Title: The Journey Into Maturiry

Introduction:The church at Philipi was Paul’s "joy and crown" (4:1). Of all his churches it gave him the least trouble, perhaps no trouble at all, and the most satisfaction. So Philippians is a letter of joy, brimming over with expectations of gratitude, affection and love.

Philippians is also a letter desperately needed by modern churches. It provides a picture of a church that takes seriously who she is as partners with Christ in the Gospel, who accepts Jesus as Lord and always exalting the Lord and being strengthened by Him living in hope "that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it (v6) expressing the fruits of the Spirit living as witnesses to our servant-Lord on earth, but knowing our citizenship in in heaven.

I. A Maturing Attitude of Joy

"Rejoice in the Lord always." This sound like an impossible task, it seems strange that a man in prison would be telling a church to rejoice. But Paul’s attitude teaches us an important lesson: our inner attitude does not have to reflect our outward circumstances. Paul was full of joy because he knew that no mtter what happened to him, Jesue was with him. This is what I would like for the young people to understand, today as you begin your new journey. Storms will rise, wind will blow, but Jesus will calm your storms if you put your trust in Him.

Ultimate joy comes from Christ dwelling within you. One of the ways that Christians can convey the Gospel message is the way we show kindness to rhose who are not part of the family of God. This does not mean that we are not to seek revenge against those who treat us unfairly; nor are we to be overly vocal about our personal rights.

II. Maturity Helps Us Avoid Anxiety.

Imagine never being anxious about anything it seems like an impossinility. We all have worries on job, in our homes, at school. But Paul’s advice is to turn our worries into prayer. Do you want to worry less? Then pray more! Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray. We look at what "Anxiety Implies

1. God Cannot Be Trusted

2. My well-being depends on me

3. God’s gifte are to good to be true.

These are some of the things that linger around when we are anxious.

III. Maturity Produces Thanksgiving.

Thankfulness grows out of a fellowship with Jesus, and out of remembering the promises that God has kept on your behalf. The suffering of Jesus Christ produce thankfulness, when we remember that He was suffering for you and me. Here are some thing are required in thankfulness.

1. Trust in God

2. Humility

3. Broader View

4. Faith over feelings.

Conclusion: Those of you who are in the process of becoming mature, I want you to remember that there is no parking here! I see young people who finish high school and park there. And when you park in a no parking zone you get a ticket, the ticked that the person get when they park at the high school diplima, is a lifetime minimal wages jobs. the some time they have to settle for parenting before the are ready.Wome people park at the place where they received salvation, not relizing that the Bible says that we must work out our soul salvation.At that time they start loosing intrest in Bible study, and do not feel like praying any more.

This journey is a happy journey, but it’s up to you to make4 it so. One of the ways to do this is to keep your eyes on the goal.