Title [Text: Hebrews 5:11-14] Mature Christian
Faith maturity is not necessarily directly proportional to faith career. But it is only natural to expect them to mature as much as their religious career. The authors of this book also emphasize this point in the text. ?Because of the long time, you should be teachers?(12). We should not only put our faith career ahead of us, but also show how mature we are as saints. Let us heed the warning of the Lord: “Many of the first will be last, and the last will be first.” I hope today will be a blessed time to once again make a commitment to become a mature Christian.
1. To become a mature Christian
① Religious experience is required. (12)
As with all things, spiritually, age should not be neglected. Long years and spiritual experiences are unavoidable conditions for the maturity of faith. Some people suddenly receive grace, experience spiritual experiences, and serve with fervent zeal, but there are many cases where they easily become discouraged and stumble. That is why, when appointing lay leaders in the church, we made sure to exclude new members of the church. ?A new member of the church should not become arrogant and fall into the same condemnation that condemns the devil? (1 Timothy 3:6) Among the saints, those who have believed for a long time are expected to show maturity commensurate with their age. I hope that the members of the church should not rush into thinking and live a life that matures step by step.
② Various experiences are required.(13)
Just like human affairs, spiritual life is by no means simple. You can only mature when you experience that complex spiritual environment. There are those who hold onto only one experience and insist on giving it all away, which is unbiblical. It is said that the gifts are various. It means diversity. Also, do not expect that everything will prosper in your life of faith. Suffering is an essential process and a part of grace. Trees grown in greenhouses can't stand the harsh winter rains and winds. It is difficult for believers who do not have various spiritual experiences to endure the days of tribulation. Not only good experiences but also painful experiences are of great benefit to the life of faith. Because that's how you mature. Let us not shy away from any adversity that comes our way. Let's overcome it boldly, knowing it as a process for maturity. Various services at the church can be a good experience for maturity, and participating in various gatherings can also be a good experience.
③ Nurturing through the Word is essential.
Any experience is dangerous when it is not based on the Word. Because it can end up being a subjective judgment. Therefore, if you want to mature properly, you must first become familiar with the Bible. Reading, listening, meditating, and practicing are essential for spiritual maturity. May we never forget that the Word is the food of the soul. Also, I hope that all the saints will grow spiritually by eating these words at the right time.
2. The image of a mature Christian
① Hearing is not dull.(11)
Dullness here means lack of understanding. Lectures to college students to suckling children are not appropriate. That's what it means. If you do not fully understand the lessons and teachings of the divine world, it is a sign that you are not yet mature. A mature Christian is one who receives the spiritual word (solid plant) as Amen, puts hope in that world, and embraces reality with joy.
② We live by practicing the word of righteousness.(13)
This has two meanings. It means to believe and live the truth about the righteous life of the saints and Christ, the “righteousness of the saints” Christ alone is the standard of all righteous living. I think about what the Lord would do and make it the standard of my life. For the majority of Christians, their own thoughts, judgments, or church systems are the standard of life. That's a big mistake. Only Jesus and His teachings should be the standard of life. Mature Christians become more like the Lord.
③ Practice spiritual discernment and a right life.(14)
A believer who cannot distinguish right from wrong, a believer who knows it is right but cannot live as it is, is an immature believer. However, many believers have blurred discernment and follow the reality even though they know that it is not the right path. This is still incomplete evidence. Let us restore discernment by the grace of the Lord. If it is the way of truth and the way of righteousness, let us become believers who risk their lives to go forward.
④ Not only lead a self-reliant life of faith, but also guide and guide others.(12)
Mature people do not depend on others. It means the same as leaving your parents when you get married. Self-reliance further accelerates the rate of maturity. We hope that our members will develop self-reliance so that they can live a life of faith without the help of others. There are times when we need the help of our clergy and seniors, but we have to be careful not to make it a habit. Going one step further, you need to be able to guide and lead others to become a mature person. There are many people around us waiting for help. Those who teach, comfort, and guide them are mature Christians. I hope that our church will be full of mature Christians like this.