The Measure of Christian

Introduction

A young man decided to bake a cake for his friend’s birthday. He mixed all the ingredients and placed it in the oven, but eagerly opened it too soon. The cake collapsed! His mother reminded him that just like faith, some things require patience and time to rise! Christian maturity needs the right conditions to develop fully, so let us trust in God’s baking process!

Philippians 1:9–11 NIV

9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Love that Overflows

love is the core word of the gospel

1 Thessalonians 3:12 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

John 15:9 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.”

Philippians: Verse by Verse Prayer for Overflowing Love (1:9)

I would define this agapē love as “selfless giving,” the opposite of the “selfish ambition” in 2:3 and the result of God’s love transforming the worldly, sinful self.

Paul uses this word purposefully to remind them of the love of christ and also he knows what is happening within the church. There were some disagreements

Philippians 2:1–3 “1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,”

This is agape love

Ephesians 3:16–19 “16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

The first measure of maturity is love that doesn’t run dry but keeps overflowing.”

God came in human form instead of His awesome and majestic splendor, because God is love. God came as a child in a manger instead of a General with an army, because God is love. God came to serve rather than to be served, because God is love. God came to die on our behalf rather than to sentence us to die for our sins, because God is lo

Maturity isn’t about how much we know, but how much we love. Love is the soil where all other fruits grow.

Paul expresses it this way in

2 Corinthians 6:11–13 “11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. 12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13 As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.”

Our hearts need to be open listen to this One Pastor put it this way

What is the difference? A person with a heart that is open is not in control of the people who come into their lives, God is. And God may bring your way a whole bunch of people different than you to accept and love them so your love can grow more and more

Knowledge that Deepens

Maturity is measured by a love that is informed — not shallow sentiment, but rooted in truth.

Paul prays for love “with knowledge.” A mature believer doesn’t just feel deeply; they understand deeply.

Knowledge keeps love from being blind, and love keeps knowledge from being cold.

Discernment that Sharpens

The greek phrase for “approve what is excellent” means to “test, prove, or examine” and then arrive at the correct conclusion as to what is “superior to or different.

Proverbs 1:30–33 NIV

30 Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, 31 they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. 32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; 33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

“Maturity shows itself in wise choices — the ability to approve what is excellent.”

Discernment is love and knowledge applied. It’s knowing not just what is good, but what is best.

A mature believer learns to sift through life’s options and choose what honors Christ most.

Purity that Endures

“Maturity is measured by a life that is sincere and blameless until the day of Christ.”

Purity isn’t perfection, but integrity — living transparently before God and others.

A mature believer doesn’t wear masks; their faith is genuine, their walk consistent.

Fruit that Multiplies

“Maturity is seen in the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ.”

Galatians 5:22–23 “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Brett Eckelberry said on “Focus on the Family’s” website: “The Fruit of the Spirit is the result of walking with God. As we grow in our relationship with God, our fight against sin and our Love for God and others grows stronger. This leads us to grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Next time you hear about the fruit of the Spirit, look at your current relationship with God, your struggles with sin, and your fellowship with other believers.” Amen.

The ultimate measure of maturity is not what we keep, but what we produce.

A mature believer bears fruit that points others to God’s glory, not their own

How Are You Growing?