By Steve A. Hamilton

Introduction: Maturity is a learned character trait that is acquired through the passage of time.  However, some people seem unable to acquire maturity no matter how old they get.  They never learn to grow up; to reason a problem through; to control their anger; to dress properly or to talk rationally to others.

          We will look at scriptures that provide instructions concerning maturity.  Maturity is …

I. When childish things are put away.

          A.  There was a time when we were all children (1 Cor. 13:11). 

1. With the passage of time we should learn to mature (i.e. to put away childish things).

2. Kids like to play though they should be working.  They like to dress in the popular styles no matter how inappropriate.  Boys like to wear long hair and put jewelry in their ears.  Girls like to wear revealing clothing.  Kids in general like to wear old worn out clothes before they would ever wear a nice suit or dress.  Not excusing them but these are childish things.

3. The desire to be mature is a conscience decision.  Paul said, “When I became a man, I put away childish things.”  If you want to be treated as mature, you must put away childish things.

B. Likewise, our understanding of things can be childish (1 Cor. 14:20).

II. The ability to take solid food.

          A.  Growth to maturity comes by practice. Far too many Christians who ought to be teachers still struggle with the basic first principles of God’s word (Heb. 5:12-14). 

B.  We must study if we expect to mature spiritually (2 Tim. 2:15; Acts 17:11; Psm. 1:1-2). 

III. The ability to discern good and evil.

          A. We are constantly confronted with decisions concerning morals and ethics.  If we are unable to determine right from wrong, we demonstrate our immaturity (Heb. 5:14).

          B. Unfortunately, many people are confused between right and wrong (Isa. 5:20).  Christians still struggle over issues like dancing, mixed bathing, drinking, smoking, and gambling.  Our participation in such evils shows our immaturity.

IV. Self control

          A. Self control is a sign of a mature person (Prov. 16:32).

          B. A mature person learns to control their anger (Eph. 4:26-27).

          C. A mature Christian controls their tongue (James 1:26; 3:1-12).  Much damage is caused in the Lord’s church by immature Christians who won’t control their tongue.  Speech control is a must!

          D. A mature Christian keeps their body in subjection (1 Cor. 9:27). Self restraint requires submission to God and denial of self. 

V. Steadfastness

          A. A sure sign of immaturity is a person being mislead by every wind of doctrine (Eph. 4:14-15).

          B. We are prohibited from following various and strange doctrines (Heb. 13:9).

          C. We are admonished to remain strong (1 Cor. 15:58).   

Conclusion: If we are to mature, we must run the race so that we are not ensnared by sin (Heb. 12:1-2).  A mature Christians is one who is not childish, who studies the meat of God’s word, who is able to discern good from evil, who controls his physical being and who remains steadfast.  Have you matured in Christ? 

Last modified: 05/02/08