Heb 5: 11-14 Marks Of Spiritual Immaturity

Many people claim to be Christian, but there is a significant difference between being a fan of Jesus and a follower of Jesus. · Just like in sports, many have their preferred team that they support along with all the regalia, however, they are not involved in the physical aspect of the game, they are just fans. · Christianity is not a spectator sport, it requires participation in all that Christ represents and demands to be successful. · To be a follower of Jesus, you must deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow him. Listen to the words of Jesus, the head of the Christ recorded in Mark 8:34 (ASV) And he called unto him the multitude with his disciples, and said unto them, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.  Jesus was primarily addressing the multitude, explaining to them how to become His disciple. Spiritual maturity is achieved through becoming more like Jesus Christ. According to the apostle Paul, it’s an ongoing process that will never end in this life. Philippians 3:12-14 (ASV) Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus. 13  Brethren, I count not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, 14  I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. · I believe Paul is speaking amongst other things of the full representation of Christ that we are called to in the world. · Like Paul, we have to press continually toward a deeper knowledge of God in Christ. · Christian maturity requires a radical reordering of one’s priorities, shifting from pleasing self to pleasing God, and learning to obey God. · The key to spiritual maturity is consistency, perseverance in doing those things we know will bring us into a deeper walk with God. · These practices are referred to as the spiritual disciplines and include things such as Bible reading/study/meditation, prayer, fellowship with God and the brethren, service in various spheres of life, and stewardship of time, energy and money.