The Marks of Spiritual Maturity - Part 1
Paul writes the Letter to the Colossians after Epaphras comes to see him while he is in prison in Rome (Acts 28). Epaphras has likely shared with Paul the good news from Colossae (1:7-8) and the bad news that there was a dangerous teaching threatening the church (4:12). Paul responds to this situation in writing and takes the opportunity to encourage these believers in their growth toward Christian maturity.
The apostle Paul’s letter to the church provides a balance of faith and practice. To put it another way, Paul writes to teach them (and us) what to believe and how to behave. This pattern of doctrine followed by duty is repeated in many of Paul’s letters. When it comes to God’s truth, you can’t just take the doctrine and say “no thanks” to the duty.
How do you know when you’re fully integrating faith and practice (belief and behavior)? In the opening verses of Colossians, we find three important spiritual markers. They are easy to remember, because you’ve heard of these three before: faith, hope, and love.
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth. (Colossians 1:3-6 ESV)
(1) THE FIRST MARK OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY IS A STRONG FAITH IN JESUS
The object of your faith in more important than the quantity of your faith! You don’t need a BIG faith–you only need faith in a BIG God. Colossians teaches us that Jesus Christ is God and He alone should be the object of our faith.
It’s not faith in an experience; or faith in the church; or even faith in a pastor or Christian personality that will make a difference in your life. It is Jesus that will change your life and your eternal destiny. Even a tiny amount of faith is Him is more than sufficient. Jesus said even faith the size of a mustard seed is sufficient (Matthew 17:20).
Where does your faith lie? In a particular denomination or congregation? In a “mountain top” experience at some camp or conference? In a certain Bible teacher or musician? None of these things are sufficient to save you…only Jesus. Place your faith in Him and Him alone!
