MATURITY IN THE FAITH

After we become born again, there is still some work to be done to mature us in the faith.

In 1 Tim 3:6 Paul commented on this " He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil" .

Scriptures:

Heb 5:11-14

11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

1 Peter 2:1-5

1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.4 As you come to him,

the living Stone —rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:3-10

3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The number of years in the faith will not mature us, it is our zeal and ability to study the word, live it and spend time in prayer with The Lord that matures us. Studying under the feet of his chosen vessel helps us live this kind of life leading to maturity

Why are some still immature after so many years in the faith?

1. Disobedience

2. Compromise

3. Laziness and excuses

4. Lack of commitment

5. Immorality

6. Misunderstanding of the Christian calling

7. Lack of prayer and studying the word.

Application

1. In your life today, name two areas which if not handled well will lead to immaturity.

2. How can we help mature others after we get matured?