42 Bible Verses about Maturity

till being united in a perfect belief, and acknowledgment of the son of God, we grow up to that full state of maturity required by Christ:

such solid nourishment is only fit for such as are arriv'd at their full growth and strength, whose senses have been exercis'd in distinguishing what is good, and what is prejudicial.

Now I say, that the heir, as long as he is a child, is in a state of servitude, tho' he is to be lord of all;

Let us therefore, who have been instructed, have this in view: and if you are sollicitous about any thing else, God will reveal even that unto you.

he it is that we preach, exhorting, and instructing men in every part of divine knowledge, that they may all be perfectly acquainted with the doctrine of Christ Jesus.

Therefore omitting for the present the principles of the christian doctrine, we shall proceed to something more sublime, without mentioning those fundamental articles of repentance from destructive vices, and of divine faith:

nor must he be a new convert; for fear he should be elated with pride, and so involve himself in the same ruin as the devil.

for though by this time you ought to be capable of teaching others, you want to be instructed anew in the first principles of the divine oracles; and are in such a state as to stand in need of milk, rather than of solid nourishment.

However, what we preach is wisdom, to those who are thoroughly instructed: yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who will soon come to nothing.

but constancy should be brought to its perfection, that you may be entirely accomplished, without any defect.

in the mean time Jesus increas'd in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

have cordially reliev'd me. Epaphras a servant of Christ, and your countryman, salutes you, who is always very earnest in his prayers, that you may be perfectly acquainted with, and constantly observe,

Brethren, be not childish in understanding: be as innocent as babes, but use your understanding like men.

for we are all liable to frequent mistakes. he that does not give too great a loose to his tongue, is an accomplish'd person and fit to moderate the whole church.

Finally, brethren, be cheerful: redress yourselves, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

which is without any mixture, and will make you thrive. Since you have tasted how good the Lord is,

I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, nor have you yet sufficient strength.

that the bringing your faith to the test, produces constancy.

I am therefore glad when I am disarm'd by the strength of your integrity: and this is what I pray for, even your perfection.

and the genuine offspring of sin is death.

for the earth spontaneously produces, first the blade, then the ear, after that the grain of corn in the ear.

the ground over-run with thorns denotes such as have embraced the doctrine, but are so immerst in the business, enjoyments, and pleasures of life, as not to improve it to any real advantage.

but being sincere in mutual love, may be entirely united to Christ, who is the head:

thus fitly qualifying his servants for their respective offices, in order to build up the body of Christ:

now he that is disciplined like a child, is not prepared for the doctrine of justification:

of which we shall treat another time, if God permit.

be ye therefore perfect, even as your father who is in heaven is perfect.

I write to you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked spirit.

to all this add love, which is the band of perfect union:

but imitate the example of those who by faith and patience have obtain'd the inheritance that was promis'd to them.

and not only so, but we triumph in tribulation also, knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, probation;

I press towards the mark for the prize to which God has called me from above by Jesus Christ.

and probation, hope:

my dear children, how am I in pain, till Christ be formed in you?

that we should be no longer children, fluctuating, and carried about with every empty doctrine, by men vers'd in sleight and the crafty arts of deceit:

when the full time of the dispensation was come, to reduce all things both in heaven and on earth, under one head in Christ.

it was this made his parents say, "he is of age, ask him."

A weak convert receive as a friend without regard to any difference of opinion.

yet in the church I had rather speak five words that convey my meaning to the instruction of others, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.