AVOID BEING OVERCONFIDENT

We must exert ourselves not only to reach maturity but also to maintain it. This requires that we avoid overconfidence. (1 Corinthians 10:12) We should "keep testing" ourselves to make sure that we are continuing to make progress. - 2 CORINTHIANS 13:5.

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul again highlights the need to remain mature. Even though they had become full-grown Christians. Paul warned them against being ensnared by worldly thinking. (2 Corinthians 2:6-10) And Epaphras, who evidently knew those in the congregation well, prayed constantly that they might "finally stand complete," or mature. (Colossians 4:12) The point? Both Paul and Epaphras understood that maintaining maturity requires personal effort and God's support. They wanted the Colossians to remain mature, or full-grown, Christians despite any challenges they were facing. 

Next time: AVOID BEING OVERCONFIDENT - Conclusion

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