Going Forward to Maturity

By

Shelby G. Floyd

August 17, 2006

 

 

            The author of the letter to the Hebrews said, “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ let us go on unto perfection.” (Hebrews 6: 1.) They were encouraged to leave the principles of the doctrine of Christ, and go on unto perfection, only, in the sense that they would not dwell upon the first principles, but would advance to maturity in the Christian system. The word perfection in Hebrews 6: 1, means the state of the more intelligent; in other words, the state of those who are full grown men in Christ, (cf. Thayer, page 618.)

 

In the church some members go on to Christian maturity while others remain immature. What are some of the marks which denote going on to perfection or Christian maturity? One, the person who has mastered the first principles of the doctrine of Christ is cer­tainly in a good position to go on unto perfection, for he has laid a good foundation on which to build. (cf. Hebrews 6: 1-3; John 7: 17; 1 Peter 2: 2.) Secondly, one who can take the strong meat of God’s word is in a position to go on unto perfection. (cf. Hebrews 5: 12-14.) Third, those who arc going on to maturity have the ability to discern or differentiate between good and evil. (cf. Hebrews 5: 14; Luke 12:54-57.) One who is mature should be able to judge between a false teacher and a true teacher of the gospel (cf. 1 John 4: 1-6; Galatians 1: 6-9.) He should also be able to discern be­tween the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. (cf. Galatians 5: 19-23.)

 

Let Us Mature in Faith

 

In view of the exhortation of the Hebrew writer, let us go on unto maturity in the following areas of Christianity. First, let us go on unto perfection in faith, “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4: 13.)  We cannot become mature in our faith until we are mature in our knowledge of the Son of God; inasmuch as, faith comes by the hearing or the knowledge of the word of God.

 

Let Us Mature in Understanding

 

Secondly, let us go on unto perfection in our understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ, “Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but understanding be men.” (1 Corinthians 14: 20.) The footnote for the word men in 1 Corinthians l4:20, says, be perfect or of a ripe age. Therefore, children of God should go on to perfection or maturity in their understanding of the word of truth.

 

Let Us Mature in Wisdom

 

Third, let us go on unto perfection in wisdom, “Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of the world, nor of the princes of the world, that come to nought.” (1 Corinthians 2: 6.) The wisdom which Paul has reference to is the wisdom of the gospel which was not taught in words of worldly wisdom but according to the wisdom of God. Therefore, let us go on unto maturity in our wisdom of God’s word.

 

Let Us Mature in Sincerity

 

Fourth, let us go on unto perfection in our sin­cerity, “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and. eschewed evil.” (Job 1:1.)

 

Let Us Mature in Speech

 

Fifth, let us go on unto perfection in our speech, “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” (James 3: 2.) Those who have not learned to guard their tongue and to watch their words are certainly not mature, but the man who is able to bridle his tongue is a mature person.

 

Let Us Mature in Holiness

 

Sixth, let us go on unto perfection in holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7: 1.)

 

Let Us Mature in Giving

 

           Seventh, let us go unto perfection in our giving to support the cause of Christ; “...If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” (Matthew 19: 21.) Many of us like the rich young ruler, no doubt, are lacking in maturity because of our unwillingness to give liberally as we have been prospered to the cause of Christ.

 

Let Us Mature in Love

 

Eighth, let us go on unto perfection in our love to God and to one another. “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” (Colossians 3:14.) Love is greater than even faith and hope; love never fails, it abides forever, and without it we are nothing. (cf. 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13.)

 

Warning and Exhortation

 

Let us go on unto perfection in order that we may be presented a perfect, mature person when Christ comes again: “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” (Colossians 1:28.)

 

In a word, let us add to faith all of the Christian graces which will keep us from falling, and which will enable us to have an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. (cf. 2 Peter 1:5-11.)  Copyright © 2006 All Rights Reserved