Christian Maturity Introduction Part I & II
Download as PPTX, PDF0 likes390 views
This document discusses Christian maturity and growth. It introduces the concept of bearing spiritual fruit as the ultimate goal of Christian maturity. Some agents that promote growth are discussed, including God's word, church leaders, fellowship with other believers, trials in life, and the Holy Spirit. The purpose of maturity is also addressed, saying that Christians should pursue spiritual goals that honor God, such as those outlined by Paul in Philippians 3 of pressing on toward the goal.
Christian Maturity Introduction Part I & II
- 2. Growing up Matthew 13: 1 - 23
- 3. Proverbs 11:30 30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives. Proverbs 3:10-20 13 Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, 14 for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. 17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. Proverbs 13 12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Tree of Life
- 4. John 15: 1 - 8 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
- 5. Galatians 5 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Ephesians 5 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord.
- 6. Ultimate goal of Christian Growth and Maturity FRUITS Source of Blessings
- 8. Agents of Growth 1. The Word 2. Church leaders 3. Care and concern of the body of Christ 4. Trials of life 5. The Holy Spirit
- 9. Agents of Growth 1. The Word An Incorruptible seed 1 Pet. 1:23-2:3 Knowledge and Promises 2 Pet. 1:3-4 ; 2 Pet 3:18 Truth that Sanctifies John 17:17
- 10. Agents of Growth 2. Church leaders Provision of leaders Eph 4:11-13 Ministry of leaders 1 Thessalonians 5:12,13, James 5:14
- 11. Agents of Growth 3. Care and concern of the body of Christ Work of the WHOLE Body Eph 4:16 Encouragement from the Body 1 Thessalonians 5:11
- 12. Agents of Growth 4. Trials of life Maturity through trials James 1:2-5 Faith through trials 1 Peter 1:6,7
- 13. Agents of Growth 5. The Holy Spirit Strength and Power Eph 3:16-18 Revelation of the Spirit 1 Cor 2:6 – 3:4
- 15. Maturity as a Goal The Purpose of Life …. ?? Which is better – a Happy Life or a Meaningful Life GOALS
- 16. Maturity as a Goal The Purpose of a Christian Life …. ?? Meaningful Life for Christ GOALS That honour God
- 17. Maturity as a Goal Phil 3:12 – 16 “Skopos” – the mark (v14, KJV) or the goal (v14, NIV) .. in a distance “Deoko” – “follow after” (v12, KJV) ; “press on” (v14, NIV) “press toward” (v14, KJV) a) to press on: figuratively of one who in a race runs swiftly to reach the goal b) to seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavour to acquire the distant mark looked at, the goal or end one has in view