Developing And Maintaining Spiritual Disciplines - Part 2 Series

Review - The Purpose of this Series:

The Bible says that developing and maintaining spiritual disciplines is God’s will for you.

"...that you may become mature Christians and may fulfill God's will for you."

Col. 4:12b (Ph)

Review - What is "Spiritual Maturity"?

"....In the unity of common faith, and knowledge of the Son of God, we arrive at real maturity - the measure of development which is meant by the 'fullness of Christ.'" Eph 4:13 (Ph)

The word “maturity” (also translated “perfect”) is the Greek word, teleios, tel'-i-os; it means complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character)

Practically speaking, Spiritual Maturity is being like Christ.

"For from the very beginning God decided that those who came to him... should be like his Son..."

Rom. 8:29 (LB)

Review -

Three Facts About Spiritual Maturity

1. It's Not Automatic - Slow but steady wins the race.

2. It Is A Process

"Learn to be mature." Prov. 8:5 (GN)

"Continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ" 2 Peter 3:18 (GN)

There are no shortcuts!

3. It takes discipline

"Take the time and the trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit." 1 Tim. 4:7b

"Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness" (NASB) 1 Tim. 4:7b

Review - Understanding Discipleship

1. Mature believers are called disciples.

2. I cannot be a disciple without being disciplined.

3. The more disciplined I become the more God can use me.

4. The mark of a disciple is cross bearing.

(Jesus) "Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:27

5. How often am I to do this?

(Jesus) "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23

6. What is involved in "cross bearing"?

Whatever it takes to give Christ first place in my life!

"We are not meant to remain as children...but to grow up in every way into Christ..." Eph. 4:14-15 (Ph)

Review - The Focus of this Series:

We are focusing on the Four Basic Habits every Christian needs to develop in order to grow spiritual maturity.

1. Time With God's Word

"If you continue in my Word, then you are my disciples indeed. And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."

John 8:31-32

2. Prayer

"If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, then you will ask for anything you wish, and you shall have it... in this way you can become my disciples." John 15:7-8

3. Tithing

"None of you can be my disciple unless he gives up all his possessions." Luke 14:33 (JB)

"The purpose of tithing is to teach you to always put God first in your lives" Deut. 14:23 (LB)

4. Fellowship

"Love each other just as much as I love you. Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:34-35 (LB)

This Series will...

1. Equip you with the skills you need to begin these habits.

2. Explain the tools that you need to continue these habits

Lesson 1 - The Habit of a Daily Time with God

"The one who looks steadily at God's perfect law... and makes that law his HABIT - not listening and then forgetting, but actively putting it into practice will be happy in all that he does." James 1:25 (Ph)

How to Have A Quiet Time

DEFINITION: "A quiet time is a daily time I set aside to be alone with God to get to know Him through the Bible and prayer."

I. The Importance Of A Daily Quiet Time

Your time alone with God should be the top priority in your schedule for five reasons:

1. We were ___created__ to have fellowship with God. (Pascal: “God-shaped void”)

"So God created man in his own image ..." Gen. 1:27, 2:7, 3:8

“…that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:3 NKJV)

2. Jesus __died__ to make a relationship to God possible.

"God ... has invited you into this wonderful friendship with his Son, Christ our Lord." I Cor. 1:9 (LB)

3. Personal time alone with God was Jesus' ___source of strength_____

"Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." Mark 1:35, Luke 22:39, Luke 5:16

4. Every person who has been effective in ___service___ for God developed this habit.

Abraham, Moses, David, Daniel, and Paul all knew to break away and spend time alone with God.

5. You cannot be a __strong and growing__ Christian without it!

"Man cannot live on bread alone but on every word that God speaks." Matt. 4:4 (GN)