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Marks of Christian Maturity. Hebrews 13. Background to Hebrews. These Christians were in danger of falling away from Christ (2:1; 3:12; 6:6) The author writes to exhort them not to apostatize (13:22) Practical, daily Christianity would keep these Christians faithful
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Marks of Christian Maturity Hebrews 13
Background to Hebrews • These Christians were in danger of falling away from Christ (2:1; 3:12; 6:6) • The author writes to exhort them not to apostatize (13:22) • Practical, daily Christianity would keep these Christians faithful • Note the transition in 12:1 and 12:28
Marks of Christian Maturity • Brotherly Love (v.1) • Rom. 12:10; 1 Thess. 4:9; 1 Pet. 1:22 • Avoid two extremes: unsympathetic criticism or becoming soft • Hospitality (v.2) • Mt. 25:35; Rom. 12:13; 1 Tim. 3:2; 1 Pet. 4:9 • First century living conditions demanded that love be shown
Marks of Christians Maturity • Compassion (v. 3) • Mt. 25:36; Lk. 10:33; Col. 3:12; 4:18; Heb. 10:34; 1 Jn.3:17 • First century persecution demanded it • Marital Purity (v. 4) • Mt. 19:9; 1 Cor. 6:9; Rom. 13:9; Gal. 5:19; 1 Thess. 4:6 • Avoid two extremes: asceticism or sexual immorality
Marks of Christians Maturity • Contentment (vv. 5-6) • Phil. 4:11-13; 1 Tim. 6:8-10 • Not constantly striving for more and more • Obedient Submission (vv. 7,17,24) • Acts 20:28; Phil. 1:1 • The elders (bishops) are over; the local church is under their rule; following their lead and example
Marks of Christians Maturity • Steadfastness (vv. 8-9) • Eph. 4:14; 2 Pet. 3:17; Rev. 12:15 • Fixed and grounded in Jesus and His word • Doing Good (vv. 15-16,21) • Acts 10:38; Rom. 12:13; 1 Tim. 6:18 • Active, continual sacrificing for God and others
Marks of Christians Maturity • Prayer for Others (vv. 18-19) • 1 Thess. 5:25; 2 Thess. 3:1 • Unselfishly considerate of others
Marks of Christians Maturity • Do you find yourself drifting and falling away? Stagnant? • How do you compare with these marks of Christian maturity? • Practical, daily, active service keeps a Christian spiritually alive