What does it mean to be matured?

Our hope for Look at the Book is to help you learn to read the Bible for yourself. We invite you to consider the featured study questions below before watching the lab.

All of us can reach maturity in the Christian life. In this lab, John Piper focuses on the first step: leave behind childish ways.

Some questions to ask as you read and study Philippians 3:15–16:

1. Would you describe yourself as a mature Christian? Why or why not?
2. Compare Philippians 3:15–16with Hebrews 5:13–14. What are the characteristics of a mature believer? What will it take to get there?
3. Watch the lab. According to John Piper, what is the difference between perfection and maturity? Why might they be easily confused?

---

Watch this video offline by downloading it from Vimeo or subscribing to the Look at the Bookvideo podcast via iTunes or RSS.

---

Principle for Bible Reading

Defining Terms in Context

Often, we come with our definitions of words before we understand what a verse or passage means. This habit can work at times, but we must not silence the passage itself and we must let it define what certain words mean. Words help us understand verses, and verses help us understand words.

So, as you read, take time to ask, “What can I learn about what this word means from the passage?” Set aside a couple of days to read through a whole book several times before walking through it in a slower, more in-depth way.