We often see a little child and think they are so cute until they want their own way...or scream in the middle of many onlookers...or snatch something out of another child's hands...then it ain't so cute...is it?
Actually, maturity is a greatly desired quality we want in our children.
So, Here's the $64000 question: why would think that our Lord would want any less?
Here are some ways to realize you are not on the path to maturity as God sees it from Hebrews 5 and 6
1) Do you enjoy listening to Bible teaching? Hebrews 5:11
That's what "slow to understand" is all about.
2) Do you apply what you've learned to your life? Hebrews 5:12a
The Writer seemed to think that would have applied what they had heard that they should be teaching others to live it out as well. It seems that many are taught way beyond their level of obedience. We know more than we apply.
3) Do you eat only spiritual "baby food"? Hebrews 5:12b
That's why the writer says "you need milk, not solid food". I like good salvation preaching as much as anyone, but when it's a steady diet of the elemental things of the Christian walk and that's what excites you, you're living on baby food in a spiritual sense.
4) Finally, how skilled are you at handling the Bible?
By the way, this has nothing to do with being able to juggle it or do sleight of hand with it (although some so-called Bible teachers have tried hard to make that happen with some predictions recently!) I mean, do you know where to find Scripture when someone asks you a question? Do you have big problems finding books of the Bible? Could you tie a JW or a Mormon in knots when they came to your door? Do you avoid talking to people you know and love because you're scared they will ask you some question you don't have the answer to? Skill in the Bible is acquired like anything else you do well, with practice.
So what does a mature believer look like?
1) There will be progress in their lives. Hebrews 6:1-3
Maturity is not perfection, mature is progress. Are you closer to being who and what God wants you to be than you were last week? Last month? Last year?
2)There will be fruit from their life. Hebrews 6:7-8
There are 2 kinds of fruit
"demonstrate the diligence" and so that "you won't become lazy, but imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance." There is no better way to state it, we become who God wants us to be as we begin with our faith in what He did for us through Christ, and become who He wants us to be through our perseverance.
Make sure this week you listen to some good Bible teaching. Here's a few names: Craig Groeschel, Chuck Swindoll, Charles Stanley, John MacArthur, or Johnny Hunt to name a few.
Examine your own life and ask the hard questions as to whether or not you are maturing.
Is there fruit in your life? Souls and godly character. Ask God to enable you to have both as you diligently seek the maturity God wants for you.
Thinking 'bout Oceanside...
Your pastor,
Trey Rhodes
Actually, maturity is a greatly desired quality we want in our children.
So, Here's the $64000 question: why would think that our Lord would want any less?
Here are some ways to realize you are not on the path to maturity as God sees it from Hebrews 5 and 6
1) Do you enjoy listening to Bible teaching? Hebrews 5:11
That's what "slow to understand" is all about.
2) Do you apply what you've learned to your life? Hebrews 5:12a
The Writer seemed to think that would have applied what they had heard that they should be teaching others to live it out as well. It seems that many are taught way beyond their level of obedience. We know more than we apply.
3) Do you eat only spiritual "baby food"? Hebrews 5:12b
That's why the writer says "you need milk, not solid food". I like good salvation preaching as much as anyone, but when it's a steady diet of the elemental things of the Christian walk and that's what excites you, you're living on baby food in a spiritual sense.
4) Finally, how skilled are you at handling the Bible?
By the way, this has nothing to do with being able to juggle it or do sleight of hand with it (although some so-called Bible teachers have tried hard to make that happen with some predictions recently!) I mean, do you know where to find Scripture when someone asks you a question? Do you have big problems finding books of the Bible? Could you tie a JW or a Mormon in knots when they came to your door? Do you avoid talking to people you know and love because you're scared they will ask you some question you don't have the answer to? Skill in the Bible is acquired like anything else you do well, with practice.
So what does a mature believer look like?
1) There will be progress in their lives. Hebrews 6:1-3
Maturity is not perfection, mature is progress. Are you closer to being who and what God wants you to be than you were last week? Last month? Last year?
2)There will be fruit from their life. Hebrews 6:7-8
There are 2 kinds of fruit
- Lives that have been changed as a result of your witness (Prov. 11:30)
- Living has been changed by the development of godly character (Gal. 5:22-23)
"demonstrate the diligence" and so that "you won't become lazy, but imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance." There is no better way to state it, we become who God wants us to be as we begin with our faith in what He did for us through Christ, and become who He wants us to be through our perseverance.
Make sure this week you listen to some good Bible teaching. Here's a few names: Craig Groeschel, Chuck Swindoll, Charles Stanley, John MacArthur, or Johnny Hunt to name a few.
Examine your own life and ask the hard questions as to whether or not you are maturing.
Is there fruit in your life? Souls and godly character. Ask God to enable you to have both as you diligently seek the maturity God wants for you.
Thinking 'bout Oceanside...
- Small group study - God has been transforming lives through our most recent study, De' Vine Power. Make sure you get in a small group and get authentic with those in your group.
- Memorial Day Remembrance - I was sobered by the remembrance we gave this Sunday of those who have given their lives for the freedoms we enjoy in our country. The rendition of "Amazing Grace" while seeing the images of soldiers dead and alive truly penetrated my heart.
- Giving - Giving to Oceanside's ministry is greatly appreciated. As we enter the Summer months, remember, God's work goes on. Your gifts do matter.
- Block Party - We have been discussing some things that Oceanside does well. My first thought was, "Eat!" My second thought was "Love people." We combine those 2 things well with our block parties. We think it would be a great idea and a great way to experience victory by having one on Sunday night, July 17th. Ask God how He can use you.
Your pastor,
Trey Rhodes
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