CLASS 201 - INTRO
Class #201
Introduction: Understanding Bible Doctrine - Discovering Spiritual Maturity
Purpose of the class
Col. 4:12, Eph. 4:14-15
These classes are designed to help you discover and define your spiritual maturity.
A. You will learn basic Bible principles and doctrine
B. You will also learn basic habits the Christian should develop.
What is spiritual maturity? Eph. 4:13
A. Spiritual maturity, in a sense, is learning how to apply what the
Bible says, and begin to serve the Lord as a powerful witness of His kingdom.
B. Spiritual maturity is striving to be like God.
Facts about maturity.
1. It's not automatic. Hebrews 5:12-13
2. It's a process. 2 Peter 3:18
3. There are no shortcuts!
4. It takes discipline. 1 Tim. 4:7
Understanding discipleship.
1. To be a Christian is to be Christ-like.
2. To be a disciple is to discipline one-self to the teaching of another.
3. Discipleship is therefore, a process through which we go, that will make us better servants of the Lord.
4. Luke 14:27
5. How often am I to take up my cross and follow Jesus? Luke 9:23
Four habits of a disciple.
1. Time with God's Word. John 8:31-32
a. We need daily time with God's Word.
b. Start with at least 15 min. at the beginning of y
2. Prayer. John 15:7-8
a. Again, we need daily times of prayer.
b. At the beginning of your day, spend at least 15 minutes in prayer.
Pray other times during the day as well.
c. As a new Christian, you may not be able to spend long times in prayer.
We will help you to learn how to pray effectively, as the Lord taught His
disciples.
3. Tithing. Luke 14:33, Deut. 14:23
a. Have you ever wondered how the church is supported, and the minister
is paid?
b. The tithe is the first 10% of our income, given to the Lord through the
local church. This money helps support the pastor and his family.
c. Offerings are for the support of the church facilities, and other
responsibilities of the church.
4. Fellowship. John 13:34-35
a. The Bible says that we should not forsake the assembling of ourselves
together. We need to be in church as often as we can. We need the
strength of our brothers and sisters in the Lord. We also need to hear the
Word of God and preaching. The Bible says that we cannot be saved
without a preacher.
b. We should observe (not judge) other church elders and begin to follow
them as they follow Jesus. We should not allow anyone to distract from
our walk with God. Observe good qualities in other people and adopt them into our lives. There will be bad qualities in all of us. Try not to let these bad qualities become a part of us.
c. Romans 6:19
"Sow a thought, reap an act. Sow an act, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character reap a destiny."
How to get a "grasp" on your Bible.
Lesson 12:
2 Timothy 3:16-17
How to improve your hearing of God's Word. Romans 10:17
1. Be eager to hear from God. Luke 8:8 Psalm 119:103
2. Deal with attitudes that prevent hearing God's Word. Luke 8:4-15
Consider how you listen, Luke 8:18
a. Closed mind:
b. Superficial mind:
c. Preoccupied mind:
3. Confess any sin in your life. James 1:21
4. Take notes on what you hear. Heb. 2:1
5. Act on what you hear. James 1:22 & 1:25
How to read God's Word
1. Revelation 1:3
2. How often should I read God's Word? ________________
(Deut. 17:19)
3. Read the Bible systematically.
4. Read aloud.
5. Memorize Bible verses, one at a time.
6. Choose a reading plan and stick with it.
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