Olivet Baptist Church

Maturing in the Word

Modern schools like to help children succeed in test taking. Classroom time is set aside for review of the material to be covered on the tests. Students are encouraged to ask questions on anything they do not understand. This year I would like to take time for review. Now, don’t get worried, I am not going to give you a test. However, you will be tested. God uses all kinds of circumstances in life to test us. One day there will be a final test. I’m hoping you will stand before your Savior and he will say, “Well done, faithful servant!”



Each of us should not be lazy and self-satisfied. Like the Apostle Paul we should be straining toward the mark of maturity. At our church we have tried to describe some of the marks that characterize spiritual maturity. These are the marks we are straining toward. These are the same marks we are gladly encouraging those around us toward. The first mark is:  “A mature disciple will exhibit a wide knowledge and habitual application of the Word of God. He or she will regularly read the scriptures, study the Scriptures with others in a small group, and consistently practice what they are learning.”



In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we are told about the value of the scriptures. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” NIV



Regular contact with the Scriptures changes us and equips us. This is part of the process of maturity. It is a never ending process where we are fed the nourishment of the Word and then we grow more mature.



At Olivet we want every person to be in small group. We believe in these groups we can encourage one another to believe, understand and practice the scriptures. We offer several groups meeting in homes: the Shipman, Irvine, Cook, and Chalfant. We offer men’s and women’s small groups. We also provide Sunday morning studies for every age group. Participants are growing in their faith.



We also are encouraging every person to use the Life Journal. This nifty tool helps us to read major chunks of the whole Bible on a daily basis. It trains us to listen to God speaking to us through his Word and to apply it to our lives. Many of you are disciplining yourself for daily feedings and then you share what you are learning with your group.



Maybe you noticed that 2 Timothy 3:16-17 doesn’t end with us just be blessed and changed by the Word. Stocking up on knowledge makes us proud and arrogant. The purpose of maturing is so that we live it out by serving others. We must practice what we learn. We are being equipped for the purpose of doing “good works.” Maturity results in significant action.



What steps will you take this week to mature in the Word? How will you serve as a response to what you are learning in the Scriptures?