Class 201 - Session 1

Session OneSpiritual Maturity &

Spiritual Habits

Spiritual Maturity Defined

Spiritual maturity is the ability to discern with our spirit and do, by God’s grace, those things that are pleasing to God and in harmony with the principles of His Word.

Spiritual Maturity Defined

Our Goal: To be conformed to the image of Christ.

Our Challenge: To train and discipline ourselves.

Characteristics of Spiritual Maturity

Staying connected to Christ is the challenge of the fully devoted follower of Christ.

Characteristics of Spiritual Maturity

Jesus said that three things would characterize the life of the believer who lives in Him.

1) The believer lives in obedience to Christ.

2) The believer loves God and others.

3) The believer’s life is effective and productive.

UnderstandingSpiritual Maturity

1) It is a life-long process, not an instantaneous event!

2) It is a journey, not a destination!

3) It involves practicing spiritual habits, not spectator sports!

UnderstandingSpiritual Maturity

4) It requires our participation with God, not passive involvement!

5) It requires perseverance not, winning without running the race!

How Can I Experience God and Become A Mature Christian?

By developing spiritual habits in my life.

• The habit of experiencing God through His Word.

• The habit of experiencing God through prayer and the Spirit-filled life.

How Can I Experience God and Become A Mature Christian?

By developing spiritual habits in my life.

• The habit of experiencing God through tithing.

• The habit of experiencing God through study with others.

A spiritual habit is any activity that I intentionally condition myself to do that helps me become, or do what I have not yet achieved, in becoming Christ-like and accomplishing His purpose for my life.

Spiritual Habits Defined

• Bad habits are easy to form; difficult to live with; and hard to break.

Facts About The Habits of Discipleship

• Good habits are hard to form; easy to live with; and easy to break.

• We must commit to the habits of a disciple, for they provide the conduit through which God’s grace flows, helping me grow spiritually.

• Spiritual habits promote spiritual maturity.

Why Spiritual Habits Are Important

• Spiritual habits develop spiritual power.

• Spiritual habits produce spiritual fruitfulness.

• Spiritual habits lead to personal and spiritual freedom.