How can you define a mature Christian? Does time or experience play a part?
Can you be a "babe/infant" in the Lord, and become a mature Christian quickly.
Hebrew
5:13-14
13For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
14But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
2007-10-31 07:09:07 · 10 answers · asked by Deelite Me! 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Just as there is no set time on the physical and metal maturity of people there is neither a set time on spiritual maturity. Experience, genuine faith, and obedience are good indicators of spiritual maturity.
The strong in faith can see beyond the surface and make wise decisions. Spiritual maturity can permit us to discern good and evil. Not so much as to discern the spirit world like when the kid said "I see dead people", but to know truth from fallacy. To discern the angles in which the enemy attacks.
We put on the full armor of God against all attacks. If it isn't valid by the truth revealed in scripture it is rebuked regardless of what man, woman, pastor, or church professes it.
We will also be known by our character more so than by just what we profess. It isn't a matter of quoting the Bible but by prayerful study, the ability to really understand it.
This is all a growth process as different to each person as people are different from each other.
2007-10-31 08:07:43 · answer #1 · answered by F'sho 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The theme of Hebrews, among other things, is the High Priesthood of Jesus Christ after the order of Melchezidek, as an eternal priesthood and as one infinitely greater than the Aarnonic priesthood.
That is meat. Knowing doctrine is eating meat.
Milk is when someone that's been a believer for 25 years still only knows the very basic things about what makes someone a Christian.
2007-10-31 14:11:37 · answer #2 · answered by Chris 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's not how long you've been a believer. It's the amount of Bible
doctrine you've taken in you soul and can think with the mind
of Christ. Most of American Christianity are babies, babbling
in tongues and waving their hands for Jesus but don't sit to
learn the hard things of the Bible.
If our country goes under divine discipline it will be because
of this type of " showbiz Christianity" which I highly disagree
with.
2007-10-31 14:15:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
You will know them by their fruit! I think that a person must grow in their knowledge and understanding of who they are in Christ. I would say that a mature Christian has a "daily" walk and that is represented by their actions NOT their words. We walk in truth when our actions and words match. They live the Word and their lives reflect Jesus as much as possible as humans. The key for me is accepting His love for me and doing my best to honor Him with my life.
It's like a sport. When you first start out you get tired quickly but the more you practice the better you become.
A baby tree produces little fruit but a mature tree produces good abundant fruit.
2007-10-31 14:18:56 · answer #4 · answered by pkgfinder 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Grow in love.
The fruits of the spirit.
Love, Peace, patience, kindness, generousity, etc.
any child can recieve God's love, but we were not meant to stay CHILDREN but to grow up as sons and daughters of God.
There are many believers who show up to church just to feel good, sing a few songs, get help and get edification.
But recieving is something children do.
Maturity brings you to serve others and put others before yourself.
Obedience to the word and bearing fruit.
Bearing fruit is a good sign of maturity... Works for plants works for spirit.
2007-10-31 14:13:18 · answer #5 · answered by bagsy84 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Maturity in faith is like maturity in life, it takes time. I had been studying the bible in my church group for, oh, about eight years or so, when I was walking out to my car to start the ninth year of bible study. I suddenly had this feeling of being "mature", spiritually speaking. It was a lovely feeling. Being mature in faith means spending time reading and learning God's word and of course, allowing Him to change your life so that you act in accordance with His word.
It is something that happens over time, in my opinion.
2007-10-31 14:23:36 · answer #6 · answered by Esther 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
ITs all about knowing, believing, and also applying the word of GOd to your life.. It doesn't matter how old you are, a 60 yr old woman/man can still be a baby in Christ, it all because she/he dont know the word of GOd or/and not applying it to their life.
2007-10-31 14:20:36 · answer #7 · answered by Nikki 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
keep reading the Bible, and as your mature, you will always keep learning, just give your heart and soul to our lord, and his son Jesus Christ, they will never steer you wrong, stay strong and believe, you will never regret it
2007-10-31 14:15:43 · answer #8 · answered by poopsie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you can be a babe/infant in the Lord if you are baptized. Once you are old enough though, you have to ecxept Him as your savior. You cannot rely on your baptism
2007-10-31 14:12:01 · answer #9 · answered by ♥God's Blessed Me♥ 3 · 0⤊ 5⤋
wisdom, patience, experience, Faith
2007-10-31 14:13:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋