5 Marks of a Mature Church

Introduction

Good evening everyone! It is so good to back with everyone again. I hope that all are staying healthy and Keshia and I want to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas!!! We also want to give a shout-out to all of those who have showered us with blessings what time I have been recovering from surgery. It is such a blessing to be surrounded by so many loving people who truly care. God Bless each and every one of you!!!

Alright! So on Wed evenings, we have been journeying through the NT book of Colossians. As we have already stated, Colossians is viewed by many as one of the most important reads of the NT, because of its overlying and pin-pointed theme: The Deity of Christ!!!

Now, it has been a couple of weeks since we have been in the book, so lets do a quick recap of what we have seen so far:

Paul gives his greeting to the Church at Colossae and then commends them for exemplifying the pillars of the Christian faith: Faith, Love, & Hope. (Vs. 4-5)

Paul then explains what the source of these pillars are: The Gospel of Jesus Christ (Vs. 5)

Paul then offers a word of prayer over this dear group of believers by praying three specific things over them:

That they would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will. (Vs. 9)

That they would walk worthy of Christ. (Vs. 10)

That they would be filled with God’s Power. (Vs. 11)

Paul then begins to teach these young believers on the Deity and Preeminence of Christ. (Vs. 12-23)

What all God has done for man (Vs. 12-14)

The Person of Christ (Vs. 15)

Christ the Creator (Vs. 16-17)

Christ the Head of the Church (Vs. 18-19)

Christ the Reconciler of all things (Vs. 20-23)

Paul then explains that if the Church should be successful, there are two things that it must have:

A Pastor who will work tirelessly for the church (1:24-29)

Believers who are consistently growing in the Lord (2:1-7)

That is where we are starting tonight. We are going to see 5 marks of the church that Paul says are characteristic of a faithful and fruitful body of believers.

5 Marks of a Mature Church

Fervent Prayer From Its Leaders (2:1)

Colossians 2:1 CSB

1 For I want you to know how greatly I am struggling for you, for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me in person.

The first mark of the church that Paul gives, is that its leaders must be in fervent prayer for the church. This is imperative. These prayers should include:

Prayer for the Church as a whole:

The spiritual health of the Church.

The mental health of the Church.

The Church is reaching its community.

God’s presence within.

The spiritual and physical growth of the Church.

The growth and use of the finances of the Church.

The unity and relationship of the Church.

Prayer for the individuals of the Church:

The God will continue to raise leaders in the Church.

The spiritual movement of the people.

The roles that each member are called to and their performance and growth of it.

Their spiritual walk for God.

That God would guard the hearts of the people so that unity and love can be achieved and maintained.

Their personal relationship with God.

Their knowledge and understanding of God’s Word and therefore of God Himself.

Their desire for spiritual growth, involvement in ministry, and yearning for the lost.

The amount of prayer put in by the leaders of the Church, will heavily influence the spiritual health and growth of the Church. A leader cannot take those underneath him farther than he himself is willing to go. This is not to say that a single follower cannot surpass their leader, but that a group of followers will not surpass the leadership over them. You cannot expect those in whom you lead to do anything over and beyond what you yourself are willing to do. If you do not pray, you cannot expect them to pray. If you do not meditate on the church, you cannot expect them to meditate on the church. If you do not serve the church, you cannot expect them to serve the church. The leaders of the Church must bathe their church in constant prayer.

Notice the terminology used by Paul here in this verse. “I want you to know how greatly I am struggling for you,”. Paul wanted these people to know that he was not only praying, but struggling in prayer over them. It was not JUST prayer, it was fervent prayer. This word literally means that Paul was agonizing over the Church. He was begging and pleading with God on behalf of the Church with a brokenness. This prayer came from a genuine, deeply rooted, concern for the spiritual well-being of its people.

Believers Who Possess Encouragement and Confidence (2:2-3)

Colossians 2:2–3 CSB

2 I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of complete understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery—Christ. 3 In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Believers Who Resist False Teaching (2:4)

Colossians 2:4 CSB

4 I am saying this so that no one will deceive you with arguments that sound reasonable.

Believers Who Have A Desire To Grow In Their Faith (2:5)

Colossians 2:5 CSB

5 For I may be absent in body, but I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see how well ordered you are and the strength of your faith in Christ.

Believers Who Walk In The Lord (2:6-7)

Colossians 2:6–7 CSB

6 So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, 7 being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude.

Conclusion