Christian Maturity - GlobalReach.org

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98 C h r i s t i a n M a t u r i t yenter the issue only to the degree that it has kept us from being theprofitable field, the worthy building, the image of Jesus Christ theHoly Spirit tried to help us be. But let us not treat this point lightly.This will be a serious evaluation of our lives. Concern over theoutcome of this judgment should motivate the believer to do thework and will of God.Even in this course, part of the incentive to learn is theexamination or test. Paul clearly implies that being examinedbefore Jesus Christ who gave himself for us will be, for some, anembarrassing moment. It will be so particularly for the Christianwho has received the grace of God but has produced no fruit.Do you remember our study in 1 Corinthians 3? Turn to1 Corinthians 3:9–15. Paul likens the believer to a building. Christ isthe one and only foundation for this building. Thus, every believerbegins with the same foundation. The believer then begins to buildupon that foundation. He builds with either carelessness or finecraftsmanship; he chooses his materials well or builds cheaply.According to the apostle, some use gold, silver, or precious stones;while others use wood, grass, or straw. Can we doubt the meaningof that comparison? The message becomes direct (rather thansymbolic):[The quality of each person’s] work will be shown forwhat it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will berevealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of eachman’s work. (1 Corinthians 3:13)WOODGRASSSTRAWJESUS CHRISTGOLDSILVERPRECIOUS STONESJESUS CHRIST
M o t i v a t i o n s To w a r d G r o w t h 99Application20 Now read 1 Corinthians 3:14. If what was built survives, whatwill happen to the builder?........................................................................................................Take a moment to copy 1 Corinthians 3:15 into your notebook.Here is a clear picture. Every believer begins his building onJesus Christ, the foundation, when he receives Him as Lord andSavior. His building materials are shaped from attitudes, choices,priorities, maturity, carnality, Christian character or lack of it, thingshe does which affect God and himself, doctrine, use of finances,stewardship of possessions and time, words, habits, motivations,quality of his Christian service to others, and on and on.The list seems endless. Every day we choose materialsand add to the structure. But there will come the moment ofinspection. The examination of what we have built will be sosevere the apostle likens it to a test by fire.Construction that is useless, careless, unchristlike, selfish, andcarnal will quickly be consumed. Some Christians have so usedtheir lives that when their works are tested, nothing will remain.Their works will be without reward. It will be as though theyhad never built upon their salvation. Others will experience lossbut will find the fire powerless to consume what remains of trueChristian works. These will be rewarded. And what better rewardthan to feel we have wisely built upon the foundation our blessedLord provided for us at the price of His life.Every portion of Scripture that explains how God intends thebeliever to live becomes part of the evidence at the judgment seat ofChrist. Colossians 3, Romans 14, and 1 Corinthians 4:1–5 indicatethis. Perhaps you are now asking, “Just where does this place me?What should I do now?” Here are several points to consider:First, it should not surprise us that such a costly salvationdemands an accounting. Think or read through the Lord’sparables. How many concern servants left with responsibilities
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ChristianMaturityby Rick C. HowardA
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Table of ContentsPageCOURSE INTRODU
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C o u r s e I n t r o d u c t i o n
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Pictures of ChristianMaturityLesson
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G o d l y D e s i r e s f o r G r o
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J e s u s C h r i s t : A n I l l u
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Page 49 and 50: F u r t h e r I l l u s t r a t i o
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Page 85 and 86: Progress inChristian MaturityLesson
Page 87 and 88: M o t i v a t i o n s To w a r d G
Page 99: M o t i v a t i o n s To w a r d G
Page 107 and 108: E l e m e n t s T h a t B u i l d C
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Page 149 and 150: Proofs ofChristian MaturityLessons8
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E v i d e n c e o f C h r i s t i a
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E v i d e n c e o f U s e f u l M i
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E v i d e n c e o f S p i r i t u a
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For Your NotesE v i d e n c e o f S
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G l o s s a r y 191dynamic— havin
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G l o s s a r y 193redeem — to bu
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A n s w e r s t o S e l f - Te s t
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A n s w e r s To S e l f - Te s t s
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U n i t S t u d e n t R e p o r t s
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A n s w e r S h e e t s209CS1111 Ch
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215 Cut this page and send to your
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SEND US THE NAMES AND ADDRESSESOF Y
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