Christian Maturity

Christian Maturity (Col 1:1-2:3)
Intro: We want to become mature, "rooted & built up in Christ" (Col 2:3) & "to live that life which is "hidden with Christ in God" (Col 3:3). But how?

Exposition

1. Right goal in reaching full maturity: How do we define it?
   Is major concern for Paul (1:9-12,23,28-29; 2:1,5-7). But his definition is substantially different from the popular one.

True Christian Maturity is...
a. Both individual & corporate
Eph 4:11-16, cf 1Cor 12:21-26; Col 1:24, 2:1-2, & all the plural "ye"...
b. Both human & divine
Christ-centered emphasis (1:27-29; 2:10; 3:1; 3:15)
c. Both personal & relational
How wives & husbands, children & parents, treat each other (3:18-4:6)
d. Both being & walking
Emphasis on Christian walk (1:9-10; 2:6; 3:4; 4:5)

2. Right means to reach maturity:
   Many ways look & feel right, but are wrong. Especially pressing in Colosse, as certain Jewish teachers are trying to introduce various practices which he condemns as "according to the commandments & doctrines of men. These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, & neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh" (Col 2:22-23).

Application: Some fundamental commitments to press on to full maturity

1. Commit ourselves to God's discipleship program of faith & life.
2. Accept our God-given responsibilities in regard to our selves, families, church, & world.