Spiritual Maturity #10
A. Last time we talked about spiritual immaturity that unintentionally
leads to wrong choices that
subsequently leads to sin. These unintended sins and their consequences
can cause all kinds of
problems. Not just for the individual, but for entire families
as well.
Fathers and mothers are not exempt from wrong choices and unintentional
sin and involve the entire family. Not talking about brazen rebellion
against God. About selfish, unwise choices bring unwanted and
unrealized consequences and in into our homes.
Sin has its influence. It affects how we think, act and
takes over without realizing whats happened. Suddenly were
reaping a bitter harvest we never intended.
(A) Things get out of hand. Serious problems become entrenched
before you know they are
there. You ever had an experience like that? Scratch your head
and wonder---- When
did this happen?----Where did I go wrong?
(1) Those things dont happen over night. Not an instant
problem and there are no
Instant cures. They are the accumulation of months and years
of spiritual neglect,
and immaturity. What happens when you get caught up in earthly
concerns and
Neglect spiritual things.
(a) Bible example from Davids life. 1 Kings 1:5-6. He was
Davids son by one of
his many wives. He was very handsome, spoiled, undisciplined.
He got
everything he wanted and that kind of person is dangerous.
His father David is the reason Adonijah is the way he is. This
boys lifestyle is the consequence of his fathers sin.
What was Davids sin? David never disciplined the boy. It
is a sin not to discipline your children. It is a sin not to bring
your children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
(2) Adonijah was totally undisciplined. Never been taught respect
and responsibility. When he reached the age of accountability,
He refused to be accountable. Thats when David should have
gotten by hair and said, Sit down, youre bent toward
rebellion And Im going to straighten you out.
(a) Like many dads, Hes to busy, preoccupied, neglegent.
The child becomes a
Hellion. Became a jerk. Only one way to deal with a jerk. You
jerk the slip-knot
out of his puckering string.
For lack of discipline the child is lost. Child is trained wrong
by the lack of training. Ben Franklin, A little neglect
may breed mischief. For want of a nail the shoe was lost. For
lack of a shoe the horse was lost. For lack of a horse the rider
was lost. Speaking of Nails, sometimes the only way to straighten
a crooked nail is to take a hammer to it.
(B) What about the wrong choices we make because of unrecognized
hypocrisy in our lives?
Perfect example of unrecognized hypocrisy is found in GAL 2:11-14.
Peters hypocrisy.
(1) With Jews are around he eats Kosher. With Gentiles he eats
ham, snails, etc. Sin
of hypocrisy. Discriminate against gentiles when Jews were around.
Made the
wrong choice because of peer pressure. 2 PET 3:15-18, Our
beloved brother Paul,
according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also
in all his epistles,
speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard
to understand,
which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction,
as they do also
the rest of the Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you
know this beforehand,
beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led
away with the error of
the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and
Savior Jesus
Christ. That means to grow into spiritual maturity to get
rid of your hypocrisy.
(a) We will never grow in spiritual maturity unless we become
consistent and get rid of
our hypocrisy. You cannot hide your lack of faith and hypocrisy
from God.
(b) HEB 4:12-14.
How do you stop making the wrong choices? Start by being honest.
Stop trying to pull the wool over Gods eyes. It just wont
work.
(a) Be honest with God, yourself and with others. Just be open
and honest. Learn to wait on God. Dont run ahead. Dont
try to do it on your own.
Understand that you cant do it all. Youre not perfect,
youre forgiven. You dont have to impress God or the
people across the street, or where you work. And the only way
you can impress God is to give Him your whole self. All there
is of you.
(3) Trust Him to always be there, Guide you, nurture, strengthen
you. If you will let go and let God. He will grow you into spiritual
maturity.
(1) Pro. 3:6, In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will
direct your steps. Do that and with every step you take,
God will be at your side, providing your every need. He will grow
you into great spiritual maturity.
(2) Acts 20:32.
Spur - 11/24/02 am
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