God's will is for every person to experience growth and maturity as a follower of Christ. Maturity is not based on age, appearance, achievements or academics. Maturity is determined by attitude. It is your attitude that impacts your character. Without a commitment to spiritual maturity in relationships, we cannot truly fulfill Christ's command that we love our neighbor as ourselves. Share this Bible study with your small group, and encourage each other as you grow "together" in Christ.
1. A mature person is positive under pressure.
Test #1 How do you handle problems?
"Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its works so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:1-2
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life" James 1:12
2. A mature person is sensitive to people.
Test #2 How do you treat other people?
"If you keep the royal law found in scripture, 'Love your neighbor as yourself', you are doing right." James 1:12
3. A mature person has mastered his/her mouth.
Test #3 Do you control what you say?
"If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check." James 3:2
"Do not let any negative talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building up others according to their needs." Ephesians 4:29.
"If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." James 1:26
4. A mature person is a peacemaker.
Test #4 What is your effect on others?
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Dont they come from your desires that battle within you?"
James 4:1
2 sources of relational conflict:
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Selfish motives (James 4:3)
"Only pride comes before contention…" Proverbs 13:10
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Judgmental spirit (James 4:11)
3 reason not to judge—
-I am not God.
-Only God has the facts.
-Only God sees motives by the heart.
5. A mature person is a prayerful person.
Test #5 How much do you depend on God to help your relationships?
"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16
