The Walk of the Spiritually Mature

James states the main theme of the book in the opening words of the book (1:4): “. . . that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” The book’s theme is spiritual growth toward maturity and thus, the title of this series; “Growing Up with Jesus.” This Sunday we will conclude this book and sermon series by considering chapter 5:13-20. James opens (1:2) “Consider it pure joy . . . when you face trials” and closes this book, (5:13) “Is any one of you in trouble,” by pointing out the role trials play in our spiritual growth. If spiritual growth is the theme of the book, it is hard to miss the point that we grow through our trials. These closing verses of the book paint a picture of what the mature follower of Christ will be like. We might think it is because of the great things they have done or the deep knowledge they have of scripture but it’s not. James characterizes the mature follower of Christ as a person that lives with an attitude of prayerful dependance on God. Once again, the spiritual life is the opposite of the natural world. In the natural world maturity comes when the individual learns to live autonomously of their parents. Christians are mature when they learn to live dependent upon their heavenly father.

The Services Sunday will conclude with Communion.