SINCERELY DESIRE THE MILK OF THE WORD SO THAT YOU CAN GROW UP TO MATURITY.

GOD'S WORD ON MATURITY.

The New Testament word for maturity suggests reaching the finish line, completing the task. We should mature as individuals, growing to become the kind of people who are exemplary and productive. We should mature as Christians, striving for and reaching the goals we have set. Maturity is growing toward the "high marks," the goal lines of life, and giving that process all we have to make it happen.

HOW DO WE REACH THE MATURITY WE DESIRE IN LIFE? WHO CAN MENTOR US ALONG THE WAY?

Psalm 32:8 . . . The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life."

Psalm 92:12 . . . The godly will flourish like palm trees.

Psalm 111:10 . . . Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 . . . They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.

Philippians 1:6 . . . I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished.

James 1:5 . . . If you need wisdom-if you want to know what God wants you to do-ask him, and he will gladly tell you.

Ephesians 3:17 . . . I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.

Colossians 2:7 . . . Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith.

2 Peter 3:18 . . . Grow in the special favor and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Jude 1:20 . . . You, dear friends, must continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith.

TO GROW TO MATURITY, START WITH MILK BEFORE YOU EAT MEAT!

1 Corinthians 3:1-3 . . . I couldn't talk to you as I would to mature Christians . . . I had to feed you with milk and not with solid food.

1 Corinthians 13:11 . . . It's like this: When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.

Hebrews 6:1-3 . . . Let us stop going over the basics of Christianity again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding.

Spiritual growth is like physical growth-we start small and move ahead one day at a time.

WHAT IS ONE OF THE SECRETS OF REACHING MATURITY?

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 . . . All athletes practice strict self-control.

To reach maturity, we must discipline ourselves like athletes. Athletes excel as they exercise and push the boundaries of their physical capabilities. Should we not give as much emphasis to spiritual maturity?

MATURE CHRISTIANS SHOULD PASS THEIR FAITH ON TO OTHERS.

2 Timothy 2:1-2 . . . Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them on to others.

The purpose in striving for maturity is to use it so that others might also mature.

WHAT MAY KEEP US FROM MATURING AS WE WANT? WHAT MUST WE AVOID?

Isaiah 59:2 . . . There is a problem-your sins have cut you off from God.

2 Timothy 2:4 . . . As Christ's soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life.

There are roadblocks to maturing the way we want. Sin is one. Getting involved in "things" is another. Beware of these roadblocks, for they will keep you from getting to your destination.

PROMISES FROM GOD:

Philippians 4:13 . . . I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.

With Christ's help there is no end to the maturing process.