4
MATURITY
Grow Up or Dry Up?
INTRODUCTION
After a person receives Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, he is set on a journey of spiritual growth in Him. Spiritual growth is the process of becoming more mature in one’s relationship with Jesus.
The primary goal of this process is Christ-likeness.
The closer we get in our relationship with the Lord, the better we get to know Him, and therefore, the more we become like Him in character.
2 PETER 3:18a
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
THE FOUR SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES
Spiritual discipline is training done in order to produce Christ-like character in us. The following are four spiritual disciplines that will help us in our journey towards spiritual maturity. These are not requirements to become a Christian. Rather, they are commitments expected of Christ's followers.
Take time to read the BIBLE daily
JOSHUA 1:8
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditated on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
The Bible as God's Word, is our absolute standard for what we believe and our ultimate guide for how we live. It is the final authority on doctrine and morals. We are commanded not merely to read, but to memorize and meditate on it for the purpose of obeying what it says. It is both knowledge and application of Scripture that will bring in the promise of true success in our life.
Talk to God in PRAYER everyday
1 THESSALONIANS 5:17
… pray continually,
Prayer is, basically, by deļ¬nition, communication with God. Doing it continually or without ceasing means that prayer should be a lifestyle.
More than being a duty, it is actually a privilege because we get to commune with the Lord anytime and anywhere. It is important that we pray according to God's will revealed in His Word, in the name of Jesus, with the right motives and with confidence in our hearts that He hears us.
TEAM up with other Christians.
HEBREWS 10:25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
The Christian life is designed not to be lived alone but with others. The Bible is full of “one another” statements and for us to obey them, we need to connect with fellow believers of Jesus. This is where the importance of the church comes in. Church is not a building but a people who believe and follow Jesus together.
One who wants to grow in his Christian life needs to be part of a God-honoring, Christ-centered, Spirit-filled and Bible-believing church.
TELL others about Jesus.
ACTS 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Having received the gift of salvation in Jesus, it is only fitting that we tell others about Him and what He has done for us. A witness is someone who has encountered and experienced Jesus personally. A Christian does not try to be a witness, he already is — through his deeds and words. What he needs is to be an effective witness for Christ, and this is possible only in the power of the Holy Spirit who now lives in us.
CONCLUSION
It is God's will that we grow in maturity to be more like Christ — through the spiritual disciplines of committing to the Bible, prayer, church and witnessing for Him. Spiritual growth is something that is expected of every believer in Christ. A Christian is someone who chooses to grow up instead of dry up in his spiritual life. The good thing is that God Himself will oversee our journey towards spiritual maturity.
PHILIPPIANS 1:6 7
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
QUESTIONS:
Would you like to have a discipline of setting aside a time of your day to pray to God and read the Bible?
Would you like to grow together with other Christians by being part of a local group of believers?
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