Christian Maturity - GlobalReach.org

130 C h r i s t i a n M a t u r i t ysometimes rather than having to be taught all the time. Rememberthat Christian maturity does not refer to total or complete knowledge.It is not sinless perfection. It does require a growing and responsiblefaith. The longer we have known Jesus, the better understandingwe should have of who we believe Him to be. The longer we knowChrist the more He should be reflected in our lives. Old faults shoulddisappear. New virtues should appear and develop.Knowing How to Reach the GoalObjective 2. State what the believer’s spiritual growth includes inaddition to personal effort.The teacher in Hebrews writes, “And God permitting, wewill do so” (Hebrews 6:3). Notice that this passage includes thewriter. This is not just an exhortation to the Hebrews.An important point must be made from the original languagein Hebrews 6:1. The word translated “we will do so” is from theGreek verb phero, which means “to carry or bear.” Here it is inthe passive voice and means, “Let us be carried along” to matureteaching.Two important teachings come from this word study. First,the will to do is not accomplished by personal effort alone!Christian maturity is achieved under the active power of the HolySpirit. We have studied this in several places. The thought in thispassage is of our personal surrender to an active influence. Godis already working toward our growth. We have only to surrenderourselves. We must yield to Him.Christian perfection or maturity would be difficult if we wereleft to do it on our own. Instead, Hebrews 6 and many otherScriptures tell us we are to be carried along toward this goal.Have you ever tried to row a boat against the current? Thatis very difficult. In a way, the believer must fight the world’scurrent. But in spiritual matters, the strong current of the HolySpirit is moving the believer toward maturity. We have only tocooperate, by our will, with God’s purpose.