July 8 2012 The Marks Of A Mature Person

The Marks Of A Mature Person

AN OVERVIEW OF THE BOOK OF JAMES

God’s will for every person is personal growth and maturity. The book of James defines what maturity means

What Maturity Isn’t:
• It’s not: Age

• It’s not: Appearance

• It’s not: Achievement

• It’s not: Academics or ability

God says maturity is determined by your attitude.

Five Marks of Maturity

1. A mature person is Positive under pressure.
James 1:2-4 - Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of man kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:12 - Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

2. A mature person is sensitive to people.
James 2:8 - If you really keep the royal law found in the Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.

3. A mature person has mastered his mouth
James 3:2 - We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
Ephesians 4:29 - Do not let any negative talk come out of your mouth but only what is helpful for building up others according to their needs.
James 4:1 - If anyone considers himself religious yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.

4. A mature person is a peace maker, not a trouble maker.
James 4:1 - What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?

2 Sources of Conflict
• (vss. 2-3) Selfishness

• (vss. 11-12) Judging

5. A mature person is patient and prayerful.
James 5:7,11 - Be patient then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming as you know we consider blessed those who persevere. 
James 5:16 - The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.