1. Being Mature In The Faith (2)
Hebrews 5:12-14

2. Phil 3:15 - - Let us therefore, as many
as be perfect, be thus minded: and if
in anything ye be otherwise minded,
God shall reveal even this to you

3. Col 1: Whom we preach,
warning every man, and teaching
every man in all wisdom; that we
may present every man perfect in
Christ Jesus

4. Heb 5:14 - But solid food belongeth
to them that are of full age, even
those who by reason of use have
their senses exercised to discern
both good and evil

5. Positive Focus On Maturity
Maturity is presented as a goal that is attainable
Some at Philippi were mature (Phil. 3:13-15)
The gospel was to produce mature disciples (Col. 1:28)
The word of God is for babes AND the mature (Heb. 5:12-14)
The mature disciple is the one who contributes to success in the Lord’s work (Eph. 4:11-16)

6. Maturity is not uniform
The parable of the sower illustrates this (Matt. 13:23)
The emphasis is on fruitfulness versus unfruitfulness (note the amounts)

7. There is no truth in denying that maturity can be achieved
Such denials are detrimental to the individual and to the church
Defeats any measure of faithfulness
Stifles all efforts toward growth
Impedes success of work in the body of Christ

8. Marks Of Maturity
The ability to handle the “strong meat” of the word (Heb. 5:13-14)
Learn to discern good and evil
Not blown about by “every wind of doctrine” (Eph. 4:14)
Become a skilled workman (2 Tim. 2:15)

9. The employment of spiritual judgment
Not according to the person (James 2:1)
Righteous judgment (Jn. 7:24)
As per the Bereans (Acts 17:11)

10. The ability to deal with spiritual adversity (Acts 14:23)
Unnamed severe obstacles (2 Tim. 3:11-12)
Weak brethren (2 Tim. 4:3-4; 10)
Family (Matt. 10:34-37)

11. The ability to deal with life’s adversities (2 Cor. 4:16)

12. 4256 hits
511 wins
5714
strikeouts
10328 outs
316 losses
2795
walks

13. All success includes some failure
Once held 1093 patents
Invented practical light bulb
Had thousands of failures
I now know 3000 things that won’t work
All success includes some failure

14. The ability to deal with life’s adversities (2 Cor. 4:16)
Things happen in life (Eccl. 9:11)
It is not what and when things happen
It is how we handle these things when they do happen
Two things are necessary for success: determination and hard work
Those who are mature do it
Those who are immature do not do it

15. The ability to be responsible (Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10)