1. Darwin Awards
There is a book of the Darwin Awards. These are awards that are issued every year to the people who do the "stupidest stuff" which results in their own death. In the chapter called, "Macho Men" are three examples:
* There was the story about Larry and his friend Joseph who just last year decided to re-enact the William Tell scene where William shoots an apple off his son's head. But instead of an apple, they used a beer can. Larry put it on his head and Joseph shot. Unfortunately he was no William Tell and he killed his lifelong friend.
* Then there was Ken who in 1997 was bitten by a cobra belonging to his friend. He refused to go to a hospital, though, saying, "I'm a man, I can handle it." Well he couldn't. He died a few hours later.
* Oh yes, and then there was the story about James who in 1995 couldn't figure out what was causing the strange noise under his truck, so he asked a friend to drive the truck while he hung underneath. Unfortunately, James' clothing got caught in the drive shaft and, well, you can figure out the rest.
It would still be tragic, but it would be more understandable if these foolish decisions were made by teenagers. But all of the above examples involved grown men, serving as proof that age alone is not a guarantee of maturity.
Maturity can best be defined as the ability to make wise choices. It's sad to see an adult with years of experience making immature decisions. It's even sadder in the spiritual realm.
The writers of the New Testament make it clear that we are expected to grow, to mature, as Christians. We come up out of the waters of baptism a new creation, a babe in Christ. It's exciting to experience that new birth. But if, after years in the church, one still has the qualities of a newborn Christian, there is a definite problem.
2. Lack of Maturity can be dangerous -- even in (or maybe especially in) our walk with God
a. We might gain a satisfaction that keeps us from growing deeper in our faith
b. The writer of Hebrews addressed this very issue with his readers:
"We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. 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! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." Hebrews 5:11-14
c. We might not distinguish between good and evil; good and better
3. Colossians 1.24-2.5
I. Evidences of Spiritual Maturity -- The What (2.2) [3x]
A. Encouragement
1. Bird Dog (Bits & Pieces, August 20, 1992, pp. 15-16)
During quail season in Georgia, an Atlanta journalist met an old farmer hunting with an ancient pointer at his side. Twice the dog hobbled ahead and pointed. Twice his master fired into the open air. When the journalist saw no birds rise, he asked the farmer for an explanation.
"Well," grinned the old man, "I knew there weren't no birds in that grass. Spot's nose ain't what it used to be. But him and me have had some wonderful times together. He's still doing the best he can--and it'd be mighty mean of me to call him a liar at this stage of the game!"
2. Encouragement = "With heart" -- the idea of bringing out the best in others; Barnabas
B. Endearment
1. Super Glue
Where can you find the strongest glue in the world? Not in a store or factory. Dive into the ocean instead and take a look at barnacles and mussels, which fasten themselves to boats, piers, and rocks. Many shellfish secrete a protein that allows them to firmly cling to any surface, even in salt water. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are currently studying shellfish in an attempt to develop a stronger kind of waterproof glue that can be used in ship repair and even with surgical incisions.
For an even stronger kind of glue, dive into the Bible and study the subject of love. The apostle Paul said that nothing can separate us from God's love and that God has shed abroad His love in our hearts (Romans 8:39; 5:5). According to Colossians 2:2, our hearts are "knit together in love."
Although the Church is made up of people from all walks of life, our love of Christ must unite us. That means we must exercise patience, meet needs, and put the interests of others first. Loving others is the opposite of being selfish.
2. Question -- Do we love one another?
a. Mark of Disciples -- John 13.35
b. Opposite -- loving ourselves more than others
c. Peace makers or troublemakers?
3. Genuine love for others produces unity/harmony-- Colossians 3.12-15
C. Enrichment
1. Sharing in the riches in Jesus -- 1.27
2. Do we live like paupers or as children of the King?
3. The mature do not complain or concentrate on their lack, but focus on their resources in Jesus -- Philippians 4.13
D. Enlightenment
1. Understanding the Mystery of God
a. Coming of Jesus
b. Inclusion of Jews and Gentiles in one body
2. Knowledge = Ability to grasp truth; Wisdom = ability to defend our understanding
E. Intercession (1.29-2.1)
1. Actions on behalf of others
2. Middlemen between God and Man
3. Prayer and teaching -- speaking to God for men; men for God -- prophets and priests
II. Evoking Spiritual Maturity -- the How (1.28)
A. Declaration of Jesus
1. Our Maturity is Based on Our Relationship with Jesus
2. Which Disciples Had Greater Maturity? 1-3-12-70-120-500 -- Multitudes
a. Proximity to Jesus
b. Time with Jesus
c. Today? The occasional drop-in or the constant companion of Jesus?
3. There are distortions about Jesus -- A good man, only; prophet; teacher; lunatic; liar
4. Truths about Jesus -- God incarnate; Word incarnate; Creator; Head of Church
B. Exertion of Effort
1. Toil/Labor -- physical exertion of the farmer (Sun-up to sundown)
2. Strive/Struggle -- physical exertion of the Olympian
a. What kind of effort is involved in training for the Olympics?
b. How much effort does it take to run with the winners as Hebrews 12.1-2?
OKC Memorial Marathon
Caleb Bryant and Garrett Matlock are Midwest City firefighters who were walking in the half marathon in full bunker gear. At about mile 11, they came upon a Caylie Drake who was physically exhausted, and they helped her finish the next two miles to complete her first half marathon race. (http://www.koco.com/midwest-city-firefighters-help-woman-accomplish-goal-at-oklahoma-city-memorial-marathon/32613924)
1. Ruffled Feathers
According to a news item, a man in California had a pet parrot with a lovely British accent, but somehow the bird escaped and went missing four years. Finally the owner and bird were reunited, but there's an odd twist in the tale. The parrot now speaks Spanish. No one knows where the bird went during his sabbatical, but he came back with a whole new vocabulary, jabbering away with words like: gracias, amigo, and por favor.
2. Life has its odd twists and ruffled feathers; but as we grow in Christ, our vocabulary changes. As we mature in Christ, we do less complaining and more thanking. We learn to look at things through the lens of God's providence and to thank Him for His overruling grace. The apostle Paul said, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
3. Our lips are the barometer of the heart, and His praise should be continually in our mouths. Today, as steps in maturity:
a. Try to restrain a complaining spirit; in everything give thanks
b. Try thinking less of self and more about others
c. Try seeing less through our eyes and more through God's
