2. Being Mature In The Faith
Philippians 3:12-16

3. The Concept Of Growth 2 Peter 3:18 - - But grow in the grace and
knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ. To Him be the glory both now and
forever. Amen.

4. A Problem With “Perfect”
Phil 3: If by any means I might
attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
Phil. 3: Not as though I had already
attained, either were already perfect: but
I follow after, if that I may apprehend
that for which also I am apprehended
of Christ Jesus.

5. A Problem With “Perfect”
Phil 3: Let us therefore, as many as
be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any
thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall
reveal even this unto you.
Phil. 3: Nevertheless, whereto we
have already attained, let us walk by the
same rule, let us mind the same thing.

6. Phil 3:15 - - Let us therefore, as many
as be perfect, be thus minded: and if
in any thing ye be otherwise minded,
God shall reveal even this unto you.

7. Phil 3:15 - - Let us therefore, as many
Strong: complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.)…of full age, man, perfect.
Phil 3: Let us therefore, as many
as be perfect, be thus minded: and if
in any thing ye be otherwise minded,
God shall reveal even this unto you.

8. Phil 3:15 - - Let us therefore, as many
Vine: having reached its end, finished, complete, perfect.
Phil 3: Let us therefore, as many
as be perfect, be thus minded: and if
in any thing ye be otherwise minded,
God shall reveal even this unto you.

9. 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
Heb 5:9 - - And being made perfect,
He became the author of eternal
Salvation unto all them that obey him

10. Heb 5:14 - But strong meat 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

11. Phil 3:15 - - Therefore let us, as many
as be mature, have this mind, and if
in anything you think otherwise, God
will reveal even this to you.

12. A Loophole? I sin, you sin, we all sin; so leave me alone
I’m just human, so leave me alone
I’m weak and sinful, so little (if anything) is expected of me

13. Spiritual Maturity Is Possible
Some at Philippi were such
It didn’t just happen
There is a process to it (Mk. 4:26-29)
There is some point where this happens
We can recognize it
The NT acknowledges it (1 Peter 2:2; Heb. 5:12-14; cf. 1 Cor. 13:11)

14. What Was Going On At Philippi?
Those who were mature were (re. v. 13):
“. . . forgetting those things which are behind”
“. . . reaching forward to those things which are ahead”
Capable of spiritual discernment (1 Cor. 2:12-16)

15. Those who are spiritually mature rely upon God and His word . . .}
. . . for guidance
. . . for answers
. . . for strength
2 Timothy 3:16-17