Spiritual Growth and Maturity Brethren I count

Spiritual Growth and Maturity

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3: 13 -14

Why we should study Spiritual Growth and Maturity

Lesson I Definitions

Definitions Spiritual Growth – The lifetime process of progressive sanctification whose ultimate goal is to be a fully-grown, completely-formed believer in Jesus Christ and prepared for Heaven

Definitions Spiritual Growth – The lifetime process of progressive sanctification whose ultimate goal is to be a fully-grown, completely-formed believer in Jesus Christ and prepared for Heaven Salvation (Positional Sanctification) Christian Life SPIRITUAL GROWTH (Progressive Sanctification) Glorification (Eternal Sanctification)

Definitions Spiritual Growth – The lifetime process of progressive sanctification whose ultimate goal is to be a fully-grown, completely-formed believer in Jesus Christ and prepared for Heaven Spiritual Maturity – Showing Christ-like characteristics in our earthly lives that match our position in Christ. It is the end result or product of spiritual growth. Salvation (Positional Sanctification) Christian Life SPIRITUAL GROWTH (Progressive Sanctification) Glorification (Eternal Sanctification)

Can a person be SPIRITUAL but not SPIRITUALLY MATURE?

Can a person be SPIRITUAL but not SPIRITUALLY MATURE? Can a person be SPIRITUALLY MATURE but not SPIRITUAL?

Definitions Spirituality – A measure of a believer’s spiritual health. • “Spiritual” (I Corinthians 2: 15) • Spiritual fellowship with God (Philippians 3: 10) • Filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5: 18) • Walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5: 16) • Bearing fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5: 22)

Definitions Spirituality – A measure of a believer’s spiritual health. • “Spiritual” (I Corinthians 2: 15) • Spiritual fellowship with God (Philippians 3: 10) • Filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5: 18) • Walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5: 16) • Bearing fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5: 22) When we walk in the flesh, our spiritual growth is “stunted”; our spiritual maturity is hindered until we return to walk with God in the Spirit.

Definitions Spiritual Growth – The lifetime process of progressive sanctification whose ultimate goal is to be a fully-grown, completely-formed believer in Jesus Christ and prepared for Heaven Spiritual Maturity – Showing Christ-like characteristics in our earthly lives that match our position in Christ. It is the end result or product of spiritual growth. Spirituality – A measure of a believer’s spiritual health.

Bible Words About Spiritual GROWTH and MATURITY Familiar illustrations and metaphors in the Bible: • • An infant or small child A fruitful plant The human body A building A full-grown adult Ever-increasing love An object of workmanship

An Infant or a Small Child; A Fruitful Plant GROW, GROW UP • I Peter 2: 2 • Ephesians 4: 14 -15 • II Peter 3: 18

An Infant or a Small Child; A Fruitful Plant GROW, GROW UP • I Peter 2: 2 • Ephesians 4: 14 -15 • II Peter 3: 18 INCREASE • I Thessalonians 4: 9 -10 • Colossians 1: 10

The Human Body or Believers as a Building BUILDING, BUILT UPON, BUILDED TOGETHER • I Corinthians 3: 9 • Ephesians 2: 19 -22

The Human Body or Believers as a Building BUILDING, BUILT UPON, BUILDED TOGETHER • I Corinthians 3: 9 • Ephesians 2: 19 -22 EDIFY, EDIFYING, EDIFICATION • Romans 14: 19 • I Thessalonians 5: 11 • Romans 15: 2 • Ephesians 4: 12, 16

A Full-grown Adult A PERFECT MAN, PERFECT • Ephesians 4: 13 • James 3: 2 FULL AGE • Hebrews 5: 12 -14 PERFECTING • Ephesians 4: 12

An Ever-increasing Work in Progress ABOUND (MORE AND MORE) • Philippians 1: 9 • I Thessalonians 4: 1 • I Thessalonians 3: 12

A Finished Object of Workmanship COMPLETE, FILLED • Colossians 1: 9 • Colossians 4: 12

A Finished Object of Workmanship COMPLETE, FILLED • Colossians 1: 9 • Colossians 4: 12 (2: 10) “Complete in Thee” Salvation (Positional Sanctification) Christian Life SPIRITUAL GROWTH (Progressive Sanctification) Glorification (Eternal Sanctification)

Spiritual Maturity is Our Goal “Christlikeness” • Ephesians 4: 13 b, 15 b • Colossians 1: 28 • II Corinthians 3: 18 • I Corinthians 4: 10 -11 • Philippians 3: 12 -14 • Hebrews 6: 1 -3

Spiritual Maturity is Our Goal More Like My Savior • Luke 6: 40 • John 13: 34; 15: 12 • I John 2: 6; 3: 16 • Philippians 2: 5 • I Peter 2: 21 -23

Spiritual Growth and Maturity Key Words • GROW, GROW UP, INCREASE • BUILD, BUILD UP • EDIFY, EDIFYING, EDIFICATION • PERFECT, PERFECTING • ABOUND MORE AND MORE • COMPLETE

Spiritual Growth and Maturity Salvation (Positional Sanctification) Christian Life SPIRITUAL GROWTH (Progressive Sanctification) Glorification (Eternal Sanctification)

Spiritual Growth and Maturity Complete In Christ Growing, Edifying, Abounding More and More Perfect Salvation (Positional Sanctification) Christian Life SPIRITUAL GROWTH (Progressive Sanctification) Glorification (Eternal Sanctification)

Lesson 2 Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #1 – Life (Salvation, Regeneration)

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #1 – Life (Regeneration, Salvation) • John 3: 1 -7 • Ephesians 2: 1 • I Corinthians 2: 14 Cautions: • Matthew 7: 21 -23 (13: 1 -9; 24: 13 -20) • II Corinthians 13: 5 • Matthew 7: 24 -27

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #2 – Nourishment (God’s Word) #1 – Life (Salvation, Regeneration)

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #2 – Nourishment (God’s Word) Desire spiritual nourishment • II Corinthians 5: 17 • I Peter 2: 2 • Job 23: 12 Consume God’s Word • Psalm 119: 103 • Jeremiah 15: 16

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #2 – Nourishment (God’s Word) Learn the First Principles (ABCs) § Righteousness of God’s Word Hebrews 15: 12 - 6: 3 II Timothy 3: 14 -17 § Christ § Repentance § Faith § Baptisms § Identification § Resurrections § Judgment

Suggestions for Reading Your Bible

Suggestions for Reading Your Bible 1. Read the Bible 2. Read the Bible every day

Suggestions for Reading Your Bible "Varying paces [of reading] mitigate against strict rules. But daily reading forces us to read portions of Scripture to which we are not naturally drawn, feeding us with the whole counsel of God and giving us the fullest possible picture of who God is. " ~ Dane Ortlund, Bible publishing director, Crossway Books

Suggestions for Reading Your Bible 1. Read the Bible 2. Read the Bible every day 3. When we read the Bible matters 4. Read all of the Bible

Suggestions for Reading Your Bible “For some years now I have read through the Bible twice every year. If you picture the Bible to be a mighty tree and every word a little branch, I have shaken every one of these branches because I wanted to know what it was and what it meant. ” ~ Martin Luther

Suggestions for Reading Your Bible 1. Read the Bible 2. Read the Bible every day 3. When we read the Bible matters 4. Read all of the Bible 5. Read the Bible every day according to a plan

Suggestions for Reading Your Bible "Comprehensive reading of Scripture through assigned daily readings dates back to the early church. The deep grasp of Scripture this discipline provides is essential to Christian discipleship. One-year plans are a great way to achieve that. " ~ Joel Scandrett, professor of historical theology, Trinity School for Ministry

Suggestions for Reading Your Bible 6. Read more of the Bible than you ever have before

Suggestions for Reading Your Bible "Given the fragmentary and out-of-context Bible sampling that pervades our Christian world, any Bible reading that is more holistic and sustained is a good thing. Feasting on whole books and getting immersed in the narrative is healthier than snacking on Bible Mc. Nuggets. " ~ Glenn Paauw, Bible publisher-North America, Biblica

Suggestions for Reading Your Bible 6. Read more of the Bible than you ever have before 7. Read the Bible for understanding

Suggestions for Reading Your Bible “It will greatly help you to understand scripture if you note – no only what is spoken and written, but of whom and to whom, with what words, at what time, where, to what intent, with what circumstances, considering what goes before and what follows. ” ~ Miles Coverdale, in his introduction to his 1535 English Bible translation

Suggestions for Reading Your Bible 6. Read more of the Bible than you ever have before 7. Read the Bible for understanding 8. Read with childlike faith to please God

Suggestions for Reading Your Bible “If there is anything in my thoughts or style to commend, the credit is due to my parents for instilling in me an early love of the Scriptures. ” ~ Daniel Webster

Suggestions for Reading Your Bible 6. Read more of the Bible than you ever have before 7. Read the Bible for understanding 8. Read with childlike faith to please God 9. Read to grow in communion with God

Suggestions for Reading Your Bible “There is a way of reading the Bible that seems to leave God far away, off in the shadows somewhere. It is all information and technicalities and knowledge, but it feels like you're sitting with your back towards God. You come up against a difficulty or question, and you go to books, you ask pastors, friends, strangers on the internet, anyone but Him. Gradually God gets smaller and dimmer. ” ~ Unknown

Suggestions for Reading Your Bible 6. Read more of the Bible than you ever have before 7. Read the Bible for understanding 8. Read with childlike faith to please God 9. Read to grow in communion with God 10. Read to be a doer of God’s Word

Suggestions for Reading Your Bible 11. Read and mark your Bible 12. Read and meditate on Bible passages

Suggestions for Reading Your Bible “Some people like to read so many [Bible] chapters every day. I would not dissuade them from the practice, but I would rather lay my soul asoak in half a dozen verses all day than rinse my hand in several chapters. Oh, to be bathed in a text of Scripture, and to let it be sucked up in your very soul, till it saturates your heart!” ~ Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Suggestions for Reading Your Bible 11. Read and mark your Bible 12. Read and meditate on Bible passages 13. Read and memorize key verses 14. Read as if our lives depended on it

Suggestions for Reading Your Bible Isaiah 55: 10 -11 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #3 – Love (Communion with God) #2 – Nourishment (God’s Word) #1 – Life (Salvation, Regeneration)

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #3 – Love (Communion with God) Fellowship with God • I Thessalonians 5: 17 • John 15: 4 -5 Regular examination for sin • I Corinthians 11: 28 • I John 1: 9 Warnings against neglect • I Corinthians 3: 1 -3 • Galatians 3: 3

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #3 – Love (Communion with God) Regular examination of our walk • II Corinthians 13: 5 • Ephesians 5: 10

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #4 – Protein (Doctrine) #3 – Love (Communion with God) #2 – Nourishment (God’s Word) #1 – Life (Salvation, Regeneration)

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #4 – Protein (Doctrine) “strong meat” = spiritual food for growth; nourishment for adults

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #4 – Protein (Doctrine) “strong meat” = spiritual food for growth; nourishment for adults “doctrine” = spiritual teaching

The Word “Doctrine” • • In the Gospels Foundation of the New Testament Local Church Teaching WARNING: False Doctrine

The Word “Doctrine” In the Gospels • • Matthew 15: 9; 16: 12 Mark 1: 27 John 7: 16 Luke 4: 32

The Word “Doctrine” Foundation of the New Testament • • Acts 2: 42; 5: 28; 17: 19 Romans 6: 17; 16: 17 Ephesians 2: 20 II Peter 3: 1 -2

The Word “Doctrine” Local Church Teaching • I Timothy 4: 6, 13, 16; 5: 17; 6: 3 • II Timothy 3: 16 • Titus 1: 9; 2: 1, 10

The Word “Doctrine” WARNING: False Doctrine • • • Ephesians 4: 14 Colossians 4: 14 I Timothy 1: 3, 10; 4: 1 Hebrews 13: 9 II John 9 -10

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #4 – Protein (Doctrine) “strong meat” = spiritual food for growth; nourishment for adults “doctrine” = spiritual teaching “the faith” = complete body of teaching (doctrine) of the Christian faith

“The Faith” Often “the faith” means the same as “doctrine”” I Timothy 4: 6; Jude 3 People who embraced “the faith” were believers Galatians 6: 10; II Corinthians 13: 5 Believers were urged to continue in the doctrine they had been taught Acts 14: 22; 16: 5 I Corinthians 16: 13; II Timothy 4: 7 Acts 6: 7 Those who didn’t remain in “the faith” were in error I Timothy 6: 10, 20 -21

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #4 – Protein (Doctrine) Practical Suggestions: • Desire more substantial spiritual nourishment • Seek out quality, substantial spiritual nourishment • Learn to feed ourselves

Learn to Feed Ourselves Major Bible Themes: 52 Vital Doctrines of the Scriptures Simplified and Explained, Lewis Sperry Chafer and John F. Walvoord, 1974 (1956 edition is available free on the Internet but the revised version is better. ) Excellent for a new believer! Very simple explanations, questions and a Study Guide.

Learn to Feed Ourselves Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth, Charles C. Ryrie, 1999 (be sure to get the latest edition) Expanded, in-depth explanation of basic Bible doctrines.

Learn to Feed Ourselves Systematic Theology: An Unabridged, Original Study of Systematic Theology from a Biblical Viewpoint – Evangelical, Premillenial and Dispensational (8 Volume Set), Lewis Sperry Chafer, 1976 (this set has been reprinted many times since its original publication in 1948 and the full, 8 -volume set is the best. There is a newer, 1993, 4 -volume abridged set which is good, but the complete unabridged set is best. ) Systematic and exhaustive study of all the foundational Bible doctrines. (Do not buy the abridged version…)

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #5 – Exercise (Experience) #4 – Protein (Doctrine) #3 – Love (Communion with God) #2 – Nourishment (God’s Word) #1 – Life (Salvation, Regeneration)

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #5 – Exercise (Experience) Initiative, activity, action • II Corinthians 13: 5 a • Philippians 2: 12 -13 • Jude 20

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #5 – Exercise (Experience) Things we can do for spiritual exercise • Stay spiritually fit • Obey God • Use our spiritual gifts

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #5 – Exercise (Experience) Our attitude toward life’s trials • • Philippians 2: 5 I Peter 4: 1 Romans 5: 3 -5; 8: 18, 38 -39 II Corinthians 4: 14 -18 I Peter 3: 15 I Corinthians 10: 13 James 1: 2 -4

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #5 – Exercise (Experience) Learn from life’s trials • II Corinthians 12: 7 -10 • Philippians 4: 11 -13 (II Corinthians 11: 23 -28) • I Peter 4: 12 -19 • Hebrews 12: 5 -13

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #5 – Exercise (Experience) We can hinder our spiritual growth • Neglect spiritual things • Fail to keep spiritually fit • Set spiritual armor aside • Wrong attitude toward “common” trials • Wrong response to sovereign events

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #5 – Exercise (Experience) Be diligent; don’t become discouraged • II Peter 3: 3 -10

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #6 – Time #5 – Exercise (Experience) #4 – Protein (Doctrine) #3 – Love (Communion with God) #2 – Nourishment (God’s Word) #1 – Life (Salvation, Regeneration)

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #6 – Time Spiritual maturity has a finite timetable • Hebrews 5: 12 • Philippians 1: 6 Our responsibility • Ephesians 5: 16 (Gk. KAIROS)

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #6 – Time We are in a hurry but God is not • Psalm 37: 7, 34 • Exodus 2 -4; Acts 7: 29 (Moses, 40 years) • Galatians 1: 17 (Paul, 3 years) • Philippians 4: 11 -13 (II Corinthians 11: 23 -28) • “There are no shortcuts to spiritual maturity”

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth #6 – Time God can mature us quickly • Acts 11: 19 (Jerusalem church and early believers through persecution) • Sudden illness…tragic accident… • God knows how to mold us and shape us according to His schedule

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth We can help or hinder God’s schedule for our spiritual maturity. #6 – Time #5 – Exercise (Experience) #4 – Protein (Doctrine) #3 – Love (Communion with God) #2 – Nourishment (God’s Word) #1 – Life (Salvation, Regeneration)

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth Where does the local church fit into God’s program for our spiritual growth? #6 – Time #5 – Exercise (Experience) #4 – Protein (Doctrine) #3 – Love (Communion with God) #2 – Nourishment (God’s Word) #1 – Life (Salvation, Regeneration)

What is the Local Church? The Body of Christ is made of believers… • I Corinthians 12: 13 • Romans 12: 5 …who gather together regularly under spiritually qualified leaders for worship, teaching of Scripture, observance of ordinances, prayer, spiritual edification and encouragement.

Spiritual Growth in the Local Church The local church is where believers: 1. Learn sound doctrine 2. Learn to put doctrine into practice 3. Model spiritual maturity 4. Build up one another in the faith 5. Exercise their spiritual gifts 6. Prepare for service into eternity

Spiritual Growth in the Local Church 1. Where we learn sound doctrine • Ephesians 4: 11 -15 • II Timothy 2: 2 • I Timothy 4: 13, 16 • Titus 2: 1

Spiritual Growth in the Local Church 2. Where we learn to put doctrine into practice • Hebrews 10: 25 • II Timothy 4: 2 • Ephesians 4 -6; Colossians • Titus 1: 9 • I Timothy 5: 20

Spiritual Growth in the Local Church 3. Where believers model spiritual maturity • I Corinthians 11: 1 • I Timothy 3; Titus 1 • I Timothy 4: 12 • Romans 15: 1 • Titus 2: 1 -6 • II Timothy 2: 2

Spiritual Growth in the Local Church 4. Where we build up one another in “the faith” • I Thessalonians 5: 11 • Hebrews 10: 23 -25 • We practice the “one another” verses

Spiritual Growth in the Local Church “…one another” Rom: 12: 10 be kindly affectioned one to another; preferring one another Rom: 15: 7 receive ye one another Rom: 15: 14 admonish one another I Cor: 16: 20 greet ye one another Gal: 5: 13 serve one another Gal: 6: 2 bear ye one another's burdens Eph: 4: 2 forbearing one another Eph: 4: 32 be ye kind one to another; forgiving one another

Spiritual Growth in the Local Church “…one another” Col: 3: 16 teaching and admonishing one another I Thes: 4: 18 comfort one another I Thes: 5: 11 comfort yourselves together; edify one another Heb: 3: 13 exhort one another daily Heb: 10: 24 consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works Heb: 10: 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together; exhorting one another I Jn: 4: 11 love one another

Spiritual Growth in the Local Church 5. Where we exercise spiritual gifts Gifts are from the Holy Spirit • I Corinthians 12: 7, 11 Gifts should be used (exercised) for the benefit of the body • I Corinthians 12: 1 -11 • Romans 12: 4 -8 Gifts should valued, honored, cherished, respected • I Corinthians 12: 12 -31

Spiritual Growth in the Local Church 6. Where we prepare for service Remember: Our GOAL is to be “perfect” “complete” “full grown” -- like Christ …to stand unashamed before Him at the Judgment Seat • Ephesians 2: 10 • II Timothy 3: 17 • II Corinthians 5: 9 -11

Spiritual Growth in the Local Church The local church is where believers: 1. Learn sound doctrine 2. Learn to put doctrine into practice 3. Model spiritual maturity 4. Build up one another in the faith 5. Exercise their spiritual gifts 6. Prepare for service into eternity

Building Blocks for Spiritual Growth The local church is essential for our SPIRITUAL GROWTH and MATURITY #6 – Time #5 – Exercise (Experience) #4 – Protein (Doctrine) #3 – Love (Communion with God) #2 – Nourishment (God’s Word) #1 – Life (Salvation, Regeneration)