ChristianFaithWalk

AUTHOR MERLE

Discovering Spiritual Maturity - Session Five

The Habit of giving

“Just as you excel in everything else….in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness….see that you also excel in the grace of giving.” 2 Cor 8:7

Introduction

It is almost impossible to talk about giving without thinking about tithing.

And then it is almost impossible to think about tithing without thinking about money.

But I want to encourage you tonight to consider that whether its money, or time, or effort or gifts, it is all a tithe unto the Lord, and it is all giving in its action.

If we can give a tenth then surely we have enough to give all. If I am in a position to give all, then I am in a position to receive all. For as we see the word written, Give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down and shaken together. With the same measure I give, it will be measured back to be.

Which really puts me in a very wealthy state of being doesn’t it?

Well what do I get out of it you may ask?

7 Benefits to my life in giving.

a. Giving makes me more like God

“God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…” John 3:16

b. Giving draws me closer to God

“Where your treasure is, there your heart is also.” Matt 6:21

c. Giving is the antidote to Materialism

“Command those who are rich in this present world, not to be arrogant, nor to put hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to be generous and willing to share. In this way they may take hold of the life that is truly Life.” 1 Tim 6:17-19

d. Giving strengthens my faith

“Trust in the Lord with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding. Honour the Lord by giving Him the first part of your income, and he will fill your barns to overflowing.” Prov 3:5-9

“Give and it will be given to you…..For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

e. Giving is an investment for Eternity

“……..Give happily to those in need, and always be ready to share whatever God has given you. By doing this, you will be storing up real treasure for yourselves in heaven – it is the only safe investment for eternity.” 1 Tim 6:18 – 19

f. Giving blesses me in return

“A generous man himself will be blessed.” Prov 22:9

“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Prov 11:25

“Good will come to him who is generous…” Ps 112:5

g. Giving makes me happy

“There is more happiness in giving than in receiving..” Acts 20:35

“The people rejoiced … for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord.” Prov 11:25

I give or I tithe because:

a. God commands it
“A tenth of all you produce is the Lord’s, and it is holy.” Lev 27:30

b. Because Jesus commended it
“Yes, you should tithe, and you shouldn’t leave the more important things undone either.” Matt 23:23

c. It demonstrates that God has first place in my life
“The purpose of tithing is to teach you to always put God firs place in your life.” Deut 14:23

d. it reminds me that everything was given to me by God
“Always remember that it is the Lord your God who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” Det 8:18

e. It expresses my gratitude
“How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me?.” Ps 116:12
“Each of you shuld bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.” Deut 16:17

f. It gives a good chance to prove He exists and wants to bless you.
“bring your whole tithe to My storehouse. Test me in this says the Lord, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you wont have enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops and the vines in your fields will be protected from plagues.” Mal 3:10

g. It proves that I really love Him
“If you really love me do what I command.” John 14:15
….” I want you to be leaders also in the spirit of cheerful giving… This is one way to prove that your love is real, that it goes beyond mere words.” 2 Cor 8:7

Attitudes in Giving


Give willingly
“For if the willingness is there, your gift is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you do not have.” 2 Cor 9:12

Give cheerfully“….for God loves a cheerful giver….” 2 Cor 9:7

Give generously“They give as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service…” 2 Cor 8:3-4

Give expectantly
“Remember this: whosoever sows sparingly, will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap generously…” 2 Cor 9:6

The Key to giving

“…they first gave themselves to the Lord 2 Cor 8:5

A Commitment Prayer

Father, I know You love me, and want whats best for me. I recognize that all I have or will ever have, comes from you. I am more interested in pleasing you than in having more possessions. I want you to have first place in my life and I am willing to begin with tithing and giving as you have commanded. Out of gratitude for all you’ve done for me, and in expectation that you will continue to provide for me. I want to being investing for eternity. Help me to remain faithful to this commitment. In Jesus name, Amen

AUTHOR MERLE

Discovering Spiritual Maturity - Session Four


The Habit of Prayer – Talking with God

“Base your happiness on your hope in Christ. When trials come, endure them patiently; steadfastly maintain The Habit of Prayer.” Rom 12:12


How to Revitalise your prayer life

1. Approach prayer with the right attitude (Matt 6:5-8)

Be Real

“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men”.

Don’t try to impress others

Don’t try to impress God

Be relaxed

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matt 6:6

Be revealing

“Don’t recite the same prayers over and over as the heathen do, who think prayers are answered only by
repeating them again and again. Remember, your Father knows exactly what you need before you ask him.” (Matt 7-8)

2. Use the model Jesus Gave us

Matthew 6:9-15 “This, then is how you should pray…”

Six parts of prayer, Praise, Purpose, Provision, Pardon, Protection and People

a) Praise

I begin by expressing my love to God
Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be thy name….

There are two kinds of praise

“Adoration” – Praising God for who He is
“Thanksgiving” – Praising God for what he has done

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving in your heart, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful unto Him, and bless his name”. Ps 100:4

How to praise God

As you read your bible, make a list of God’s character qualities that you discover and then review them when you pray:

e.g

God is patient – Num 14:18
God is merciful – Nub 14:18
God is forgiving – Num 14:18
God knows everything – 1 Sam 2:2
God is loving I John 4:8

KEY: Gods character is the basis for our boldness in making requests in prayer. God answers the prayers that acknowledge who He is.

Remind yourself and affirm the promises God has made that are contained in the meaning of His names

Make a list of all that you are thankful for and review them when you pray

b) Purpose

I commit myself to God’s purpose and will for my life - “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…”

Pray for God’s will to be done….in my family…my church….my ministry……my job…..my future….my city….the nation…..the world.

“Offer yourself as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer. Rom 12:2

c) Provision

I ask God to provide for my needs - “Give us today our daily bread…”

What needs can I pray for? All of them

“God will supply all your needs from His riches in glory because of what Christ Jesus has done for us.” Phil 4:19

“Since God did not spare even His own Son, but gave him up for us, wont’ he also surely give us everything else? Rom 8:32

“You do not have, because you do not ask James 4:2

The Key: be specific

d) Pardon

I ask God to forgive my sins - “Forgive us our debts…”

Four steps to forgiveness

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal every sin
“Examine me oh God and know my mind; test me, and discover my thoughts. Find out if there is any evil in me.” Ps 139:23-24

Confess Each Sin Specifically
“You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up, then God will show you mercy. Prov 28:13

Make Restitution to others when necessary
“When you remember your brother has something against you…go at once to make peace with him, then come back and offer your gift to God…” Matt 5:13-24

By faith accept God’s Forgiveness
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins, and purify us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9

e) People

I pray for other people - "as we have also forgiven our debtors..”

“Pray much for others; please for God’s mercy upon them; Give thanks for all He is doing for them..” 1 Tim 2:1

f) Protection

I ask for Protection - “and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…” vs13

Believers face a spiritual battle every day. Satan wants to defeat you through temptation and fear. By praying for protection, you will have the confidence to face every situation during the day.

“The Spirit who is in you is more powerful than the Spirit who is in the world…” I John 4:4

We will end off with some of the names of God, which help us to identify His character.

Jehovah Shammah – “God is Present with me”. (Ezek 48:35) – You are here! I am never alone!

Jehovah Rohi – “God is my Shepherd”. (Ps 23:1) – You lead me and feed me and protect me!

Jehovah Jireh – “God is my Provider”. (Gen 22:14) – You see what I need before I even ask!

Jehovah Rophe – “God is my Healer”. (Ex 15:26) – You can heal my body, emotions and relationships!

Jehovah Tsidkenu – “God is my Righteousness.” (Jer 23:6) – You accept me and forgive me because of Jesus!

Jehovah M’Kiddish – “God is my Sanctification”. (Lev. 20:8) – You make me holy and like Jesus!

Jehovah Shalom – “God is my Peace.” (Judges 6:24) – You give me peace in spite of circumstances! Shiloh!!!!

Jehovah Nissi – “God is my Banner”. (Ex 17:15) – You are my victory in conflict and confrontation!

Amen

AUTHOR MERLE

Discovering Spiritual Maturity - Session Three


The Habit of a daily time with God

“The one who looks steadily at God’s perfect law… and makes that law his HABIT – not listening and then forgetting, but actively putting it into practice, will be happy in all that he does.”

James 1:25

The Definition of a “Quiet Time”

“A quiet time is a daily time I set aside to be alone with God, to get to know Him through the Bible and prayer.”

The importance of daily quiet time

There are five reasons for the importance of a daily quiet time.

A. We were created to have fellowship with God.

“So God created man in his own image….” Gen 1:27, 2:7, 3:8

“Look! I’ve been standing at the door and constantly knocking.
If anyone….opens the door, I will come in and fellowship with him and he with me.” Rev 3:20

B. Jesus died to make a relationship to God possible.

“God….has invited you into this wonderful friendship with his Son Christ our Lord.” 1 Cor. 1:9

C. Personal time alone with God was Jesus’ source of strength
Mark 1:35 Luke 22:39 Luke 5:19
“Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed”.

D. Every person who has been effective in Service for God developed this habit.
Abraham, Moses, David, Daniel, Paul, tec.

E. You cannot be a healthy “growing” Christian without it.
“Man cannot live on bread alone, but on every word that God speaks.”
Matt 4:4

“How can a young man cleanse his way? By keeping to Your Word.”
Ps. 119:0

THE PURPOSE OF A DAILY QUIET TIME

A. To Give devotion to God
“Give to the Lord the glory due to His name. Worship the Lord in the splendour of his holiness.” Ps 29:2

“Hezekiah was successful, because everything he did…..he did in a spirit of complete devotion to His God”. 2 Chr 31:21

God Desires our devotion Rev 4:11
God Deserves our Devotion John 4:23

B. To Get direction from God
“Show me the path where I should go, O Lord : point out the right road for me to walk. Lead me….” Ps 25:4

C. To Gain delight in God
“Delight yourself in the Lord: and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Ps 37:4

“Gods presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure”. Ps 16:11

D. To Grow daily like God
“For as you know him better and better, God will give you, through His great power, everything you need for living a truly good life….He has promised to save us….and to give us His own character! 2 Pt 1:3-4

….and we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit 2 Cor 3:18

When the council saw the boldness of Peter and John….they were amazed and realized what being with Jesus had done for them Acts 4:13

SO IT IS A FACT : THE BETTER I GET TO KNOW CHRIST, THE MORE LIKE HIM I BECOME, THE MORE I LOVE HIM.

The objective of your quiet time is not to study about Christ, but to actually spend time with Him.

HOW DO I BEGIN A DAILY QUIET TIME

A SELECT A SPECIFIC TIME

Personally mornings? Can anyone give examples as to why an early morning quiet time is good to consider?

It seems logical to begin the day with it
“The best time to tune your instrument is before you play the concert, not after”.

It demonstrates that meeting with God is your first priority, You give Him first part of your day. (More likely to be rested, mind less uncluttered, and often the quietest time.

B. A SPECIAL PLACE

“Jesus left the city and went, as he usually did, to the Mount of Olives….to pray”. Luke 22:39 Mark emphasizes the time of day here and says, “very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went to a solitary place where he prayed.” Mark 1:35

C. GATHER YOU RESOURCES TOGETHER

What resources do you have when spending quiet time?

Bible
Notebook
Songbook
Musical Instrument

D. BEGIN WITH RIGHT ATTITUDE

Reverence – “Be still and know that I am God”. Ps 46:10

Expectancy - “Open my eyes to see wonderful things in Your Word”. Ps 119:18

Willingness to obey – “Whoever is willing to do what God wants, will know…” John 7:17


The five R’s and God

Relax – Be still and quiet! Slowdown! Prepare your heart, take a few deep breaths and wait on God

Read
As discussed last week with reading Gods Word

Reflect
As discussed last week with Meditating on Gods Word
Use your S.P.A.C.E.P.E.T.S

Sin to confess?
Promise to claim?
Attitude to change?
Command to obey?
Example to follow?
Prayer to pray?
Error to avoid?
Truth to belive?
Something to thank God For?


Record

Write out your personal application statement
Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through the lips and the fingertips.

Request

Make your requests known

PROBLEMS WITH QUIET TIME

The problem with Discipline

First problem that faces you especially in the morning is “The battle of the blankets”

Suggestions

Go to bed on time
Get up immediately
Be aware of quiet time
Fall asleep thinking spiritual thoughts

The problem of distraction

Satan will try to use anything to get your mind to wander during a quiet time

Get out of bed
Get thoroughly awake
Read and pray aloud
Walk if you have to
Keep a note book

The problem of dryness

Sometimes you might feel as if you getting nothing out of quiet time
Never judge your quiet time by your feelings

Possible causes of dryness
Your physical condition
Rushing
Getting in a rut
Not sharing insights with others


The problem of diligence

The greatest problem is the struggle to stay consistent

Suggestions

Make a covenant with God
Schedule it
Be prepared for your own or satans excuses
Leave you bible open at night to the passage for the next day

And what if I miss a day?
Don’t get on a guilt trip
Don’t become legalistic
Don’t give up

It is suggested that it takes 3 weeks to become familiar with a new task. Then another 3 before it becomes a comfortable habit. (Break the barrier)

“Let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up”.

Prayer of commitment

“Father, realize that I was created to have fellowship with You. Thank You for making this privilege possible through Jesus’ death. I know that daily fellowship with You is to be the most important thing in my life. I now want to commit myself to spending at least some time everyday with You in quiet time of Bible reading and prayer. I’m trusting in Your strength to help me be consistent. In Jesus name, Amen

AUTHOR MERLE

Discovering Spiritual Maturity - Session Two



How to get a grasp on your Bible

The whole bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives: it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is Gods way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone”. 2 Tim 3:16-17

Tonight we gonna look at six ways to get a grip on your bible.

These are the ingredients that will help the word stick in your mind and lifestyle.

Hear – Read – Study – Memorise – Meditate – Apply

HOW TO HEAR GODS WORD

“Faith comes from hearing the Word of God”. Romans 10:17

Ways to hear God’s Word

The bible on tape
Church services and studies
Sermon Tapes
Radio/TV teachers

And normally what happens is the following:

I hear and I forget
I speak and I remember
I do and I understand

We forget 95% of what we hear after 72 hours, so how do I improve my hearing

1. Be ready and eager to hear God’s Word
“He who has ears to hear, let him hear” Luke 8:8

2. Deal with attitudes that prevent hearing Gods Word
“Consider carefully how you listen…” Luke 8:18

A closed mind. Is fear, pride or bitterness preventing me from hearing God?

A Superficial Mind:
Am I really serious about wanting to hear God’s speak?

A Preoccupied Mind:
Am I too busy and concerned with other things to concentrate on what God has to say?

3. Confess any sin in your life
“…Get rid of all moral filth and humbly accept the word…” James 1:21

4. Take notes on what you hear
“We must pay more careful attention to what we’ve heard, so that we do not drift away”. Heb 2:1

Keep a Spiritual Notebook (It helps you evaluate your growth)

5. Act on what you hear
“Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves”, James 1:22

“Whoever…does not simply listen and then forget, but puts into practice – that person will be blessed in what he does”. James 1:25

HOW TO READ GODS WORD

“Happy is the one who reads this book, and obeys what is written in it”. Rev 1:3

How often should I read God’s word? (Joshua 1:9)

“The Scriptures shall be his constant companion. He must read from it everyday of his life so that he will learn to respect the lord His God by obeying all of his commands”. Deut 17:19


Suggestions

Read it systematically (Note the whole bible not just a few books)
Read a bible without notes
Read it in different translations
Read it aloud to yourself
Underline or colour code key verses
Choose a reading plan and stick to it


If I read approx…………. minutes per day, I can read the whole bible once a year

HOW TO STUDY GOD’S WORD

“…. They accepted the message eagerly and studied the Scriptures everyday”. Acts 17:11

“Be a good workman …. Know what His Word says and means” 2 Tim 2:15

The difference between reading and studying the bible is that you us a pencil to study.

The secret of effective Bible Study is know how to ask and fine these six questions in the subject. Who, what, why, when, where and how

Then talk about the various study resources

HOW TO MEMORISE GODS WORD

“Guard my words as your most precious possession. Write them down, and also keep them deep with your heart”. Pr 7:2-3

What are the benefits of memorizing scripture?

Helps me resist temptation
“I have hidden you Word in my heart that I might not sin against you”. Ps 119:1

Helps me make wise decisions
“Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path” Ps 119:105

Strengthens me when I am under stress
“….Your promises to me are my hope. They give me strength in all my troubles, how they refresh and revive me!”. Ps 119:49

Comforts me when I am sad
“Your words are what sustain me, they bring joy to my sorrowing heart and delight me”. Jer 15:16

They help me be the witness for Christ
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have”. 1 Peter 3:15

The best times for memorizing
Quiet time
During exercise
While waiting
When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches. (Ps 63:6)

How to memorise

Pick a verse that speaks to you
Say the reference before and after the verse
Read the verse aloud many times, even record it
Break the verse into natural phrases
Emphasise key words when quoting the verse
Write down the verse and erase a word one at a time
Write out the verse on a flash card
Carry some cards with you at all times for reveiew
Display your verses in prominent places
Always memorise the verse word perfect
Put the verse to music, write a song
Get a partner to check each other with

We remember what is important to us
The law of Your mouth is better to me
Than thousands of coins of gold and silver. Ps119:72

HOW TO MEDITATE ON GOD’S WORD

2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper. Ps 1:2-3

Picture it! Visualise the scene in your mind
Pronounce it! Say the verse aloud each time emphasizing a different word
Paraphrase it! Rewrite the verse in your own words
Personalise it! Replace the pronouns or people in the verse with your own name
Pray it! Turn the verse into a prayer and say it back to God
Probe it! Ask the following questions:

s.p.a.c.e.p.e.t.s

Is there any…??????

Sin to confess?
Promise to claim?
Attitude to change?
Command to obey?
Example to follow?
Prayer to pray?
Error to avoid?
Truth to belive?
Something to thank God For?



HOW TO APPLY GODS WORD

James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Matt 5:19 “…but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven…”

AUTHOR MERLE


Discovering Spiritual Maturity - Session One


We will focus on the Four Basic Habits every Christian needs to develop in order to grow to spiritual maturity

This class will:

Equip you with skills you need to begin these habits
Explain the tools you need to continue these habits

What is “Spiritual Maturity”?

Let’s look at Ephesians 4:13

“…. In the unity of common faith, and knowledge of the Son of God, we arrive at real maturity – the measure of development which is meant by the fullness of Christ”

So therefore Spiritual Maturity is: Being like Christ

Romans 8: 29

“For from the very beginning God decided that those who came to him should become like his Son…”

FACTS ABOUT SPIRITUAL MATURITY

1. It is not automatic

Heb 5:12-13

“You have Christians for a long time now, and you ought to be teaching others, but instead….you need someone to teach you…. When a person is still living on milk, it shows he isn’t very far along in the Christian Life…… He’s still a baby Christian”

2. It is a process

Prov 8:5-9 “Learn to be mature”.

2 Peter 3:18 “Continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Saviour Jesus Christ”.

There are no shortcuts

3. It takes Discipline

1 Tim 4:7 “Take the time and the trouble to keep yourselves spiritually fit”.

“Discipline yourself in the purpose of godliness”

UNDERSTANDING DiSCIPLESHIP

1. Mature believers are called:?????? (Disciples)
2. I cannot be a disciple without being????? (Disciplined)
3. The more disciplined I become??? The more God can use me
4. The mark of a disciple is??? Christ Cross Bearing

Luke 14 :27 “Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple”.

5. How often am I to do this????? Daily

Luke 9:23 “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me”.

6. What is involved in “cross bearing”? to give Christ first place in my life!

FOUR HABITS OF A DISCIPLE

How can I become a disciple?

Develop Disciple Habits (Time with God, Time in tithing)


Col 39 10 “…You have to put off the old self with its habits, and have put on the new self, which God is continually renewing in his own image, to bring you to a full knowledge of Himself”.

Old Habits have to be replaced with new habits that promote growth as a believer.

Four Habits

1. Time with God
John 8:3 1-32
“If you continue in my Word, then you are my disciples indeed. And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free”.

2. Prayer
John 15:7-8
“If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, then you will ask for anything you wish, and you shall have it….in this way you become my disciples”.

3. Tithing

“None of you can be my disciples unless he gives up all of his possessions”
Luke 14:33

Deut 14:23
“The purpose of tithing is to teach you to always put God first in your lives”.

4. Fellowship

John 13:34-35

“Love each other as much as I love you, your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

DEFINITIONS OF “HABIT”

“A continual, often unconscious inclination to do a certain activity, acquired through frequent repetition”

“An established disposition of the character”.

Sow a thought, reap an act
Sow an act, reap a habit
Sow a habit, reap a character
Sow a character reap a destiny

“A customary practice”

THE GOAL OF THIS CLASS

That I will commit to the habits necessary for spiritual maturity

Rom 6:19

“In the past you voluntarily gave your bodies to the service of vice and the purposes of evil. So now give yourselves to the service of righteousness – for the purpose of becoming truly good.”