Marks%20of%20Christian%20Maturity

1
Marks of Christian Maturity

• Hebrews 13

2
Background to Hebrews

• These Christians were in danger of falling away
  from Christ (21 312 66)
• The author writes to exhort them not to
  apostatize (1322)
• Practical, daily Christianity would keep these
  Christians faithful
• Note the transition in 121 and 1228

3
Marks of Christian Maturity

• Brotherly Love (v.1)
• Rom. 1210 1 Thess. 49 1 Pet. 122
• Avoid two extremes unsympathetic criticism or
  becoming soft
• Hospitality (v.2)
• Mt. 2535 Rom. 1213 1 Tim. 32 1 Pet. 49
• First century living conditions demanded that
  love be shown

4
Marks of Christians Maturity

• Compassion (v. 3)
• Mt. 2536 Lk. 1033 Col. 312 418 Heb.
  1034 1 Jn.317
• First century persecution demanded it
• Marital Purity (v. 4)
• Mt. 199 1 Cor. 69 Rom. 139 Gal. 519 1
  Thess. 46
• Avoid two extremes asceticism or sexual
  immorality

5
Marks of Christians Maturity

• Contentment (vv. 5-6)
• Phil. 411-13 1 Tim. 68-10
• Not constantly striving for more and more
• Obedient Submission (vv. 7,17,24)
• Acts 2028 Phil. 11
• The elders (bishops) are over the local church
  is under their rule following their lead and
  example

6
Marks of Christians Maturity

• Steadfastness (vv. 8-9)
• Eph. 414 2 Pet. 317 Rev. 1215
• Fixed and grounded in Jesus and His word
• Doing Good (vv. 15-16,21)
• Acts 1038 Rom. 1213 1 Tim. 618
• Active, continual sacrificing for God and others

7
Marks of Christians Maturity

• Prayer for Others (vv. 18-19)
• 1 Thess. 525 2 Thess. 31
• Unselfishly considerate of others

8
Marks of Christians Maturity

• Do you find yourself drifting and falling away?
  Stagnant?
• How do you compare with these marks of Christian
  maturity?
• Practical, daily, active service keeps a
  Christian spiritually alive