The Marks of a Mature Believer

Title: The Marks of a Mature Believer  

Text: Philippians 3:12-21

There is clear movement in this passage from humility → focus → mindset → models → warning → hope

Spiritual maturity is not arriving but it’s pressing on in the right direction, with Christ as the prize.

1) Admit That You Have Not Arrived.

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

2) Fix Your Aim on

1. Forgetting those things that are behind (Good and Bad)
2. Straining Forward with Focused Determination v.14

13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

3) this way and Hold Your Ground

1. 1. Maturity is a mindset

15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

4) Follow Cross-Centered Heavenly-Minded

17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

5) of Examples that Drift from the Cross

18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

6) Live as of Heaven while you Press on

20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.