Follow Jesus Christ's Example to become Spiritually Mature

• Our standard of spiritual maturity is Jesus Christ, and our biblical reference for this standard is found in I John 2:6, “The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked” (NASB).  Anyone who claims to be born again must emulate and imitate the character of Christ in lifestyle, thoughts, and attitude.  How did Christ walk?

1.      Prayer – Luke 5:15; 6:12; 11:1; 22:31-32; John 11:41; 17:9, 15-17, 20-22

2.      Compassion – Matthew 20:34; Mark 6:34; 8:2-3; Luke 19:41-42

3.      Purpose – Matthew 5:17; 15:24; 18:11; 20:28; Mark 1:38; 2:15-22; Luke 1:79; 2:49; 4:18-19, 43

4.      Servanthood – Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:43; John 13:3-10

5.      Understanding/knowing Scripture – Matthew 7:29; 22:16’

6.      Disciple making – Matthew 10:1

7.      Unconditional Love – Matthew 8:17; 18:11-13; John 10:3-4, 11, 14-16; 13:1

8.      Pure motives – John 5:30; 8:48-50

9.      Holiness – Luke 1:35; 23:47; John 7:18; 14:30

10.  An example for others to follow – Matthew 11:29; John 10:4; 13:5, 13-15

11.  Meekness – Matthew 11:29; 27:12-14; Luke 22:27

12.  Unity among the body – John 17:14-23

13.  Intercession – Matthew 6:9-13; Mark 4:35-41

14.  Wisdom – Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 6:20ff.

15.  Obedience – Matthew 26:39; John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38; 8:29

16.  Proper Zeal – Luke 8:1; 12:50;John 2:17

Examine Yourself in the Lord - Recover Your Joy

Very important questions from Dr. Lois LeBar to evaluate maturity?

Outlook on Life

1.      Is all of life integrated around Christ, who is revealed through Scripture by the Spirit?

2.      Is concentration on Christ, rather than on work or people, so that we can live above circumstances?

3.      Are we able to see life as a whole and the relationship of parts to the whole?

4.      Is all of life sanctified, even to the smallest detail and most humdrum routine?

5.      Do we take every circumstance that the LORD sends as an opportunity for learning?

6.      Do we see problems as challenges because we have faith in what God can do in us and in others?

7.      Do we discern God’s part and ours – what can and should be changed, and what cannot be changed?

8.      Are we free to be natural and spontaneous, disliking masks and walls that separate and deceive?

9.      Are we free from attitudes that poison the spirit- doubt, guilt, self-pity, resentment?

10.  Can we face and accept reality as it is, openly, honestly, and heartily?

11.  Are we progressively developing depth of insight and experience?

Relation to Work

12.  Do we spend our limited time and energy on and get excited over the things that count most?

13.  Have we strong drives from pure motives, yet without being so serious that we can’t laugh at ourselves?

14.  Have we spiritual courage to work for convictions, though risks are involved?

15.  Do we suspend judgment until all the facts are in, then make wise decisions and abide by them?

16.  Have we an experimental, creative spirit that is open to new ideas in an exploratory, evaluative way?

17.  Do we consistently work for high standards, yet remain flexible in our thinking?

18.  Do we work consistently without yielding to moods or waiting for prods?

19.  Are we known as dependable people who can carry projects to completion?

20.  Have we sufficient discipline to control deep longings over a period of time and postpone present satisfactions for future good?

21.  Can we take disappointment in stride and keep from depressed moods?

22.  Do we derive intrinsic satisfaction from everyday work and simple pleasures, with a continually fresh appreciation for what life brings?

Relation to People

23.  Have we a healthy respect for the individual rights and contributions of other people?

24.  Can we identity with the needs of others, going out to them, forgetting self?

25.  Are we ready to take the role of humble follower or “up-front” leader, according to the need?

26.  Can we be comfortably related to people above and below us in authority?

27.  Do we enjoy being both conventional when conformity is important and unconventional in making a unique contribution?

28.  Are we ready to graciously admit our own failures as well as commend others?

Maturity is a measure of quality.  It is not how much one does that determines maturity; it is what one does with the opportunities at hand that determine maturity.  Maturity is not measured by observation of physical features; maturity is measured by our view on life and other people as seen through the lens of scripture. (Timeless Youth Ministry p. 252)