Introduction:

• Ephesians 4:13

• I Corinthians 14:20

• Hebrews 5:14

• Caveats:

  • This list is not exhaustive!

  • These are presented in the past tense to help us be specific with our own lives.

When’s the last time these were true?

• I have adjusted my attitude to fit God’s will.

  • II Corinthians 12:7-10 – Paul’s requests were denied, but he decided to be content.

  • We often want to make God fit what we want. Instead, we must mold ourselves to fit God’s will!

• I have confessed my sin to another.

  • James 5:16

  • We find all sorts of ways to try to get around this! It is humiliating and uncomfortable, but God prescribes it for our spiritual health.

• I have loved my enemy.

  • Matthew 5:43-44

  • I Corinthians 13:4-7

  • Love assumes the best until proven otherwise.

• I have admitted I was wrong on some point and changed my mind.

  • II Kings 5:9-14 – Naaman cured of leprosy.

  • When you’re wrong, changing your mind is the right thing to do!

• I have repented of a sin without ever getting caught.

  • I Samuel 24:5-6 – David’s conscience is tender in this case.

  • II Samuel 11-12 – David only repented after Nathan called him on his sin.

  • II Samuel 24:10 – David repented before God called him on his sin.

• I have spoken up when I was nervous.

  • John 7:47-52 – Nicodemus had courage to go against the prevailing opinion.

  • Mark 15:43 – Joseph of Arimathea had courage to ask for Jesus’ body.

  • Colossians 4:6

  • Matthew 10:32

Spiritual maturity is about putting God’s word into practice.

• Colossians 2:6