The Benchmarks of Spiritual Maturity

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1 Peter 55-7
Page 842
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Back to the Basics

• Checklist for spiritual maturity (v.5-7)

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(No Transcript)
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Back to the Basics

• Checklist for spiritual maturity
• They are all spiritual attitudes

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Benchmarks of Spiritual Maturity

• 1. Attitude of SUBMISSION (v.5a)

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Benchmarks of Spiritual Maturity

• 1. Attitude of SUBMISSION

• To the elders

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Benchmarks of Spiritual Maturity

• 1. Attitude of SUBMISSION

• To the elders
• Give them authority, respect, deference

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• 1 Cor.1615-16
• You know that the household of
  Stephanasdevoted themselves to the service of
  the saints. I urge you, brothers, to submit to
  such as these to everyone who joins in the
  work, labors at it.
• Heb.1317
• Obey your leaders and submit to their
  authority. They keep watch over you as men who
  must give an account. Obey them so that their
  work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would
  be of no advantage to you.
• 1 Thess.512-13
• Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who
  work hard among you, who are over you in the
  Lord who admonish you. Hold them in the
  highest regard in love because of their work.

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Benchmarks of Spiritual Maturity

• 1. Attitude of SUBMISSION

• To the elders
• Give them authority, respect, deference
• Failing to do so will Hurt the ministry of the
  church Keep me from becoming a mature believer

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Benchmarks of Spiritual Maturity

• 2. Attitude of HUMILITY (v.5b)

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Benchmarks of Spiritual Maturity

• 2. Attitude of HUMILITY

• Submission Humility attack the same
  enemy pride

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Benchmarks of Spiritual Maturity

• 2. Attitude of HUMILITY

• Wrap myself in a servants apron

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Benchmarks of Spiritual Maturity

• 2. Attitude of HUMILITY

• Toward all fellow Christians (v.5c)

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain
conceit, but in humility consider others better
than yourselves. Phil.23
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Benchmarks of Spiritual Maturity

• 2. Attitude of HUMILITY

• Toward all fellow Christians

Each of you should look not only to your own
interest, but also to the interests of others.
Your attitude should be the same as that of
Christ Jesus. Phil.24-5
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Benchmarks of Spiritual Maturity

• 2. Attitude of HUMILITY

• Why? God hates opposes pride

I hate pride arrogance. Prov.813 There are
6 things the Lord hates, 7 that are detestable
to Him haughty eyes Prov.616
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Benchmarks of Spiritual Maturity

• 2. Attitude of HUMILITY

• Why? God hates opposes pride Because
  pride is so destructive

When pride comes, then comes disgrace.
Prov.112 Pride only breeds quarrels.
Prov.1310 Pride goes before destruction.
Prov.1618 A mans pride brings him low.
Prov.2923
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Benchmarks of Spiritual Maturity

• 2. Attitude of HUMILITY

• Why? God hates opposes pride Because
  pride is so destructive He gives favor
  blessing to the humble

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Benchmarks of Spiritual Maturity

• 2. Attitude of HUMILITY

• Toward all fellow Christians
• Toward God (v.6)

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Benchmarks of Spiritual Maturity

• 2. Attitude of HUMILITY

• Toward God
• His mighty hand His Sovereignty (to
  deliver to protect to chasten)

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• Exodus 319-20
• But I know that the king of Egypt will not let
  you go unless a mighty hand compels him. So I
  will stretch out My hand strike the Egyptians
  with all the wonders that I will perform among
  them. After that, he will let you go.

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• Micah 68
• He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what
  does the Lord require of you? To act justly to
  love mercy to walk humbly with your God.

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Benchmarks of Spiritual Maturity

• 2. Attitude of HUMILITY

• Toward God
• His mighty hand His Sovereignty
• in due time His timing, not mine

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• Gal.44 In the fullness of time, God sent His
  Son, born of a woman.
• 1 Tim.26 Jesus gave Himself as a ransomin
  its proper time.
• Titus 13 The hope of eternal life came at the
  proper time.

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• One of the evidences of our pride
• is our impatience with God,
• one of the reasons for our suffering
• is that we might learn patience.
• Warren Weirsbe

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Benchmarks of Spiritual Maturity

• 3. Attitude of TRUST (V.7)

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Benchmarks of Spiritual Maturity

• 3. Attitude of TRUST

• Trust in what? Gods care

Cast your cares on the Lord He will sustain
you He will never let the righteous fall.
Psalm 5522
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• Spiritual Maturity begins with 3 Spiritual
  Fundamentals
• Attitude of Submission to those in authority
• Attitude of Humility toward Christians God
• Attitude of Trust in Gods care

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• God wants to bless you, your attitudes will
  determine if He can!

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Next Sundays slide What to Do With Your Doubts