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1 Corinthians 14:20. MARKS OF A MATURE CHRISTIAN. Mature vs. Babes. Babes In Christ Are Expected To Mature. Corinthians remained babes (1 Cor. 3:1-3) Hebrews became babes (Heb. 5:12-14) Mature In Christ Have Distinguishing Marks. Marks of Maturity. 1. UNDERSTANDING (1 Cor. 14:20).
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1 Corinthians 14:20 MARKS OF A MATURE CHRISTIAN
Mature vs. Babes • Babes In Christ Are Expected To Mature. • Corinthians remained babes (1 Cor. 3:1-3) • Hebrews became babes (Heb. 5:12-14) • Mature In Christ Have Distinguishing Marks.
Marks of Maturity 1. UNDERSTANDING (1 Cor. 14:20)
UNDERSTANDING • More than just first principles (Heb. 5:12 – 6:1) • Must understand these to become Christians • Have to use them or you won’t retain them (v. 14) • Understand enough to know your limits • Philippians 3:12-16
Marks of Maturity 1. UNDERSTANDING (1 Cor. 14:20) 2. DISCERNMENT (Heb. 5:14)
DISCERNMENT • “Have their senses exercised” • Can sense a little leaven (1 Cor. 5:8; Jas. 1:14-16) • Can sense a threat (Gal. 2:4-5) • “Discern both good and evil” • Discern between appearance & reality • Gal. 2:5; Matt. 7:15; 2 Peter 2:18 • Discern between differences between brethren
Differences Between Brethren Not Tolerable Tolerable No Immediate Solution Can Be Worked Out Acts 15:36-41 Doctrinal Matters 1 Tim. 6:3-5 Gal. 2:5, 14 Matters of Opinion Romans 14
DISCERNMENT • “Have their senses exercised” • Can sense a little leaven (1 Cor. 5:8; Jas. 1:14-16) • Can sense a threat (Gal. 2:4-5) • “Discern both good and evil” • Discern between appearance & reality • Gal. 2:5; Matt. 7:15; 2 Peter 2:18 • Discern between differences between brethren • Discern between erring brethren • 1 Thess. 5:14; Jude 22-23; Gal. 6:1; Titus 1:13
Marks of Maturity 1. UNDERSTANDING (1 Cor. 14:20) 2. DISCERNMENT (Heb. 5:14) 3. SPIRITUALITY (1 Cor. 3:1-4)
SPIRITUALITY • Know Meaning of Real Spirituality • Not measured by pious look, voice, or “spiritual” talk • Measured by following the Spirit’s words • 1 Cor. 2:12-13; 14:37; Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:18-19 • Produce Fruit of the Spirit • 1 Cor. 3:3; Gal. 5:19ff • Use Spiritual Weapons • 2 Cor. 10:1-5 • Value Spiritual Interests • 2 Cor. 4:17ff
Marks of Maturity 1. UNDERSTANDING (1 Cor. 14:20) 2. DISCERNMENT (Heb. 5:14) 3. SPIRITUALITY (1 Cor. 3:1-4) 4. STABILITY (Eph. 4:14-15)
STABILITY • Change Only For Good Scriptural Reason • Not for emotional whim or due to peer pressure • Neither Closed-Minded or Gullible • Acts 17:11 • Stable In All Their Ways • James 1:8 • Rational or Reasonable • 2 Thess. 3:2
WHERE ARE YOU? MATURITY Understanding Discernment Spirituality Stability