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Mature in Christ

Mature in Christ

Words of Faith 9-3-19

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2019

Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com

Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL

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Philippians 3

[15] All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. [16] Only let us live up to what we have already attained. [17] Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.

 

      What is the mark of Christian maturity?  Is it a vast ability to quote Scripture?  Eloquent public prayers?  Is it a particularly wise demeanor?  A "holy squint?"  Special knowledge of theology?  Particular gifts of the Spirit? 

       Apparently, for Paul, Christian maturity was marked by the "view" he just noted. Listen to these comments regarding "having arrived" at maturity. "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect... I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it."

       The first mark of Christian maturity is to realize that we have not arrived!  It is the humility modeled by Jesus and lived out by Paul.  We are not to "struggle" over what we have not yet attained.  But we are to have a realistic knowledge of how much we do not know and how much we have not seen.

       Christian maturity is marked by wisdom that recognizes that the more we know of God, the more we realize we do not know.  The more we walk in the things of God, the more there is to discover. The more we learn of God, the more humbly we walk. Paul's "pressing on" is not a slavish discipline.  It is an eager pursuit of God.  There is no time to dwell in the past because we are drawn toward God's future.

        The immature Christian is overly confident, sure of all the answers, and ready to judge situations and people.  The mature Christian listens carefully, is slow to speak, is loving in discernment, and is always open to God's unusual alternative plans. 

 

        Lord, grow me up.  Grow me up into humility that is always in awe of you