We learned some signs of Spiritual Infancy

More concerned with self than service.
More concerned with argument than action.
Looking to man rather than to God.

Ways to recognize Christian Maturity

The Mature Christian is a believer with a Mission

read Ephesians 4:11-12     The word "perfecting" in our text means "Maturing" And the gifts that the scripture talks of are gifts to the Church to bring us to Maturity.
The Apostles and Prophets through their writings.
Evangelists through their special ministry.
Pastors and Teachers have the primary responsibility in bringing about Christian Growth.

While we are on the Pastors responsibilities, I want to look at a few misconceptions about a Pastor´s role

The Pastor has become the one who does the work of the Ministry instead of Maturing his Church members to do it.
Instead of being participants Christians have become spectators.
Pastors perform and their people go home to talk about it.
To many believers feel their responsibilities end in paying Pastor´s and supporting Missionaries.
A mature believer sees their mission in life as doing the work of the ministry, reaching out to others with the Love of Christ.

The Mature Christian is a Builder of Other Believers

read Ephesians 4:12
"For the edifying of the body of Christ."
Edify means to build up or help along.
Christ is the head of the Church.
Each believer is a member.

What can you do to build up the body of Christ?

You can care for the parts of the body that are affected.
Pray for the sick.
Be an encourager, be compassionate.
You can care for the physical needs of the body.
When someone is hungry feed them, thirsty give them drink, sick visit them.
You can help care for the Spiritual needs of the body.
Be a peacemaker.
Be an example to someone.
Live and Teach scripture.
Are others stronger in Christ because of you?
Is the body more unified because of you?

The Third Way to recognize a Mature Christian they have a Bible Bases for Every Belief!

 read  Ephesians 4:14
No more children tossed to and fro.
No longer snared or attracted by cultic teachings.
Solid Doctrine.
Do you know why you believe what you believe?
Maturity in the Word of God brings Maturity in Life Amen!

With these three signs of a Mature Christian.

A Believer with a Mission
A Builder of other Believers
A Bible Bases for Every Belief

I want you to examine yourselves in light of these three things,   How do you stack up?

In what areas are your greatest needs for growth?

We need to encourage one another in this goal of Christian Maturity

Bible Studies Home

Ephesians 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth.
10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets and some, evangelists and some, pastors and teachers.
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
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Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles and some, prophets and some, evangelists and some, pastors and teachers.
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
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Ephesians 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
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Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.
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Last updated on September 15, 2005