Aug. 22, 2021

Immature saints: 

• are difficult to deal with.
• are an easy target for the enemy. 
• can easily be swayed by false teachers. (False gospel)
• bring disunity to the church.

Every person within the body of Christ is responsible and necessary for the growth and effectiveness of the church. 

When the church operates together in love, everything will go according to God’s plan.

If you are a new creation in Christ, you must continue to daily choose to live God’s way.

God is the one that changes people. 

Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

2 Timothy 3:13. But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

The people who make up the church, grow up (mature) by feeding on the Word and ministering to one another. 

If you are not growing in the Word, you will not be a mature Christian.                         

CM learns to be teachable and flexible without compromising God’s standards.

1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. 33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.

Romans 15:2 We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.

CM means you are Always thinking of others. 

Philippians 2:3-4. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

CM is to be consistent in victory. 2 Corinthians 2:14 New Life Version.  We thank God for the power Christ has given us. He leads us and makes us win in everything. He speaks through us wherever we go. The Good News is like a sweet smell to those who hear it.

CM shows by keeping ourselves from as much “worldly dirt” as possible. 

2 Corinthians 6:17-18.  The Lord has said, “So come out from among them. Do not be joined to them. Touch nothing that is sinful. And I will receive you. 18 I will be a Father to you. You will be My sons and daughters, says the All-powerful God.”

CM shows by stable and consistent Christian character.  Psalm 37:30-31 The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong. 31 They have made God’s law their own, so they will never slip from his path.

CM is shown when we continually build up the lives of others in the church.  1 Thessalonians 5:11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Ephesians 6:7-8 Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 8 Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.

CM means We know how to receive and give love.  

Matthew 10:8. Give as freely as you have received! 

John 15:12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.

CM means we LEARN how to take ownership. Galatians 6:5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

CM realizes we will occasionally stumble but we learn to get up quickly. 

Psalm 37:23-24 The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. We are growing in perfection. We make mistakes, we sin, but we will not fall away because the Lord is the one who keeps us.