Jeremy Utley - Growing To Maturity As Children Of God

Jeremy UtleyNovember 7, 201618mWatch on YouTube

Speaker: Jeremy Utley Title: Growing To Maturity As Children Of God Date: 11-06-2016 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

True maturity in the Christian life progresses beyond simply being a son or daughter, or even being a soldier for Christ, to embracing the heart of a servant. The speaker distinguishes between a 'service mindset,' which focuses on activity and checking off tasks, and a 'servant heart,' which is a continuous, voluntary position of lowliness. This servant heart is demonstrated by proactively seeking out tasks that others avoid, making it a constant determination of mind rather than just an act of service.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

Maturing in our identity as children of GodKnowing God as our Heavenly Father is foundational, but our spiritual progression should not stop at sonship.

Moving from soldiers to servantsWhile soldiers require discipline, obedience, and separation from the world, the next step in maturity is becoming a servant.

Whoever wishes to become great must be your servantAddressing the disciples in Matthew 20, Jesus teaches that true greatness in the kingdom is found in becoming a servant of all.Matthew 20:20

Moving past a service-focused religionOur spiritual life consists of knowing and worshipping God, and any service must flow naturally out of that relationship rather than religious effort.

The difference between service-minded and servant-heartedA service mindset thinks in terms of temporary activities and checking boxes, whereas a servant-heart maintains a continuous position of lowness below others.

Actively seeking the low placeHaving a servant's heart means proactively seeking out the menial tasks and low places that no one else wants to do, instead of waiting to be asked.

Following Jesus and the apostles in servanthoodJesus washed His disciples' feet, and historically great leaders like Paul, James, Jude, and Peter proudly referred to themselves as bondservants of Jesus Christ.

Growing up past self-indulgenceChildren often act self-indulgently, but maturing in Christ means moving beyond the laziness of hiding behind our title as children of God to embrace servanthood.

Making no claims and having no complaints against othersA true servant makes no demands and holds no complaints when their rights are withheld in homes, workplaces, or friendships.

Being more concerned with God's name than our own needsWhen our rights are refused, we have the opportunity to decide whether we will focus on what is withheld or on glorifying God's name.

Accepting withholding as an opportunity to give gloryJesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive; accepting circumstances where things are withheld allows us to give glory to God rather than fight for our rights.

Winning the race through a servant's heartInstead of just finishing the race or demanding deliverance, those who win are the ones who find peace and comfort in trusting God even when their personal needs go unmet.

Choosing to serve when it costs usWhen faced with inconvenient demands on our time and comfort, we can choose to serve and trust that God will supply everything else we need.

The culmination of spiritual maturitySonship and the discipline of a soldier form the necessary foundation, upon which we build a continuous willingness to subject ourselves below others as the servant of all.

Related messages

Back to the catalog

NCCF Church

Jeremy Utley - Growing To Maturity As Children Of God

Jeremy Utley · November 7, 2016 · 18m

Following Jesus Humility