Steps to Christian Maturity
Welcome to the family of God. You have taken to most important step in all your life. Whether you realize it or not, you are born again, adopted into the family of God, and He is now your Father, and you are His child. To become acquainted with your new birth we have put together this booklet to help you in your journey to spiritual maturity. For there is much to learn and much to realize. Just like a babe when he enters the world for the first time, he is not aware of his surroundings, his vision is blurry, and he has yet to recognize his own parents, and the world he has now entered. This analogy of the birth of a child is like the birth of a new believer in Jesus who was just born again of the Spirit of God in this world. In time you will have clear spiritual sight as you study God’s Word which is your milk in the beginning, until you mature and are able to take in meat. As you grow as a result of the daily intake and obedience of God’s Word you will become more and more aware of who you are in Christ, and your purpose in God’s grand scheme of things for you in this world, and the world to come. Jer 29:11 -11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
2 Peter 3:18- 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Once you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior you are considered a spiritual babe in Christ. The Bible says it like this:
Heb 5:13-14-13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
God wants you to grow and mature spiritually, and not remain a spiritual babe. In order to do this, we must become skilled in the knowledge and application of God’s Word.
Study table of contents:
[These are some illustrative lessons that will help you in your journey to spiritual growth.] 1. The Bridge of Life
This lesson will give you some understanding on how God saved you and gave you eternal life.
Note: With this lesson comes a study on repentance and the need for water baptism. A necessary step in one’s commitment to following Jesus.
2. The Wheel
This lesson will give you four needed steps to Christian growth and discipleship.
3. The Word hand.
4. The Prayer hand.
The lesson will help you to learn one the most important lessons of a Christian, and that is how to communicate with God through prayer.
[These other lessons are not illustrated but are also essential for your spiritual growth.] 1. Who is Jesus?
Many believers have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, but many do not know biblically who Jesus is. It is very important for all believers to know the historic biblical Jesus. For the Bible says that in the end times many false Christ will appear. Matt 24:24- 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
2. Being part of a church family.
In this lesson you will learn that the church is every member within the body of Christ, and how each one has a gift to function within the body to help edify each member as the body of Christ matures.
3. Spiritual Warfare.
1.The Bridge of Life
This lesson will give you some understanding on how God saved you and gave you eternal life. Note: With this lesson comes a study on repentance and the need for water baptism. A necessary step in one’s commitment to following Jesus.
1. Man is separated from God
Major Point—God’s Love
God loves us, and He wants us to live life to the full. John 10:10
Man was created to spend time with God to be His friend and experience His love. Genesis 1:27
Man was not created as a robot. God gave man free will
Major Point— Man’s Problem
Man has turned his back on God. Isaiah 53:6
The result of man’s sin is separation from God, Romans 3:23
The payment for sin is death Romans 6:23
Appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment. Hebrews 9:27
All men are in the same hopeless situation.
God’s opinion is the only one that counts. 3. God’s remedy – Jesus
Major Point—God’s Remedy
God still loves us and desires that we know Him personally.
There is nothing we can do to bridge the gap.
4. Man’s part – He must respond.
Major Point—Man’s Response
Christ made it possible for us to cross over to God, but we need to take action that demonstrates that we believe what Christ has done for us.
Praying to God, we need to agree with God that we have sinned and receive Jesus as payment for our sins.
Believing in Christ also means trusting what He says in Scripture is true
Discussion questions – Review all 3 illustrations to get your answers
1. Man is separated from God.
What does it mean to live life to the full?
How many of your friends are living life to the full?
When you think of God, Who is He and what is He like?
2. Man’s problem – Sin
Would you agree that everyone has sinned somehow?
How would you define sin?
3. God’s remedy – Jesus
If death is separation from God, what is life?
What is your understanding of who Christ is and why he died?
Are you familiar with Christ’s death as substitutionary as taught in the Bible?
4. Man’s part – He must respond.
What do we receive when we hear and believe?
According to these verses, how does one cross over to God?
Where would you place yourself in this illustration?
Is there any reason why you should not receive Jesus and His gift of eternal life?
5. Important key point: Repentance
There are many who repeat what is commonly known as the sinner’s prayer. It is not enough to repeat a prayer, there must be repentance.
Question: What is repentance?
Answer: Many understand the term repentance to mean “a turning from sin.” Regretting sin and turning from it is related to repentance, but it is not the precise meaning of the word. In the Bible, the word repent means “to change one’s mind.” The Bible also tells us that true repentance will result in a change of actions (Luke 3:8–14; Acts 3:19). In summarizing his ministry, Paul declares, “I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds” (Acts 26:20). The full biblical definition of repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of action.
What, then, is the connection between repentance and salvation? The book of Acts especially focuses on repentance in regard to salvation (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 11:18; 17:30; 20:21; 26:20). To repent, in relation to salvation, is to change your mind regarding sin and Jesus Christ. In Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts chapter 2), he concludes with a call for the people to repent (Acts 2:38). Repent from what? Peter is calling the people who rejected Jesus (Acts 2:36) to change their minds about that sin and to change their minds about Christ Himself, recognizing that He is indeed “Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Peter is calling the people to change their minds, to abhor their past rejection of Christ, and to embrace faith in Him as both Messiah and Savior.
Repentance involves recognizing that you have thought wrongly in the past and determining to think aright in the future. The repentant person has “second thoughts” about the mindset he formally embraced. There is a change of disposition and a new way of thinking about God, about sin, about holiness, and about doing God’s will. True repentance is prompted by “godly sorrow,” and it “leads to salvation” (2 Corinthians 7:10).
Repentance and faith can be understood as two sides of the same coin. It is impossible to place your faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior without first changing your mind about your sin and about who Jesus is and what He has done. Whether it is repentance from willful rejection or repentance from ignorance or disinterest, it is a change of mind. Biblical repentance, in relation to salvation, is changing your mind from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ.
His grace (Acts 5:31; 11:18). No one can repent unless God grants repentance. All of salvation, including repentance and faith, is a result of God drawing us, opening our eyes, and changing our hearts. God’s longsuffering leads us to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), as does His kindness (Romans 2:4).
While repentance is not a work that earns salvation, repentance unto salvation does result in works. It is impossible to truly change your mind without that causing a change in action. In the Bible, repentance results in a change in behavior. That is why John the Baptist called people to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8). A person who has truly repented of his sin and exercised faith in Christ will give evidence of a changed life (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:19–23; James 2:14–26).
To see what repentance looks like in real life, all we need is to do is turn to the story of Zacchaeus. Here was a man who cheated and stole and lived lavishly on his ill-gotten gains—until he met Jesus. At that point he had a radical change of mind: “Look, Lord!” said Zacchaeus. “Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount” (Luke 19:8). Jesus happily proclaimed that salvation had come to Zacchaeus’s house, and that even the tax collector was now “a son of Abraham” (verse 9)—a reference to Zacchaeus’s faith. The cheat became a philanthropist; the thief made restitution. That’s repentance coupled with faith in Christ.
Repentance, properly defined, is necessary for salvation. Biblical repentance is changing your mind about your sin—no longer is sin something to toy with; it is something to be forsaken as we “flee from the coming wrath” (Matthew 3:7). It is also changing your mind about Jesus Christ—no longer is He to be mocked, discounted, or ignored; He is the Savior to be clung to; He is the Lord to be worshiped and adored. [gotquestions.org – by R.C.Sproul]
6. Water Baptism – A command given by Jesus Question: "What is the importance of Christian baptism?"
Answer: Christian baptism is one of two ordinances that Jesus instituted for the church. Just before His ascension, Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20). These instructions specify that the church is responsible to teach Jesus’ word, make disciples, and baptize those disciples. These things are to be done everywhere (“all nations”) until “the very end of the age.” So, if for no other reason, baptism has importance because Jesus commanded it.
Baptism was practiced before the founding of the church. The Jews of ancient times would baptize proselytes to signify the converts’ “cleansed” nature. John the Baptist used baptism to prepare the way of the Lord, requiring everyone, not just Gentiles, to be baptized because everyone needs repentance. However, John’s baptism, signifying repentance, is not the same as Christian baptism, as seen in Acts 18:24–26 and 19:1–7. Christian baptism has a deeper significance.
Baptism is to be done in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit—this is what makes it “Christian” baptism. It is through this ordinance that a person is admitted into the fellowship of the church. When we are saved, we are “baptized” by the Spirit into the Body of Christ, which is the church. First
Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” Baptism by water is a “reenactment” of the baptism by the Spirit.
Christian baptism is the means by which a person makes a public profession of faith and discipleship. In the waters of baptism, a person says, wordlessly, “I confess faith in Christ; Jesus has cleansed my soul from sin, and I now have a new life of sanctification.”
Christian baptism illustrates, in dramatic style, the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. At the same time, it also illustrates our death to sin and new life in Christ. As the sinner confesses the Lord Jesus, he dies to sin (Romans 6:11) and is raised to a brand-new life (Colossians 2:12). Being submerged in the water represents death to sin, and emerging from the water represents the cleansed, holy life that follows salvation. Romans 6:4 puts it this way: “We were therefore buried with him through
baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Very simply, baptism is an outward testimony of the inward change in a believer’s life. Christian baptism is an act of obedience to the Lord after salvation; although baptism is closely associated with salvation, it is not a requirement to be saved. The Bible shows in many places that the order of events is 1) a person believes in the Lord Jesus and 2) he is baptized. This sequence is seen in Acts 2:41, “Those who accepted [Peter’s] message were baptized” (see also Acts 16:14–15).
A new believer in Jesus Christ should desire to be baptized as soon as possible. In Acts 8 Philip speaks “the good news about Jesus” to the Ethiopian eunuch, and, “as they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?’” (verses 35–36). Right away, they stopped the chariot, and Philip baptized the man.
2.The Wheel
This lesson will give you five needed steps to Christian growth and discipleship. The Wheel® Illustration
Each part of The Wheel Illustration represents a crucially important component of a vibrant Christian life—from the rim representing obedience to Christ, to the hub of Christ-centeredness, to each of the four spokes of witnessing, prayer, fellowship and the Word.
If you need a simple, effective way to visually explain the structure of a God-glorifying life to someone you’re discipling, sharing The Wheel diagram can be as simple as drawing it out on a napkin or notepad. Challenge them to think deeply about how to be an obedient follower of Christ.
1.The Volitional Dimension: How You Relate to Yourself The Hub: Christ the Center
Total surrender to Christ’s authority and lordship is not always a decision made right at conversion but is a necessary act of will. For the believer, the “old life” has gone and the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17), and Christ dwells through us instead (Galatians 2:20). God creates within us the desire to do what He wants us to do in order to express His lordship in our lives.
The Rim: Obedience to Christ
Some acts of obedience to God are internal, such as attitudes, habits, motives, values and day-to-day thoughts. But even these eventually surface outwardly in our relationships with other people. Keeping His commandments in obedience is our outward indication of inward health and love for Christ—our worship (John 14:21, Romans 12:1).
2. The Vertical Dimension: How You Relate to God The Word Spoke
for health and growth (Joshua 1:8). As God speaks to us through the Scriptures, we can see His principles for life and ministry, learn how to obey Him and become acquainted with the Christ who is worthy of our steadfast allegiance.
The Prayer Spoke
Prayer is the natural response to God as we hear Him speak through His Word. It is sharing our heart with the One who longs for our companionship and who cares about our concerns. Prayer not only trains our hearts and minds to know the power and glory of God, but also turns His ear towards action in our lives and of those who we pray for (John 15:7, Philippians 4:6-7).
3. The Horizontal Dimension: How You Relate to Others The Fellowship Spoke
God has directed Christians to build each other up through inter-dependence and loving relationships with each other (Hebrews 10:24-25). Gathering together as the Body of Christ draws God close around us as we praise Him and encourage one another (Matthew 18:20).
The Witnessing Spoke
3. The Word hand.
This lesson will guide you on how to study the Word of God.
As a “lamp unto [our] feet and a light unto [our] path" (Psalm 119:105), the Word of God is more than simply a set of guidelines or recommendations. It gives us the foundation for how we live, move, and shape every aspect of our lives (see 2 Timothy 3:15-17). The Word Hand Illustration is a simple way to break down five methods of taking in God’s Word.
Hearing Romans 10:17
Hearing the Word taught by godly pastors and teachers provides fresh insight into the Scriptures to challenge and expand your own understanding, as well as stimulating your own appetite for its truth. Reading
Revelation 1:3
Reading the Bible is often the way that God most directly speaks to us. Many people find it helpful to use a daily reading program or other method that takes a systematic approach to drawing lessons from the Bible.
Earnestly studying the Scriptures allows God’s Word to speak directly to our hearts—to correct, encourage, and edify us. Writing down your discoveries will help you organize and remember them. Memorizing
Psalm 119:9, 11
Memorizing God’s Word trains us to use of the Sword of the Spirit when we are faced with temptations and opposition by Satan. By holding passages from the Bible in our minds we are also able to have them readily available for witnessing or in encouraging others with a “word in season” (2 Timothy 4:2). Meditating
Psalm 1:2, 3
4.The Prayer hand.
This lesson will help you to learn one the most important lessons of a Christian, and that is how
to communicate with God through prayer.
Many believers find that prayer, especially spending long amounts of time in prayer, can be one
of the hardest parts of spiritual discipline. The Prayer Hand is an easy way to remember five
essential aspects of prayer: confession, petition, intercession, thanksgiving and praise. Pray
through each of these five purposes, using the Prayer Hand to walk through each. Remember
that prayer is ultimately about aligning our own hearts with God’s, and just as the fifth aspect
explains below (illustrated by the thumb), praises to God should permeate every part of our
prayer.
The little finger represents confession—I agree with God about my sin.
1 John 1:9— “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify
us from all unrighteousness.”
The ring finger represents petition—I ask God to provide for my needs.
The middle finger represents intercession—I ask God to provide for the needs of others.
Ephesians 6:18-19— “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and
requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray
also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known
the mystery of the gospel…”
The index finger represents thanksgiving—I thank God for what He has done in, through, and
for me. I also thank Him for His answers to prayers in the lives of those around me and for His
ongoing work across the nation and the world.
Ephesians 5:20— “…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ.”
The thumb represents praise—I let my enjoyment and adoration of God overflow into words.
As the thumb is able to touch all four other fingers, so praise should permeate every part of my
prayer life.
[These other lessons are not illustrated but are also essential for your spiritual
growth.]
1.Who is Jesus?
Many believers have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, but many do not know who Jesus is. It is very important for all believers to know the historic biblical Jesus. For the Bible says that in the end times many false Christs will appear. Matt 24:24- 24 For false christs and false
prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. NKJV
Question: "Who is Jesus Christ?"
Answer: Unlike the question "Does God exist?" very few people question whether Jesus Christ existed. It is generally accepted that Jesus was truly a man who walked on the earth in Israel 2000 years ago. The debate begins when the subject of Jesus' full identity is discussed. Almost every major religion teaches that Jesus was a prophet or a good teacher or a godly man. The problem is that the Bible tells us that Jesus was infinitely more than a prophet, a good teacher, or a godly man.
C.S. Lewis in his book Mere Christianity writes the following: "I am trying here to prevent anyone from saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him [Jesus Christ]: 'I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept his claim to be God.' That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic “on a level with a man who says he is a poached egg “or else he would be the Devil of hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon; or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God. But let us not come up with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that option open to us. He did not intend to."
So, who did Jesus claim to be? Who does the Bible say He is? First, let's look at Jesus' words in John 10:30, "I and the Father are one." At first glance, this might not seem to be a claim to be God. However, look at the Jews' reaction to His statement, ""We are not stoning you for any of these," replied the Jews, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God"" (John 10:33). The Jews understood Jesus' statement as a claim to be God. In the following verses, Jesus never corrects the Jews by saying, "I did not claim to be God." That indicates Jesus was truly saying He was God by declaring, "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30). John 8:58 is another example: ""I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"" Again, in response, the Jews took up stones in an attempt to stone Jesus (John 8:59). Jesus' announcing His identity as "I am" is a direct application of the Old Testament name for God (Exodus 3:14). Why would the Jews again want to stone Jesus if He had not said something they believed to be blasphemous, namely, a claim to be God?
God" (John 20:28). Jesus does not correct him. The apostle Paul describes Him as, "our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13). The apostle Peter says the same, "our God and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:1). God the Father is witness of Jesus' full identity as well, "But about the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom."" Old Testament prophecies of Christ announce His deity, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). So, as C.S. Lewis argued, believing Jesus to be only a good teacher is not an option. Jesus clearly and undeniably claimed to be God. If He is not God, then He is a liar, and therefore not a prophet, good teacher, or godly man. In attempts to explain away the words of Jesus, modern "scholars" claim the "true historical Jesus" did not say many of the things the Bible attributes to Him. Who are we to argue with God's Word concerning what Jesus did or did not say? How can a "scholar" two thousand years removed from Jesus have better insight into what Jesus did or did not say than those who lived with, served with, and were taught by Jesus Himself (John 14:26)?
2. Being part of a church family
In this lesson you will learn that the church is every member within the body of Christ,
its purpose and how each one has a gift to function within the body to help edify each
member as the body of Christ matures.
Question: "What is the church?"
Answer: Many people today understand the church as a building. This is not a biblical
understanding of the church. The word “church” is a translation of the Greek word ekklesia,
which is defined as “an assembly” or “called-out ones.” The root meaning of church is not that
of a building, but of people. It is ironic that when you ask people what church they attend, they
usually identify a building. Romans 16:5 says, “Greet the church that is in their house.” Paul
refers to the church in their house—not a church building, but a body of believers.
The church is the body of Christ, of which He is the head. Ephesians 1:22–23 says, “And
God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for
the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” The
body of Christ is made up of all believers in Jesus Christ from the day of Pentecost (Acts
2) until Christ’s return. Biblically, we may regard the church in two ways, as the universal
church or as the local church.
The universal church consists of everyone, everywhere, who has a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ. “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—
whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink” (1
Corinthians 12:13). This verse says that anyone who believes is part of the body of Christ
and has received the Spirit of Christ as evidence. All those who have received salvation
through faith in Jesus Christ comprise the universal church.
The local church is described in Galatians 1:1–2: “Paul, an apostle . . . and all the
brothers with me, to the churches in Galatia.” Here we see that in the province of
Galatia there were many churches—they had a localized ministry and were scattered
throughout the province. They were local churches. A Baptist church, a Lutheran church,
an E-Free church, etc., is not the church, as in the universal church; rather, it is a local
church, a local body of believers. The universal church is comprised of everyone who
belongs to Christ. Members of the universal church should seek fellowship and
edification in a local church.
claim the name of Christ. Members of a local church may or may not be members of the
universal church, depending on the genuineness of their faith. The local church is where
believers can fully apply the “body” principles of 1 Corinthians chapter 12—
encouraging, teaching, and building one another up in the knowledge and grace of the
Lord Jesus Christ.
Question: "What is the purpose of the church?"
Answer: Acts 2:42 could be considered a purpose statement for the church: "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." According to this verse, the purposes/activities of the church should be 1) teaching biblical doctrine, 2) providing a place of fellowship for believers, 3) observing the Lord's supper, and 4) praying.
The church is to teach biblical doctrine, so we can be grounded in our faith. Ephesians 4:14 tells us, "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming." The church is to be a place of fellowship, where Christians can be devoted to one another and honor one another (Romans 12:10), instruct one another (Romans 15:14), be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32), encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and most importantly, love one another (1 John 3:11).
The church is to be a place where believers can observe the Lord's Supper, remembering Christ's death and shed blood on our behalf (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The concept of "breaking bread" (Acts 2:42) also carries the idea of having meals together. This is another example of the church promoting fellowship. The final purpose of the church according to Acts 2:42 is prayer. The church is to be a place that promotes prayer, teaches prayer, and practices prayer.
Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Another commission given to the church is proclaiming the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). The church is called to be faithful in sharing the gospel through word and deed. The church is to be a "lighthouse" in the community, pointing people toward our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The church is to both promote the gospel and prepare its members to proclaim the gospel (1 Peter 3:15).
So, what is the purpose of the church? Paul gave an excellent illustration to the believers in Corinth. The church is God's hands, mouth, and feet in this world “the body of Christ" (1
Corinthians 12:12-27). We are to be doing the things that Jesus Christ would do if He were here physically on the earth. The church is to be "Christian," "Christ-like," and Christ-following. Question: "How does God distribute spiritual gifts?"
Answer: Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Corinthians chapter 12 make it clear that each Christian is given spiritual gifts according to the Lord's choice. Spiritual gifts are given for the edification of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7, 14:12). The exact timing of the giving of these gifts is not specifically mentioned. Most assume that spiritual gifts are given at the time of spiritual birth (the moment of salvation). However, there are some verses that may indicate God gives spiritual gifts later as well. Both 1 Timothy 4:14 and 2 Timothy 1:6 refer to a gift that Timothy had
received at the time of his ordination "by prophecy." This likely indicates that one of the elders at Timothy's ordination spoke about a spiritual gift that Timothy would have to enable his future ministry.
We are also told in 1 Corinthians 12:28-31 and in 1 Corinthians 14:12-13 that it is God (not us) who chooses the gifts. These passages also indicate that not everyone will have a particular gift. Paul tells the Corinthian believers that if they are going to covet or long after spiritual gifts, they should strive after the more edifying gifts, such as prophesying (speaking forth the word of God for the building up of others). Now, why would Paul tell them to strongly desire the "greater" gifts if they already had been given all they would be given, and there was no further
opportunity of gaining these greater gifts? It may lead one to believe that even as Solomon sought wisdom from God in order to be a good ruler over God's people, so God will grant to us those gifts we need in order to be of greater benefit to His church.
Having said this, it still remains that these gifts are distributed according to God's choosing, not our own. If every Corinthian strongly desired a particular gift, such as prophesying, God would not give everyone that gift simply because they strongly desired it. If He did, then who would serve in all of the other functions of the body of Christ?
There is one thing that is abundantly clear, God's command is God's enablement. If God commands us to do something (such as witness, love the unlovely, disciple the nations, etc.), He will enable us to do it. Some may not be as gifted at evangelism as others, but God
commands all Christians to witness and disciple (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). We are all called to evangelize whether or not we have the spiritual gift of evangelism. A determined Christian who strives to learn the Word and develop his teaching ability may become a better teacher than one who may have the spiritual gift of teaching, but who neglects the gift.
your spiritual gift? Can you seek after certain spiritual gifts? First Corinthians 12:31 seems to indicate that this is possible: "earnestly desire the best gifts." You can seek a spiritual gift from God and be zealous after it by seeking to develop that area. At the same time, if it is not God's will, you will not receive a certain spiritual gift no matter how strongly you seek after it. God is infinitely wise, and He knows through which gifts you will be most productive for His kingdom.
3. Spiritual Warfare.
In this lesson we will learn we have enemies; sin, rulers of darkness, and how God has provided so we can overcome them throughout our Christian journey.
Question: "What does the Bible say about spiritual warfare?"
Answer: There are two primary errors when it comes to spiritual warfare—over-emphasis and under-emphasis. Some blame every sin, every conflict, and every problem on demons that need to be cast out. Others completely ignore the spiritual realm and the fact that the Bible tells us our battle is against spiritual powers. The key to successful spiritual warfare is finding the biblical balance. Jesus sometimes cast demons out of people; other times He healed people with no mention of the demonic. The apostle Paul instructs Christians to wage war against the sin in themselves (Romans 6) and warns us to oppose the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10–18).
Ephesians 6:10–12 says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” This text teaches some crucial truths: we can only stand strong in the Lord’s power, it is God’s armor that protects us, and our battle is ultimately against spiritual forces of evil in the world.
Ephesians 6:13–18 is a description of the spiritual armor God gives us. We are to stand firm with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and by praying in the Spirit. What do these pieces of spiritual armor represent in spiritual warfare? We are to know the truth, believe the truth, and speak the truth. We are to rest in the fact that we are declared righteous because of Christ’s sacrifice for us. We are to proclaim the gospel no matter how much resistance we face. We are not to waver in our faith, trusting God’s promises no matter how strongly we are attacked. Our ultimate defense is the assurance we have of our salvation, an assurance that no spiritual force can take away. Our offensive weapon is the Word of God, not our own opinions and feelings. And we are to pray in the power and will of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is our ultimate example of resisting temptation in spiritual warfare. Observe how Jesus handled direct attacks from Satan when He was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11). Each temptation was combatted with the words “it is written.” The Word of the living God is the most powerful weapon against the temptations of the devil. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).
In summary, what are the keys to success in spiritual warfare? We rely on God’s power, not our own. We put on the whole armor of God. We draw on the power of Scripture—the Word of God is the Spirit’s sword. We pray in perseverance and holiness, making our appeal to God. We stand firm (Ephesians 6:13–14); we submit to God; we resist the devil’s work (James 4:7), knowing that the Lord of hosts is our protector. “Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken” (Psalm 62:2).
These lessons are some of the foundational truths of a follower of Jesus. Faith, application, and a daily dying to self is necessary, resulting in spiritual maturity. That is what is called exercising our spiritual senses Heb.5:13-14. Then we can discern good from evil, and lead others to Christ, and then disciple them. Fruit is the proof of a genuine follower of Jesus. May you grow, and bring forth fruit, honor and glory to Jesus. And in the end you will be rewarded.
Matt 25:21- 21 His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
NKJV
Most bible quotations are from the New King James Version. Illustrations with lessons are from the Navigators ministry. Articles with questions and answers are from gotquestions.org All materials were correlated and adapted in a complete lesson format by Pastor George Ramirez Jr.
