Philippians Week 4- How to Mature in Christ

Introduction

You will never arrive in the Christian Life

We have to clear up this misconception that can easily creep into our minds as Christians: You’re never going to arrive at a stopping point of growth in the Christian life.

Mature people humbly acknowledge that they haven’t arrived. Here is the really cool thing about hanging around more mature Christians…when you get close enough to them, you realize that you’ll always be learning and growing as a Christian! There is never a time to coast in the Christian life. My youth ministry professor told me a lot of things that stuck with me still to this day, and one of those things is this: “the more that you know, you come to a greater understanding of the fact that you really don’t know that much”

The gospel should humble you. One of the greatest compliments that I receive from students is moments that reveal to me that you have heard from me that I acknowledge my humanity in front of you. (Give example of Andres Pedraza saying thank you for not acting like you’ve got it all together and that you’re perfect).

As Christians, we should always keep a teachable spirit about us. We should always be able to take correction when needed, no matter how far along in faith that we are. Arrogance has no place in the life of a Christian.

Keep moving forward in faith

Paul mentions that as we understand that we never arrive, we should always keep pressing forward. Passionate running after Jesus involves two things: FORGETTING and REACHING.

Every good runner knows that you can’t look over your shoulder, or you will get distracted, stumble, or lose momentum. Paul says to forget “what is behind”. Paul is saying that he will not allow either the achievements of the past, or his failures as a Christian to prevent his gaze from being fixed firmly on the finish line. He forgets as he runs.

This should really encourage us today. Your past doesn’t have to determine your future. Look at the example of Paul! He killed Christians, yet we don’t see Paul saying, “I’m limited now. My previous experiences have made me damaged goods.” or even saying “I need to pay God back now” So follow Paul’s example and Forget failures and run forward.

Don’t use your past successes as an excuse to take your foot off the gas and be complacent. (example of Uncle Rico…make sure to put up a picture of uncle rico on the screen) Every day in the Christian life there are new challenges and new opportunities. Did Paul have some amazing accomplishments? YES. But he didn’t let his accomplishments make him lazy.

Always stay in awe of the gospel

Don’t let the gospel be seen as the ABC’s of Christianity, but instead see it as the A to Z of Christianity.

Christian maturity doesn’t mean you graduate from the gospel, but it means that you go deeper into the gospel. Just as you received Jesus (desperately and in faith) walk in Him. Keep looking to Him. Keep treasuring grace. Keep relying on His power. Marvel at His redemption. Boast in His cross. Brag about His resurrection.

Have an example to follow

Who you follow matters. Who you hang out with matters. Paul has mentioned imitation 7 times already in the two and a half chapters that we have studied so far. Paul points to himself as an example, to Timothy and Epaphroditus as examples, and to Jesus as the ultimate example to follow. Now he encourages believers to adopt his outlook and his values for growing in spiritual maturity.

Be an example to follow

Paul included himself as the example, which meant he had to live up to that standard. He wasn’t going to ask them of anything that he himself wasn’t willing to do. A faithful Christian leader pursues Christ alongside everyone else.

It’s impossible to lead people (genuinely) to somewhere that you aren’t yourself going.

What are the roots of endurance and cause of joy of a man of faith? It’s your own relationship with Christ that flowed from meditation on God’s Word.

You don’t need an official position to influence people by your example. As you seek to set an example for others, do so with affection. You don’t set an example simply with deeds and actions. You also set an example by your passions, affections, and emotions.

Land the Plane

Humbly acknowledge that you haven’t arrived.

Passionately pursue greater knowledge of Christ.

Never lose wonder of the gospel.

Follow heavenly minded examples.

Segway into the break out groups.