Axioms of Christian Maturity
Thesis: Maturity in the Christian life is dependent on three things: an intimate and accountable association with other Christians; witnessing; and hearing Jesus speak to you.
Introduction
An axiom is a truth that is so self-evident that it needs no proof. In this passage God gives examples of these axioms of Christian maturity in the life of the Apostle Paul.
The Association of the Faithful, vv. 1-4, cf. Hebrews 10:24-25
A. Exegesis
- Refute the immoral culture
- Aquila and Priscilla were exiled Christians because “Claudius expelled all the Jews because of a tumult instigated by” Christ (Suetonius).
- Corinth was the Greek center for east-west trade. With it came the undesirable elements. The Greek expression, “to live like a Corinthian” meant “to live immorally.”
- Renew the covenant relationship and receive strength, Isaiah 40:28-31.
- Responsibility to provide for one’s own living
- Cynics were native to Corinth. They traveled from town to town, preaching to crowds on street corners and marketplaces. Some of them had a reputation for “fleecing the gullible” crowds.
- Paul was a temporary tentmaker, so he would not be associated with the Cynics.
B. Illustration
A Christian without a church is like:
- a student who won’t go to school
- a soldier without an army
- a citizen who won’t vote
- a seaman without a ship
- a child without a family
- a drummer without a band
- a ballplayer without a team
- a honeybee without a hive
- a scientist who does not share his findings with his colleagues.
C. Application–How to get the most out of Church Fellowship:
- Bring your Bible and follow along in your Bible.
- Take notes of the Bible lesson and sermon.
- Share with a fellow Christian what God did in your life last week and share a prayer request.
- Be willing to be accountable to your brothers and sisters.
The Attestation of the Faithful, vv. 5-8 and Philemon 6
A. Exegesis
- To Commission with others, 2 Corinthians 11:8. When Silas and Timothy came to Corinth from Macedonia, they brought money from the Philippian church to support Paul full-time.
- The Course, the pattern of Paul’s witnessing
- to the Jews first; they refused; Paul free from their blood.
- then to the Gentiles.
- The Consequences–“Many believed and were baptized.”
B. Illustration
It was the seventh game of the 1962 World Series. The San Francisco Giants had a man on second base, which put him near New York Yankee second baseman Bobby Richardson. When the Yanks decided to change pitchers, Richardson, who was a Christian, saw a unique opportunity. While the new pitcher was warming up, Richardson walked over to the man on second and asked him if he knew Jesus and his Savior.
When the runner reached the dugout later, he asked teammate Felipe Alou, who was also a Christian, what was going on. “Even in the seventh game of the World Series,” he said to Felipe, “you people are still talking about Jesus.” That runner couldn’t understand what made Christians so eager to talk about Jesus Christ, even in highly unusual situations.
C. Application
- We are not in competition with other churches over the souls of people; we are in commission.
- Witness to your family first; then witness to your neighbors.
- We are not responsible for the response of others to the gospel, but we are responsible to witness to them. If we do not, their eternal damnation is on our hands.
- It is only through witnessing to others that we learn about the great things of Jesus.
The Assurance of the Faithful One, vv. 9-11 and 1 Timothy 3:13
A. Exegesis
- Divine Presence
- Divine Providence
- Divine Purpose
B. Illustration
John Gilmour, a godly Britisher who loved to witness for Christ, always carried gospel books to give to people as he had opportunity.
One day, Gilmour was walking in a little village when he came across an old Irishman selling lids, kettles, and saucepans. Gilmour greeted the man, “Good morning, how is business today?”
“Oh,” said the Irishman, “I cannot complain.”
Then Gilmour said, “What a grand thing it is to be saved!”
The old man looked intently at him and replied, “I know something better than that.”
“Better than being saved? I would like to know what that is.”
With a warm smile, the man responded, “The companionship of the Man Who saved me, sir.”
C. Application–1 Timothy 3:13
Conclusion
How mature are you as a Christian? Are you:
actively involved in the fellowship of the church, or do you drift in and drift out?
willing to be held accountable for your spiritual growth and commitment to the Body of Christ, the church?
active in sharing your faith with your family and neighbors, or are you silent and immature?
actively participating in the mission of the church, or are you satisfied to let everybody else do the work of your ministry?
When was the last time you heard the voice of Jesus?
To grow in Christian maturity, you must associate and cooperate in the mission of the church by witnessing for Jesus and He speaks to you.