The Christian’s Spiritual Walk

The Christian’s Spiritual Walk There are 3 Ss to the Christian's lifestyle: Spiritual Walk, Stewardship and Service in the Kingdom. While every Christian is to put his best effort in all 3, God is the One who enables us and our success depends on our reliance on God.

1. The Ramifications of our Salvation 1. We put on Christ- Galatians 3:27 2. We are forgiven of past sin - Acts 2:38 3. We are added to Christ's church - Acts 2:47 4. We are redeemed - 1 Peter 1:18-19 5. We have a home in heaven - John 14:3 6. We are a new creature! - 2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

2. The Daily Duties of our Spiritual Walk 1. Study His Word - 2 Timothy 2:15 2. Tell the Good News - Acts 8:4 3. Follow the lifestyle of Christ - 1 John 1:7 4. Worship weekly with the church - Hebrews 10:25 5. Do good to others - James 1:27 6. Look towards heaven - Hebrews 11:16 - But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. • 1. The Ramifications

3. Our Advantage in the midst of all of Life's Situations 1. God now helps, protects and enables me- 1 Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 2. We can rely upon Him for all good - Romans 8:28 3. Even when I forget His love and fall way, I can return to Him - 1 John 1:9 1. The Ramifications 2. The Daily Duties

4. The Spiritual Warfare 1. We are already conquerors - Romans 8:37 2. Satan has already been defeated by Christ’s death on the cross - Colossians 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 3. The power of Christ within the believer is greater - 1 John 4:4 4. Satan is allowed to attack believers - James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations 5. The way to defeat Satan is to resist him and stay near to God - James 4:7-8 • 1. The Ramifications • 2. The Daily Duties • 3. The Advantages

5. Our Christian Amour • 1. This armour includes truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation and the Word of God (Eph 6:10-18). • 1. The Ramifications • 2. The Daily Duties • 3. The Advantages • 4. The Warfare

5. Our Christian Amour • Full focus - 2 Timothy 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. • 2. The strength of the Christian life is to depend on God - "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might" (v. 10). Ph 4:13 - I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. • 3. Prayerfulness - Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. • 1. The Ramifications • 2. The Daily Duties • 3. The Advantages • 4. The Warfare

The Christian’s Stewardship 1 Kings 20:39-41 And as the king passed by, he cried unto the king; and he said, Thy servant went out into the midst of the battle; and, behold, a man turned aside, and brought a man unto me, and said, Keep this man: if by any means he be missing, then shall thy life be for his life, or else thou shalt pay a talent of silver. And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone. And the king of Israel said unto him, So shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it.

1. Definition of Stewardship A. From Greek, “Oikonomos” – from “oikos” meaning house i.e. management of a household. B. “Pisteuo” – trustee – one to whom something is entrusted e.g. Entrusted with gifts - 1 Peter 4:10 according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God C. “Metochos” – a partner and fellow-worker with God - 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God's fellow-workers: ye are God's husbandry, God's building.

2. God owns Everything A. This world. Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” B. Our lives. Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…” C. Our Possessions - I Chronicles 29:12-14 – “Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all… for all things come from You, and of Your own we have given you.” • 1. Definition of Stewardship

3. Three Areas of stewardship A. Sharing with others our material possessions - I Tim. 6:17-19 – “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” B. Develop and use our God-given abilities for service in the kingdom - I Pet. 4:10 – “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God… that in all things, God may be glorified.” C. Keep our body strong and healthy for service, not to abuse our body - I Cor. 3:16 – 17 – “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him.” 1. Definition of Stewardship 2. God owns everything

4. Principles of Stewardship A. God owns everything - we are simply managers or administrators acting on his behalf B. One day each one of us will be called to give an account of how we have managed what the Master has given us. C. Faithful stewards who do the master’s will with the master’s resources can expect to be rewarded incompletely in this life, but fully in the next. Matthew 25:21. • 1. Definition of Stewardship • 2. God owns everything • 3. 3 Areas of stewardship

5. The Stewardship Lifestyle A. Responsible - 2 Timothy 2:4 - No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. B. God's total sovereignty - Job 1:21 - And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. C. Giving of our very best - Colossians 3:23-24 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. • 1. Definition of Stewardship • 2. God owns everything • 3. 3 Areas of stewardship • 4. Principles of Stewardship

The Christian's Service (fitly framed together) Once a new disciple has learned enough to teach another, he becomes a contributing member of the church. The first thing he should be aware of is his stewardship. Having thus firmly rooted, he moves on to find his place among the body of Christ to be fitly framed together.

1. Three Key Passages A. Ephesians 2:19-22 - Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God... B. Ephesians 4:7-16 - And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ... C. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ... Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

2. God gives gifts toevery Christian A. Matthew 25:14-30 - For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey... B: The dual purposes of these “gifts” are Ephesians 4:12: “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry” and “for the edifying of the body of Christ”. C. We must be prepared for every good work (2 Timothy 2:20-22) to look for opportunities for our gifts to be used- 1 Corinthians 16:9, 2 Cointhians 2:12-13, Revelations 3:8. • 1. Three Key Passages

3. Diversity of gifts A. The body of Christ has many members Romans 12:4-5 - For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. B. Members have differing gifts and abilities - Romans 12:5-8 - So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us... C. God has appointed several different functions in the church - 1 Corinthians 12:28-30 - And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues... 1. Three Key Passages 2. God gives gifts to every Christian

4. Three Challenges • To be aware of the different ways that members can serve in the body. • B. To encourage members to develop those functions that best suit their abilities. • C. To provide direction and opportunity for those willing and prepared to serve. • 1. Three Key Passages • 2. God gives gifts to every Christian • 3. Diversity of gifts

5. Areas of Service A. Worship - Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. B. Edification - 2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. C. Evangelism - Mark 16:15-16 - And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. D. Benevolence - Galatians 6:10 - As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. • 1. Three Key Passages • 2. God gives gifts to every Christian • 3. Diversity of gifts • 4. Three Challenges

The Church's Doorkeepers Since the beginning, there are devout people who seek to devote their time to be with the Lord. Psalms 84:10 - For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

1. Devout people throughout history in the Bible A. Luke 2:25 - And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel and the Holy Ghost was upon him. B. Acts 8:2 - And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. C. Acts 17:4 - And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

2. These people gravitate to the house of the Lord A. Psalms 122:1 - I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. B. Psalms 84:10 - For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. C. John 2:17 - And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. • I. Devout people throughout Bible history

3. . They see the big picture of the whole church A. View the entire congregation as their family -Ephesians 3:15 - Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. B. Present when anyone is warded, bereaved etc - James 5:14 - Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord C. Prioritize church matters over themselves and recreation - 2 Corinthians 11:28 - Besides those things that are without, there is that which presseth upon me daily, anxiety for all the churches. I. Devout people throughout Bible history 2. These people gravitate to the house of the Lord

4. They are fully committed A. Willingly give of their 'blood, sweat and tears' - 2 Timothy 1:12 B. Will weather through thick and thin - 1 Corinthians 15:58 C. Freely give up their lives for the church - Acts 20:24 - But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. I. Devout people throughout Bible history 2. These people gravitate to the house of the Lord 3. They see the big picture of the whole church

5. Stature of devout men A. Can grow to become spiritual mentors - Hebrews 5:14 - But solid food is for full grown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil. B. These are chosen to be elders and deacons -1 Peter 5:1-3 C. Also, full-time workers - Matthew 19:12 - For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom. • I. Devout people throughout Bible history • 2. These people gravitate to the house of the Lord • 3. They see the big picture of the whole church • 4. They are fully committed

The Church’s Spiritual Fathers Not for everyone - John 17:15 - I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. Only for those who desire it - Matthew 19:11 - But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

1. Spiritual Fathers A. 1 John 2:13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. B. Hebrews 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? C. Philippians 2:22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

2.God’s Way with His people A. Exodus 3:16 Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt: B. Proverbs 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. C. 1 Timothy 5:2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. • 1. Spiritual Fathers

3. Leadership by example and influence A. 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. B. 1 Peter 5:2-3 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. C. 1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps. 1. Spiritual Fathers 2. God’s Way with His people

4. Chosen to lead the church • Acts 6:3 - Look ye out therefore, brethren, from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. • B. Acts 20:28 - Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. • C. 1 Timothy 3:2-5 - The bishop therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, orderly, given to hospitality, apt to teach; no brawler, no striker; but gentle, not contentious, no lover of money; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (but if a man knoweth not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) • 1. Spiritual Fathers • 2. God’s Way with His people • 3. Leadership by example and influence

5. The way it is done A. 1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order. B. Romans 13:1 Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God. C. Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.. • 1. Spiritual Fathers • 2. God’s Way with His people • 3. Leadership by example and influence • 4. Chosen to lead the church

The Continuing Discipleship No one has ever arrived. Like on a bicycle, the moment we stop peddling, we fall. Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I could not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

1. The Discipleship Journey Spiritual father Disciple New Disciple Added to the church A. 1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. B. 2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. C. Ephesians 2:20-21 Being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone; in whom each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord.

2. Bottlenecks Spiritual father Disciple New Disciple Added to the church 1. The Discipleship Journey A. Lack of new disciples - Revelation 2:19 I know thy works.. and the last to be more than the first. B. New disciples do not become teachers -Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. C. Christians are not passionate or are in a rut - Revelation 3:15-18 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

3. What Members can Do Attend- Ance Grow in BC, Small Group,Service Encouragement 1. The Discipleship Journey 2. Bottlenecks A. 1 John 5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. B. Acts 15:39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus... C. 2 Timothy 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

4. Father in the Gospel Attend- Ance Grow in BC, Small Group,Service Encouragement 1. The Discipleship Journey 2. Bottlenecks 3. What Members can Do A. Philemon 1:10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: B. 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. C. Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.)

5. The Buck Stops Here Attend- Ance Grow in BC, Small Group,Service Encouragement A. Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God… B. 1 Kings 20:39-40 Thy servant went out into the midst of the battle; and, behold, a man turned aside, and brought a man unto me, and said, Keep this man: if by any means he be missing, then shall thy life be for his life, or else thou shalt pay a talent of silver. And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone. C. John 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. 1. The Discipleship Journey 2. Bottlenecks 3. What Members can Do 4. Father in the Gospel

If You are a new Disciple... Spiritual father Learner (Disciple) Teacher Added to the church 1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.

If You are not a Teacher yet... Spiritual father Learner (Disciple) Teacher Added to the church 2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever.

If You are a Seasoned Christian... Spiritual father Learner (Disciple) Seasoned Christian Added to the church Ephesians 2:20-21 Being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone; in whom each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord. Psalms 84:10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

The Christian’s Spiritual Walk