Maturing in Christ

Matthew Allen – from book by Gene Rogers

 

FILING INFORMATION:

2001041

Subject: Christian growth

Preached Originally: 08/05/01 – Rapid City, SD

 

Introduction:

A.      Col. 3:1-17 – we must concern ourselves w/developing our new life.  So that we will be conformed to the likeness of Jesus.

1.    1-3 – Set mind on things above if raised up in Christ.

2.    8-10 – put aside anger; wrath; malice

3.    12-15 – put on compassion; kindness; humility; etc.

4.    16 – let word dwell in us through teaching of God’s word.

B.      Imagine…potential sitting in this room!

1.    Devil tricks us into thinking that there is much lacking here…potential not good…problems… Pessimistic view….

2.    Reality is that we have potential to have a good productive and blessed life with Jesus Christ!

3.    But simply being baptized alone will NOT insure sustained life.

a)     just the fact that a baby introduced to life in this world does not assure that it will grow to maturity.

b)     Conditions must be met!  If not, life will be extinguished quickly!

4.    If basic necessities for sustaining/developing spiritual life are met – Christian life can do nothing but grow!

C.     Must all look at self & ask:  Am I growing/maturing in Jesus?

1.    Can I look back and see progress?  If not, why not?

 

I.  We must understand that we have been born for maturity!

A.    Birth is a start in life – not the goal!

1.    physically…a baby goes through various growth stages to physical; mental; and emotional maturity…again…maturity is the goal!

2.    Spiritually: God does not lead us through the experience of a new birth for us to remain a spiritual baby!  God’s will is that we grow to spiritual maturity!

3.    Eph. 4:15-16; (grow up)  Col. 1:28 – to be complete in Christ.

a)     See also Col. 2:6-7 – rooted; built up.

b)     Heb. 6:1 – press on toward maturity.

c)      2 Pet. 3:18 – grow in grace/knowledge of Christ.

B.    All spiritual nourishment/every spiritual experience/every but of spiritual discipline and all Christian education must combine to work toward maturity!

C.   EVERYONE and EVERYTHING must continually grow – or it will die!

II.  There are Blessings to being Mature.

A.     Greater our maturity…the great our capacity to receive and experience more of all that life has to offer in this world.

1.    New Christian…experiences blessings.

a)    freedom from plague of sin

b)    knowledge that we in right relationship w/God.  Freedom from fear of dying in sin.

2.    But…babe in Christ – by very fact of his infancy – is limited to receive the greater blessing that some w/maturity in Christ.

B.    Think of the joy of serving…in places of responsibility & leadership.  Think of joy of having developed family relationships w/brethren.

C.    Blessings that God able to pour into our lives are directly proportionate to our degree of maturity and our ability to receive.

1.      Maturity in Christ should immediately b/c the desired goal of everyone born into God’s family.

2.      Increased happiness awaits as we move toward maturity in Christ.

 

III.  4 Essentials to Growth:

A.    Someone says…I understand I need to b/c mature. . But how???

1.    We will now discuss 4 essentials to growth.  Take away any one or more and spiritual death awaits.

B.    Need for nourishment.

1.    Spiritual birth must be followed by systematic & regular feeding upon Jesus Christ.  See Jhn. 6:51

2.    Feed upon Christ by taking Him in through God’s word.

a)    it reveals all we need to know about Christ & the life that he would develop in us.

b)    Mt. 4:4 – must consume spiritual food if we to be nourished & have a developed life.

3.    Christians need not only study their bible at home – but there a need for assembling w/the church where those who more mature can teach.

4.    Daily home study is mandatory – but EQUALLY important is our need for assembling w/saints.

D.   Need for nurturing.

1.    We need to have contact w/older member of church.  New Christain cannot fend for himself anymore than a baby can take care of himself.

2.    We must have encouragement /fellowship w/family of God.  If this doesn’t happen – place ourselves in danger of spiritual disaster.

3.    We must assume a position as p[art of the local church.

a)    brethren can/will play a large role in our spiritual maturity.

b)    Heb. 10:24; 1 Thess. 5:15; Col. 3:16; Rom. 15:14

E.    Need for Breathing.

1.    Gene Rogers….Prayer…the breath of the soul.

a)    we open our lives to God through prayer.  A means of vital contact w/God.

b)    Way of fellowshipping w/Him & discerning His will.

2.    Wish to grow?  Must develop prayer life.

a)    after all – this = commandment! Lk. 18:1

b)    results of prayer demand that we pray – Mt. 7:7; Phil. 4:5-7

c)    We maintain our relationship w/God through prayer – 1 Jhn. 1:9

F.    Need for exercise.

1.    we must exercise our faith by serving God.

a)    characterized by a life of service.

b)    2 Cor. 5:15

c)    Jhn. 15:8 – proof of our discipleship will be a fruit bearing life.

2.    God has given each of us talent; ability; and gifts of His grace to be employed in His service.

a)    he intends us to use them….

3.    It is as we use these talents in service that growth takes place.  Not only do we grow – but the world of the Lord is accomplished.

4.    If we do not exercise spiritually – it quite easy to see that growth will be limited!

5.    Get involved in Christian service!

 

Conclusion:

A.    The 4 needs just discussed are all interrelated.

1.    Having one need met will naturally lead to the fulfilling of others.

2.    Studying God’s word will motivate us to be challenged and directed to service.

B.    Spiritual maturity can be reached in a relatively short period of time if vigorously pursued.

C.   How quickly it is reached will depend upon how earnestly one yearns for it.

D.   How fast are you growing?  Are you moving toward maturity?

E.    I N V I T A T I O N