I am a little behind posting my Sunday messages. This was a few weeks ago focused on "The Journey of Maturity."

Philippians- The Journey of Maturity from Ed Stetzer on Vimeo.

Here is the outline. As always, use it however it is helpful for the glory of God and the advance of His Kingdom. You have my permission!

It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and establishment of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I deeply miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you can determine what really matters and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness a that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Why He Was Confident (Philippians 1:7-8)

It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and establishment of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I deeply miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

It is right for me to have confidence because:
1. you are partners
2. our relationship

And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you can determine what really matters and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness a that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Colossians 1:9-10 is pretty much the same prayer.

What Kind of Maturity He Prayed For

Paul wanted it, too. Paul prayed for it.

1. Loving

"your love will keep on growing" (vs. 9a)

Actually has no object of the love. Could be love of God or others, but considering where he is going, it is probably love for others.

Agape love.

"And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we also do for you" (1 Thessalonians 3:12).

"We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death" (1 John 3:14).

"Little children, we must not love in word or speech, but in deed and truth" (1 John 3:18).

Maturity does not come from time. It comes from time + Spirit + word + love.

"in knowledge and every kind of discernment," (vs. 9b)

a. Judicious

"so that you can determine what really matters" (vs. 10a)

Some things just don't matter that much.

"'Everything is permissible,' but not everything is helpful. 'Everything is permissible,' but not everything builds up" (1 Corinthians 10:23).

"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision accomplishes anything; what matters is faith working through love" (Galatians 5:6).

Approve what is excellent.

b. Blameless

"and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ," (10b)

You can't just say anything goes.

3. Fruitful

"filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ," (vs. 11a)

fruit of righteousness

the result of righteous activity

"My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples" (John 15:8).

Why It All Matters

"to the glory and praise of God" (vs. 11b).