INTRO.

1. The process of growth is as essential in spiritual realm as physical.                                2. The growth process is EDIFICATION (1 Cor. 14:26; Eph. 4:11-14).                                  3. The growth goal is PERFECTION a. TELEIOS: maturity, completeness, entire, fully developed                                                                                                                        4. All Christians to "press on unto perfection" (Heb. 6:1) a. Can measure our growth by marks of maturity found in Scripture

I. THE HEBREW MARKS (Heb. 5:11-6:3)

A. The ability to teach others ("Ye ought to be teachers", v..12)                                           l. Involves knowledge (all teachers must be learners)

2. Involves disposition (willingness, see seriousness of, Jas. 3:1)                                     B. The ability to receive "meaty" teaching (v. 14)

1. Means leaving (not abandoning) first principles & building thereon.                             2. Failure here is sign of carnality, 1 Cor. 3:1-3

C. The ability to discern between good and evil ("senses exercised to...")                            1. Maturity recognizes difference between what God says & what men say.                   2. Sees evil in perspective, even tendencies and trends (Phil. 1:9,10)

II. THE MARK OF HUMILITY

A. Humble enough to receive instruction, Col. 1:28                                                            1. To be perfect in Christ, men must receive this teaching                                               B. Humble enough to be admonished, Col. 1:28

1. To be perfect in Christ, men must also receive admonition                                         2. All need reproof, correction & instruction from Scriptures, 2 Tim. 3:17

C. Humble enough to recognize own shortcomings

1. Being perfect means recognizing own imperfections                                                 2. Ability to say, "I have sinned" as did David & prodigal son

III. THE MARK OF TONGUE CONTROL, Jas. 3:2

iV. THE MARK OF LOVE

A. The bond of perfectness, Col. 4:14                                                                                 B. Love for God, brethren, even enemies; 1 Jn. 4:17-21; Jn. 13:35; Matt. 5:43-48

V. THE MARK OF STEADFASTNESS