vv. 7,17,24)  Acts 20:28; Phil. 1:1  The elders (bishops) are over; the local church is under their rule; following their lead and example

6. Marks of Christians Maturity Steadfastness (vv. 8-9)  Eph. 4:14; 2 Pet. 3:17; Rev. 12:15  Fixed and grounded in Jesus and His word Doing Good (vv. 15-16,21)  Acts 10:38; Rom. 12:13; 1 Tim. 6:18  Active, continual sacrificing for God and others

7. Marks of Christians Maturity Prayer for Others (vv. 18-19)  1 Thess. 5:25; 2 Thess. 3:1  Unselfishly considerate of others

8. Marks of Christians Maturity Do you find yourself drifting and falling away? Stagnant? How do you compare with these marks of Christian maturity? Practical, daily, active service keeps a Christian spiritually alive