We are developing, maturing and growing Spiritually
We know we are in faith about something if we are excited
about it... family, church, etc.
We are no longer immature, like children
Each of us have our own special work, unique, that nobody
else can do exactly the same
We are not limited by what someone else knows...
i.e. spiritual mentor, pastor, friend, or even a Biblical icon
At some point we will be able to associate the answer
with the request
Identify the difference between young people, and young
people in faith
Adolescence is (my example) getting all bent out of shape
when someone pulls out in front of me on the road while I am
driving
It's easier to portray Spiritual maturity while in church,
but what about when a situation occurs suddenly?
How do I become and remain prepaired to respond maturely?
If I meditate on the Word of God, day and night, I will develop
maturely and be prepared to respond maturely. Philippians 4:8
“think on these things...”
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“Put on the mind of
Christ”
Real, true meditation is
on the Word of God
We can put on this new
man by renewing our mind (Romans 12:2)
My attitude
determines my altitude
I still need to grow
My flesh says, “I want
it, and I want it now”
I am going to fix my
mind on what the Bible says
Some people in the body
of Christ are not “awake” to what the Bible says... almost
like a Spiritual dormancy
Have I been investing my
time in prayer, study, and application of education?
God desires for us to
always produce fruit
Key: be Spiritually in
“tune” to what's going on... “out of the mouth of two or
three... His word is established”
How many times have I
tried to make my own way to accomplish something? It felt like
trying to go uphill with a heavy load, then the enemy puts grease
on the hill and I begin to lose ground
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Acts 20:9-12 if I
get drowsy, I must resist it
The majority of
Christians are “asleep” Spiritually
The Word of God is the
way I will be successful
Don't put off what God
has for me, I can have it today
When I really
sense the the move of the Holy Spirit, I will grow up
What I expose myself to
does make a difference in my life
Hearing Gods voice is
very important
Tend to what we have
now. If I am faithful over the little things He will make me
ruler over much
I need to develop
concentration
“My sheep know me,
know my voice, and will act on what is heard”
Any skilled athlete
practices repetitively
If my body rebels
against my service to God, I will remind my body that I am
renewed as an eagle, I will take to flight and rise above this
Without the skill of
concentration, my prayer life will be very ineffective
If I become sleepy in
church, I need to exercise more involvement... i.e. stand, walk,
run, shout, “amen” take notes, worship, etc., but respond in
accordance with what occurs
It will cost far more to
fall short than to equal the task
STOP! Pay attention! “be
still and know I am God”
Being easily distracted
is a sign of Spiritual immaturity
Hebrews 6:12
don't be slothful
Another sign of
Spiritual immaturity is being impatient
impatience shows a lack
of faith in our Spiritual life
Seed multiplies after
its own kind... i.e. if I want money, I gotta give money... if I
want love, I must give love... if I want friendship, I must be a
friend...
The flesh way will
always cost, the Spiritual way will always benefit
A faithful man shall
abound with blessings
Many times a youth
don't discern who is there as a friend and those who are “along
for the ride”
I am not easily misled
or deceived
Matthew 19:20-22, 26, 30
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