August 14, 2022

Maturity

There is a purpose for mature believers.

• They are to help us grow in our walk with Christ.

The Apostle’s taught them about Jesus and what he said

Prophets encouraged them to walk according to God’s covenants and truths

Evangelists taught them how to spread the gospel to a world in need of the love of God

Pastors and Teachers brought the words to life 

These were created in order to prepare the church to do works of service.

• To in turn lead the body of Christ to serve each other

All were empowered by the Holy Spirit.

• Along with their spiritual gift, each member was coming alongside the body as a whole and moving them to maturity
• Note: 1 Cor. 12:7 NIV

These “works of service” were meant to:

• Build up the body
• To make it a strong structure
• To have a firm foundation
  • Strong and long lasting

Without a church teaching the truths, living out those truths, and sharing those truths, the world will cease to see the love of Christ.

The answer to a society that is lost, confused, and out of touch with God is a vibrant, Holy Spirit driven body of Christ.

“Why build up the body of Christ?”

1. It will reach unity in the faith.

• Oneness
• To agree

Agreement about what?

• Convictions about Jesus
• The doctrines concerning him

Such as…

1. The knowledge of the Son of God

• God the Son
  • Was he God the Son?
  • Was he virgin born?
  • Was he the promised Messiah?
  • Was he the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy?
  • Is he truly God in the flesh?
  • Did he really die on the cross?
  • Did he rise from the grave?

Every false religion tries to undermine the Deity of Christ.

• His divineness (is Jesus really God)
• His authority (over death and sin)
• His purpose (seek out the lost)
• His position (seated at the throne of God)

1. Maturity will take place

• This leads the church to attaining the wholeness of the fullness of Christ

The church will have a perfectly balanced understanding of the character of Christ.

John 1:14-18 NIV 

Everything we could learn or need to know about God is in Jesus.

That is why if you throw out the truths about Jesus you cease to know God.

Colossians 1:15-17 NIV

2 Corinthians 4:4 NIV 

Hebrews 1:3 NIV