Becoming Spiritual Adults (Part 1)

Jim Leffel

1 Corinthians 2:14-4:21

This is part one of a three-part series that explains how God transforms people into spiritually mature believers. Important steps include taking the time to reflect on our own beliefs and where those beliefs come from as well as actively searching out the truth. The key to this process is daily, prayerful reading of the Bible.\r\n

Jesus Takes His Ministry to the People

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 4:12-22

Jesus travels to the sea of Galilee where he meets Peter and Andrew and calls them to follow him. Later, he calls John and James as well to leave behind what they have and follow them. This is the first introduction of Biblical discipleship, the way in which Jesus would reach others. Through one one one mentoring, Jesus would use this method to equip people to go out and reach others to mentor in the things of God. Discipleship is the method used throughout the New Testament by people like Paul, Timothy, and others. The first step for someone who wants to become effective in discipleship is to become a disciple of Jesus Christ by asking for his forgiveness.

Knowing Christ

Dennis McCallum

Romans 6:3-4

There are two options to be made right with God: doing good works and hoping that they are enough to please God, or asking God for Christ's sacrifice on the cross to count for you and for his righteousness to be imputed to you. If we choose the second plan, we can experience true freedom from sin and enjoy our position in Christ instead of relying on our condition. This second plan is not free from suffering though, and Christians will experience difficulty and pain as they seek to be conformed to the image of Christ.

God's Good Work

Scott Risley

Acts 16:13-34

Paul begins his letter to the church in Philippi. He describes the good work that God can do to change His followers. The change, part of the sanctification process, is rooted in growing in love and truth.

Spiritual Renovation and Love Relationships

Gary DeLashmutt

Colossians 3:12-17

In order to mature in our relationship with God, the apostle Paul advocates that this can develop within our relationships with other Christians. Paul focuses on the importance of gratitude in our relationship with God. This can be cultivated through considering God's promises, being around thankful Christians, and being reminded of God's blessings. One of the primary ways we can grow in our love is through inter-dependent Christian relationships. These relationships should be characterized by: relational unity, forgiveness, and admonition towards spiritual maturity. The focal point of these relationships is sacrificial love towards one another, which comes from the love of God through Jesus Christ.

Destructive Desires

Tom Dixon

Colossians 3:5-11

Paul continues to teach about the path to spiritual maturity to the Colossian church. The key in this process is to "put off" the old desires that don't align with our new identity in Christ and pursue or "put on" the new self that we have in Christ. These old desires inhibit our ability to live in accordance with who we are in Christ, and include self-centeredness in areas including our sexuality, speech, and general relationships with one another. This teaching includes an extensive excerpt from C.S. Lewis' book "The Great Divorce".

The Key to Spiritual Transformation

Gary DeLashmutt

Colossians 3:1-4

Paul instructs the Colossians about what it means to grow mature in their relationship with Christ. The key to spiritual transformation for Christians is to make their identity in Christ the mental focus and greatest treasure. There are many ways to help foster this, through building gospel-centered friendships, sitting under God's Word and reminding ourselves of the truths that come from the gospel. Focusing on our new identity in Christ motivates us to freely and joyfully love others.

The What of the Gospel (Part 2)

Tom Dixon

Colossians 2:11-15

Paul continues to stress to the Colossians that spiritual growth isn't getting something more, but applying what's been given to us through Jesus. Through Jesus Christ's work on the cross, people's sin nature was disarmed and our moral debt was cancelled through Jesus' atoning sacrifice. As a result of Jesus' sacrifice, Christians are freed to have more and more freedom from sinful desires in our lives as we consider our new identity in Christ. As this happens, we are able to serve God more with our lives out of gratitude for His grace and provision through Jesus.

Gospel Servant

Lee Campbell

Colossians 1:24-2:3

Paul teaches the Colossians what it means to be a servant of the gospel. The gospel is the priceless revelation of God that Jesus Christ died for sinners and wants a relationship where we are identified with Jesus through the cross. Living for the gospel is motivated by understanding God's work for us, knowing Him in a more intimate way and seeing people's lives transformed. We can do this by remaining focused on Jesus, understanding God's grace for us more and sharing that with others.