Humility
Humility is one of the hallmark signs of a maturing Christian.
Colossians 3:12 “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,” John 3:30 “He must increase, but I must decrease.” In our maturity we no longer gain joy from self-centered pursuits, but our true joy comes from making much of Christ!
Love
Love is the uniform a Christian wears! John 13:35 “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Unity
Maturity
Stages of Christianity (Dead, Infant, Child, Teen, Coach or Parent)
Christ-Centeredness
The goal of the body is growth! The goal of the spiritual body in Christ is spiritual growth! Disciples making disciples!
How Does One Become Spiritually Mature?
- Imitate– vv.1-3 To do what you’ve learned from other strong believers in-line with God’s Word.
Imitate Sold-Out Believers and Initiate Mentorship (Everyone needs a Paul, Timothy, and a Barnabas)
- Imitate Christ– 1 John 2:6 “whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” James 1:22 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
- Imitate Other Believers– 2 Timothy 2:2 “and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
- Imitate Mentorship and Accountability– Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
- Intimacy– Getting to Know Christ! Once you are gripped by the gravity of the cross, you can’t help but fall deeply in love with the Savior!
- The Word- God’s love letter to us
- Prayer- Our direct line to Him
- Christian Counsel- God uses His people to speak truth into our lives.
- Worship- You give God His Worth
- Evangelism/Missions- You see His strength most when you are stretched. Philemon v.6 “and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.”