The Path to Spiritual Maturity Part 2

Gary DeLashmutt
Colossians 3:5-17

Paul tells the Colossians that the path to spiritual maturity involves putting on a lifestyle of self-giving love. Christ-like love expressed itself in three directions: Upward, toward God by cultivating thankfulness to Him, Inward, to Christian brothers and sisters by building unified relationships with them, and Outward, to non-Christians by showing them and sharing God's love with them.

What Is the Purpose of the Old Testament Law?

Conrad Hilario
1 Timothy 1:6-16

It is a common misunderstanding of the Old Testament Law to believe it was a set of rules to live by in order to have the right to enter heaven upon one's death. The truth is it defines what is morally right and wrong for the purpose of demonstrating no one is moral or right enough to enter heaven based on their keeping the Law. God gave us the Law to lead us to Christ so that we could have the opportunity to receive His unmerited acceptance.

The Goal of this Command is Love

Conrad Hilario
1 Timothy 1:1-5

Paul instructs Timothy, the young, and somewhat fearful leader of the church at Ephesus, to keep the central truths of the Bible, central. He calls him to warn people to not teach false doctrines, nor devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These things promote controversy rather than God's work. Instead, the goal of his instruction is love.

Counter Cultural Community in the Age of Rage

Ed Stetzer
Colossians 3:12-17

In an increasingly angry and hostile world, Christians can have the opportunity to shine brightly in contrast. Maturity of faith is evidenced by how you love others. Colossians 3 gives a road map to loving others well: Look like Christ, forebear and forgive, lead with love and be thankful.

Loving Outrageous People

Ben Foust
Luke 19:1-10

In a culture of outrage, it's tempting to turn away from or even hate people who are on the other side of issues we care about, but the Bible calls on Christians to love "outrageous" people. In the example of Zacchaeus we see Jesus moving toward him in love, even though he was likely a corrupt man. Ultimately Jesus saw Zacchaeus differently than the crowd did, seeing his "lostness"--his inner need to be saved by God. We must see people through the same lens, asking God to enable us to see all people as His image bearers, with empathy, and with humility.

How to Cure Self-Righteousness

James Rochford
1 Timothy 1:5-20

As Paul continues to instruct Timothy, he reminds him that the Law is good if used lawfully. The Law is for the lawless not for the righteous. Paul, the foremost of sinners, found mercy and grace in Jesus Christ. Recognizing his unrighteousness, he gives glory and honor to God who so freely forgave him and in love, gave him his ministry of reconciliation.

Loving Outrageous People

Ben Foust
Luke 19:1-10

When Jesus invited Himself to Zacchaeus' house, the crowd was aghast that Jesus would dine with the most hated man in their community. But Jesus saw Zacchaeus not as he was but as a lost person in need of being saved. He looked at him as an image-bearer of God, with empathy and humility. We need to see all people the way God sees them, with love.

Teachers of "The Law"

Dennis McCallum
1 Timothy 1:5-16

Paul calls out people who want to be teachers of the Law yet they miss the whole point of the Law. It is for the lawless, not for the righteous. Once one becomes a believer in Jesus, they are no longer under the Law. The Law is to teach us of our sinfulness and need for God's forgiveness. It is not rules to live under. The Law is neither focused on love, nor is it life-giving.

The Christian Life: Simple But Not Easy

James Rochford
1 Timothy 1:1-5

Although recent scholars have raised questions of the authorship of 1 Timothy, there is excellent evidence for Paul having written this pastoral epistle to his prot?g? Timothy. Paul instructs Timothy to remain in Ephesus and lead the church there to stop teaching strange doctrines and don't waste time with peripheral distractions. Instead, Timothy is to teach them to love from a pure heart and good conscience and sincere faith.