The Book of James: Maturity
- We often assume that time produces maturity. But in reality, only intentional faith produces maturity.
- God’s desire is that you would grow up spiritually.
James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. (NIV)
- God is working to make you mature.
Hebrews 6:1a Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity. (NIV)
WHAT MATURITY IS NOT
- Maturity is not an age.
- Maturity is not a certain appearance.
- Maturity has nothing to do with your accomplishments.
- Maturity has nothing to do with education.
- God says maturity is determined by the posture of your heart.
FIVE MARKS OF MATURITY
1. A MATURE PERSON MAINTAINS PERSPECTIVE IN TRIALS.
James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)
James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (NIV)
2. A MATURE PERSON NOTICES AND CARES ABOUT OTHERS.
James 2:8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. (NIV)
3. A MATURE PERSON THINKS BEFORE THEY SPEAK.
James 3:2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. (NIV)
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (NIV)
James 1:26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. (NIV)
4. A MATURE PERSON MAKES PEACE, NOT TROUBLE.
James 4:1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? (NIV)
James 4:3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. (NIV)
Proverbs 13:10 Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. (NIV)
James 4:11-12 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? (NIV)
5. A MATURE PERSON IS PATIENT AND PRAYERFUL.
James 5:7-9 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! (NIV)
James 5:16-18 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. (NIV)