1. Growing to Maturity 1

2.  Desired by every conscientious Christian, Matt. 5:48; Phil. 3:12; Eph. 4:13  Unscriptural definitions:  Open-mindedness (tolerance), 1 Tim. 6:20-21  Always questioning but never definite, 2 Tim. 3:7  Free-thinking, Rom. 1:21-22  Emotionalism, Jer. 10:23  Bible knowledge, 2 Pet. 3:18 (1 Cor. 8:1-2)  Gospel preaching is for our maturity, Col. 1:28 2

3.  PUT AWAY CARNAL THINGS  Put away sin, 1 Cor. 3:1-3 (Col. 3:5-9)  Immaturity – Underdeveloped spiritually, 3:1  Gives way to anti-spiritual behavior, 3:3  When the flesh controls us there are contentions, strife and sin (1:11)  These prevent growth in Christ 3

4.  BY CULTIVATING OUR UNDERSTANDING AND USE OF TRUTH 1 Cor. 14:20; Eph. 5:17; Jno. 8:31-32  Word of Christ must be in our heart, Col. 3:16; Jas. 1:21  Obey from the heart, Jas. 1:22-25  Answer others from the heart, 1 Pet. 3:15  Mature use understanding wisely, Jas. 3:13-18 4

5.  BY BEING MORE AND MORE LIKE CHRIST, Eph. 4:13, 15  The maturing Christian measures himself by Christ (character and conduct), 1 Jno. 2:5-6 (1 Pet. 2:21)  Is faith in Christ present in you? Jno. 8:24  Does the mind of Christ define you? Phil. 2:5  Christ must be formed in you, Gal. 4:19 (2:20) 5

6.  BY PROGRESSING BEYOND FIRST PRINCIPLES, Heb. 5:12-6:3  In your understanding and use of God’s word, 5:11, 13  In your willingness and ability to teach, 5:12  In your ability to discern right and wrong, truth and error, 5:14; Phil. 1:9-11 (Lk. 12:57; Jno. 7:24) 6

7.  BY OVERCOMING TEMPTATION 1 Jno. 2:14 (1 Pet. 5:8-9)  Word of God abides in the strong, Psa. 119:11  Diligently increase in every fruit of righteousness, 2 Pet. 1:5-11  Withstand! 1 Cor. 10:12-13 7

8. Mandate to Mature 2 Peter 3:17-18 8