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Spiritual Indicators

Explore the importance of periodically examining our spiritual health. Learn about spiritual indicators found in the Bible and ask pointed questions to assess where we are in our faith journey. Topics include priorities, Bible study, prayer, church involvement, relationships with brethren, and controlling our tongue.

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Spiritual Indicators

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  1. Spiritual Indicators

  2. There are times we need to step back and take a look at where we are right now! • We understand this with our health – doctors. • But what about our spiritual health? • 2 Corinthians 13:5

  3. A part of going on to perfection as Christians is periodic examination! • We need to look at where we are and compare that with where we ought to be!Hebrews 2:1, 5:12-14 • We need to look at some “spiritual indicators”

  4. Spiritual indicators • An indicator is a device or standard that tells you where you are (thermometer, speedometer, a checklist, etc.) • Indicators help us determine if we are where we are supposed to be so that we can make adjustments if needed

  5. Spiritual indicators • Spiritual indicators are standards found in God’s word that help us determine where we are in relation to where we ought to be spiritually. • They are determined by noticing what the Bible says about a subject and then asking some pointed questions to see where we are!

  6. What is my priority? • Priority – a thing regarded as more important than other things, that which is of first concern. • There can only be one true priority! • Matthew 6:33, 10:37-38; Acts 5:29, etc.

  7. What is my priority? • It is easy to say God is first, but do we genuinely put that into practice? • When faced with a choice, does serving God always win? • What if I were the rich young ruler? (Matt. 19:16-26) • What if I were Peter standing before the counsel? (Acts 5:29) • Am I totally honest with myself when I ask these things?

  8. Do I study my Bible? • The Bible is more than a book of Philosophy • It is the word of God! • 1 Thessalonians 2:13 • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – it makes us complete • 2 Timothy 2:15 – we are to rightly divide it! • We need a steady diet of the Bible – 2 Peter 3:18

  9. Do I study my Bible? • How much time do I give to learning the word of God? • How well do I know the Bible? • Do I know more now than when I first obeyed? Hebrews 5:12-14Do I know more than last year? • Do I love His law? Psalm 1:1-2 • Does my mind default to His word for answers? • Can I share His word with others? • Can I defend my faith? 1 Peter 3:15

  10. Do I pray as I should? • Prayer is how we communicate with God • It is a privilege for Christians1 John 5:14-15, 1:9 Hebrews 4:16 • We need to pray often! Luke 18:5-10, Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 • Even Jesus prayed – Luke 5:16

  11. Do I pray as I should? • How often do I pray? Is it how I begin and end my day? • Do others know that I pray? Daniel 6:10, Cf. Matthew 6:5-8 • What and who do I pray for? • Do I pray with faith, James 1:5-6 • Do I believe that God answers prayers? 1 John 5:14-15 • Do I turn to Him with my struggles? 1 Peter 5:7 Seven days without prayer makes one WEAK!

  12. How Important is the church to me? • The church is part of God’s eternal plan, Ephesians 3:10-11 • Purchased with the blood of Jesus, Acts 20:28 • When we obey the gospel, we are added to it, Acts 2:47

  13. How Important is the church to me? • Locally, the church is a body of the saved who have joined together to work as God teaches us • Our responsibility is to keep her pure, Ephesians 5:25-27, 1 Corinthians 5:6-7 • We need the church!

  14. How Important is the church to me? • How concerned am I about her wellbeing? • Will I join myself with a faithful congregation? Cf. Acts 9:26 • How is my attendance? Hebrews 10:24-25 • Do I contribute? 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 • Do I participate in worship? • Am I there when something needs to be done? If everyone were like me, what would happen to this church?

  15. How Important are my brethren to me? • Related to previous point, but this goes further • We are the family of God, 1 Timothy 3:15 • We are the body of Christ and to function as such – Romans 12:4-5, Ephesians 4:16 • “One another” passage bear this out

  16. How Important are my brethren to me? • Do I prefer being with my brethren over my worldly friends? • Am I living in such a way that I am building up my brethren? • Do I care how my actions affect them? 1 Corinthians 9:23-24, 8:9-13 • How do I treat my brothers and sisters in Christ? • How well do I know them? How well do they know me? • Am I approachable by them? In these troubling times, we need each other!

  17. Do I control my tongue? • James 3:1-12 describes the power of the tongue • Though small, it has great potential (vs. 2) • Out of the heart, the mouth speaks Matthew 12:34-36 • Proverbs 10:19 • Words DO hurt!

  18. Do I control my tongue? Before I speak, do I THINK! Is it…TrueHelpfulInspiringNecessaryKind • How well do I manage my words? • Do I in anger say things that are sinful? James 1:19 • Do I blaspheme God? Am I guilty of gossip? Are my words totally truthful? • Do I use my words for good?

  19. How much do I care about others? • The Christian’s life is not just about you! • We need to care about others! • Philippians 2:3-4 cf. Matthew 5:44-48 • “Love your neighbor as yourself” Matthew 22:39,James 2:8, Romans 13:9 • We are in the world! John 17:15-17, Philippians 2:14-15

  20. How much do I care about others? • Do I genuinely love (care about) my neighbor? • Do I think about their soul? • Am I willing to serve those in need, even sacrificing? • Am I pleasant to be around? • Does the light of the gospel shine in me? Matthew 5:13-16 We HAVE to care!If we are to make society a better place, it will happen ONE neighbor at a time!

  21. These are some spiritual indicators with which we can gauge where we are in relation to where we ought to be. • IF I find a need for change, I need to repent and get to work becoming what God wants you to be! • Remember Matthew 28:19-20

  22. Are you ready to stand before God?

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