The Marks of Christian Maturity

Topic: Marks of Maturity

Text: Philippians 3:7-16 (ESV) "Let those of us who are mature think this way..." v.15

Introduction:?Most people would agree that the marks of?physical maturity?are clearly recognizable. Likewise, I think most people would agree that there are characteristics the marks?emotional and mental maturity.?I also think that many Christians??

do not recognize the characteristic marks of Christian maturity. And even fewer are mature in Christ. One of the purposes of Paul's letter to the Christians in the city of Philippi was to help them mature followers Jesus, Some of the?characteristics of maturing Christians are...

l. Abandonment to Christ:?renouncing every form of demonic and man made religion and fully surrendering?oneself to the Lordship of Jesus vv.7-8

?But?whatever gain I had,?I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.?Indeed, I count everything as loss because of?the surpassing worth of?knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I?have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

ll. Identifying with Christ:?uniting with Jesus in suffering, death, and resurrection vv. 9- 11

?and be found in him, not having?a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but?that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—?that I may know him and?the power of his resurrection, and?may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,?that by any means possible I may?attain the resurrection from the dead.

lll. Growing through Christ:?the?process of becoming the spiritual adults we have been called to be through mediation and advocacy of Jesus vv.12-16

?Not that I have already?obtained this or?am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.?Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do:?forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,?I press on toward the goal for?the prize of the upward?call of God in Christ Jesus.?Let those of us who are?mature think this way, and if in anything?you think otherwise,?God will reveal that also to you.?Only?let us hold true to what we have attained.

Conclusion:??Unfortunately people whose physical growth has been stunted can't do much about it. Excluding the mentally ill, people can educate themselves and develop their minds and manners if they so choose.?If people are truly a Christ follower than these marks will be present and growing in their lives. If not, its likely one is not truly Christian.?But anyone can become a true Christian by abandoning and surrender their lives the Lordship of Christ

Ron Williams, Asian Access faculty