That’s really mature

Most of us have some sense of what it means to be mature.  As we think about it, we might have in mind a responsible person with a calm demeanour, who never gets upset and always says wise things!  However, while these qualities are wonderful and worth pursing, they could be true of anyone, like the Dalai Lama, Mahatma Gandhi or your local, neighbourhood yoga instructor!  Christian maturity is different, it’s not something that we can conjure up in our own strength; it is a product of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul is essentially challenging the church to “grow up”. As we investigate this passage on Sunday, we’ll discover some essential elements of Christian maturity that we should all seek to develop. There is always room to grow!

Nathan Hooper
Message: That’s Really Mature
Harvest Bible Chapel
Text: 1 Corinthians 3:1-17
March 12, 2023

No matter where you are at in your Christian walk, there’s always room to grow! (v. 1-4) A mature Christian...

•has a realistic view of themselves and others (v. 5–9)

•has Christ as the foundation of their lives (v. 10–11)

A proper foundation does more than just hold a house above ground. It also keeps out moisture, insulates against the cold, and resists movement of the earth around it. Oh, and one more thing: It should last forever.
thisoldhouse.com

•sets their priorities with eternity in view (v. 12–15)

When we read “growth” we almost inevitably think of size or numbers...But that is not the way growth is being depicted here...Growth, then, should be defined as an increase of the reality and presence of God in our midst.
Barnabas Piper, “Belong”

But whatever you do, find the God-centered, Christ-exalting, Bible-saturated passion of your life, and find your way to say it and live for it and die for it. And you will make a difference that lasts. You will not waste your life.
John Piper, “Don’t Waste Your Life”

•understands themselves as a temple of the Holy Spirit (v. 16–17)

Holiness is not ultimately about living up to a moral standard. It’s about living in Christ and living out of our real, vital union with him.
Kevin DeYoung, “The Hole in our Holiness”