May 14, 2025

KEY MARKS OF A MATURE BELIEVER

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally. I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.”

Colossians 2:1–5 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

This passage continues to address the growing church with deep affection and urgency. Though Paul didn’t personally plant the churches in Colossae or Laodicea, he cared deeply for their spiritual growth and protection. His concern wasn’t just theological—it was personal. Paul said that he “agonized” for them, laboring in prayer and teaching so that they might become spiritually mature and remain grounded in truth.

At the end of Colossians 1, Paul expressed his desire to present every believer “perfect in Christ,” meaning spiritually complete or mature. Now, in chapter 2, he shows us three key marks of a mature Christian:

1. Encouragement

Paul says, “I want them to be encouraged.”

This word means to instill courage, to give strength of heart. A mature believer doesn’t live in constant fear or insecurity but draws confidence from Christ’s finished work. They can encourage others because their own heart has been strengthened by truth. If we lack spiritual confidence, it’s often a sign we need to grow in our understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for us.

2. Endearment

He continues, “knit together by strong ties of love.”

Spiritual maturity always results in deeper love for others. A mature Christian is not divisive or self-centered but works to build unity within the body of Christ. They are peacemakers, not troublemakers. Love isn’t just a feeling—it’s the bond that ties believers together in humility, service, and grace.

3. Enlightenment

Finally, Paul says, “I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan.”

That mystery is no longer hidden: It is Christ Himself.

In Jesus are “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” As we grow in our relationship with Him, we gain both knowledge (the truth about God and His plan) and wisdom (the ability to live that truth out in our daily lives). This is how spiritual maturity forms—through consistent learning and Spirit-led application of God’s Word.

When we walk in these three areas—encouragement, love, and enlightenment—we become grounded, confident, and mature in our faith. Paul warns that “well-crafted arguments” will come—subtle deceptions designed to undermine our faith. These are still present in our generation: false teachings, distorted truth, and distractions masked as progress.

But mature believers won’t be swayed by every new idea. They test everything through the lens of God’s Word, staying open to fresh revelation but anchored in eternal truth.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, I want to grow into maturity. Be my Teacher and my Guide. Help me live a life that encourages others, is rooted in love, and is daily growing in the wisdom and knowledge of Your Word. Make me strong in faith, steady in truth, and confident in Christ. Amen.

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