Five signs of Christian maturity
There are gauges to check your car, warning bells, GROOVES ON ROAD
They’re here for Christians too
So tonght we’re going to find out “HOW YOU DOIN’?”
Ephesians 4:14-16
Here we have some gauges that Paul has set to see how we’re doing
Are we advancing, Do we look like who we are,
When I teach on stuff like this— NOT ABOUT PERFORMANCE
You have to do all of this stuff— and then you’ll get to heaven, be a member
Religion says you have to DO SOMETHING- to be something
Christianity says you have to BE SOMETHING- to do something
1. Let’s not be children—
Are you growing up? Maturing?
Can you live without getting your way?
Are you easily offended—
Christians will bail at the first offense
I can’t believe he said that— Imagine what I’d say if I preached longer
Church is meant to help grow the body up— Shouldn’t be in diapers forever
Doing stuff on your own, contributing, helping yourself, more responsibility
WE MUST GROW UP
2. Grounded In Truth—
Tossed to and fro– every wind of doctrine
Easily swayed, not sure what you believe, what you think
You better know what you believe—
I pastor and inter denominational church
People ask– “what do they believe” I BELIEVE I LOVE YOU
HERETICS---- This lady called on phone---- Trying to describe the church
It’s not what you believe as much as WHO YOU BELIEVE IN
Jesus is the truth— Plug into Jesus— Can’t pull the wool over my eyes
3. Freedom from deception—
WHY WE HAVE THE LAW— Know our sin---- To know what is sin/wrong
Between Jesus who is all righteousness— and the law– can’t fail
This is right/ that is right---- I know what right— that ain’t right
The message of freedom sounds like deception----
Freedom means dependence on God— Not yourself
Freedom means your spirit is sealed–– Not in the balance
Freedom ... don’t care what U think about me– Care about who God made me
THAT SOUNDS LIKE DECEPTION—
They’ll leave truth and freedom— RUN TO BONDAGE & PERFORMANCE
4. Able to speak the truth in Love—
Are peaceable when you discuss/ debate/ talk
ARE YOU NICE?–
Early on – I LOVE TO DEBATE THE BIBLE— I didn’t truly understand it
Now that I believe I have a greater understanding— Feel no need to debate
People love to know stuff— They’ll debate, and not even know if they’re right
TEENAGERS---- KNOW EVERYTHING–– Why? They want to know
So when I share, I want to do it in LOVE– Not being mean
The only time people think I’m mean— WHEN I”M TRUTHFUL
Even when I speak it in love–
5. At harmony with the whole body—
I don’t care about background— BODY FUNCTION
who are you—
THUMB— FEET— NOSTRIL HAIR– SHOULDER/ RAISE HANDS
I don’t want to drive a wedge between me and any denomination
If they drive that wedge— NOTHING I CAN DO ABOUT IT– LOVE EM
Are you open to all people—
These are the gauges to see how we’re doing:
1. Let’s not be Children 2. Grounded in truth 3. Free from deception
4. Speak the truth in love 5. At harmony with the whole body
