So, what is mature faith, you ask? It’s definitely something I haven’t reached yet, however, I pursue it daily. Yes, I slip and fall sometimes, as we all do. But let’s take a look at what Paul says about mature faith.
15All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.
Philippians 3:15
First of all we need to look at the verses before this to see what he’s talking about. In verses 12-14, Paul is referring to the fact that we can’t consider that we have already attained perfection in faith. We must always be striving for the goal that God has for us, to win the prize for which God has called us.
How do we become more mature in our faith?
1. Acceptance
- Know the goal– Jesus came to give abundant life, not just eternal life. We can’t think that there’s nothing more for us to do on earth, that we’ve already been saved and there’s nothing more to achieve. We must to continue to grow in our faith so that we can have the abundant life.
- Be all in– We can’t be just a little bit committed and get the fullness of Christ. Are we willing to give in to the path God has carved out for us? I struggled for a long time to giving complete control to God. But, God who loves me, wants the best for me, has already laid out the best plan for my life. Every experience I’ve been through has given me the preparation I needed for now. All in now!
When we aren’t fully committed, there will be distractions along the way. We all may experience this to a degree, but someone who is maturing in their faith will be daily in the Word and in relationship with the Lord. God will guide them back to the path they should be on.
I can’t rest in what I’ve already accomplished because on my own, I’ve accomplished nothing. I seek forgiveness for where I’ve fallen short and received God’s grace.
We have a prodigal God that gives forgiveness and loves extravagantly!
Build on the past while moving forward. The Word of God is always new – we change, our experiences change us. We may see something today in His Word that we didn’t notice before. We interpret scripture from the place we are now.
2. Obedience
- Live like Jesus– Don’t just say the name of Jesus.
If we say we follow Jesus, but don’t live like him, we devalue him and what he stands for.
- Watch who you’re running with.
Bad company creates bad character. Who are we emulating? Imitate those who live like Christ. Likewise, set that example for others.
- Be a Christ seeking congregation.
Help people. Be willing to be held accountable and hold each other accountable. We will slip. We’ve got to be willing to say the hard things and accept that from others.
Paul writes this letter to the church because it’s in turmoil. They go after what they want instead of considering what God wants. Their mind is often set on earthly things like status, a big house and a big bank account. They live as enemies of Christ. They say what they need to so they can get what they want.
They hate the cross of Christ because they have to forgive those who don’t think like them.
We must die to self and follow the path of Jesus.
20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body
Philippians 3:20-21
3. Commitment
- Live today with a focus on the future.
This is not our home and we should long for a future with God. But we have to continue to live while we wait.
- Real transformation comes from God.
Everybody gets old, but maturity doesn’t come from age. It comes from God.
It’s beyond our power to be perfect. We’re not there yet, but we’re following God.
Our bodies will crumble, but we’re not made for here.
Experience is not maturity. Doing the same bad things is not maturity. Knowledge is not maturity. Status is not maturity.
- Spiritual acceptance of Christ leads to rebirth in Christ by walking the path he leads you to.
Do what you can to fight urges to be distracted from the path.
Walk with Christ and those who live like him.
Stay near Christ. That’s where your hope comes from.
- Look at the world and your relationships. What you can’t do, He can.
My take from this sermon is to not get too comfortable with the way things are. Continue to grow in my faith, stay close to God, live a life that reflects the righteousness of Jesus.
In Faith,
Pam
Where God Leads 