Episode 18: The Pathway to Maturity

 I believe it is the desire of all Christians to “grow up” into mature, stable sons and daughters of God. Not only is this our desire, it is also God’s desire. He has made full provision for this. While I believe it is the desire of every Christian to come to maturity in Christ, this is not an automatic process. We all begin as babes, but to come to full maturity we must avail of all of God’s provision. This is true in the natural family, and it is also true in the spiritual. We need all God has provided, not just part.

• What is maturity?
o Maturity is conformity to the image of Christ in all aspects
o Maturity is a place of stability (not tossed by desires, trials, and ideas)
o Maturity brings us to a place of greater usefulness to God
• Obedience is essential to realize God’s character established in us
o Relationship must be real
o Obedience is to the leading of the Holy Spirit
o The Word of God is the foundation of our faith and obedience
• Ministry is a key provision of God (Eph. 4)
o Public ministry (prophets and teachers)
o Eldership (those who watch out over our souls)
o Ministry of every member
• Humility is essential to be able to receive
o Teachable
o Open to any brother or sister for God to use
o Quick to hear, slow to speak
o Looking unto Jesus in all things (not man)
• Exercise in the Spirit
o Sensitivity
o Not trying to “do something or be something for God”
o Given to prayer (communion with God)
o Learning in every situation of life

Consistency is the price of success.

http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/spiritual-maturity/

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]