This lesson is intended for those who:
Would like to learn more about Jesus Christ
Who are born again or desire to be born again
Desire spiritual growth in Christ
Seek a greater understanding of themselves
Note: The bible made us to understand according to "Mat 5:6" that "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled". Those who are born again, and willingly yield to the guidance of the holy spirit, will experience a day-by day process of becoming spiritually mature.
"2 Pet 1:5-7" provides us with insightful list of steps to spiritual maturity. And these steps include:
Faith
Virtue
Knowledge
Self-control
Perseverance
Godliness
Kindness
Love.
These are the steps that the bible has set has a guild to spiritual maturity. It is important to note the scripture begins with the words "Giving all diligence" according to NKJV.
*Diligence is a careful, earnest, dedicated, committed effort to do something*. And every christian seeking spiritual maturity should be *diligent*.
Also Note: Each steps according to the bible, builds upon one another, and each step supports the steps it is building on.
For Instance; Considering the 4th step which is "Self-control" and the 5th step which is "Perseverance". It is very difficult for someone to persevere in situations when they do not have "Self-control".
I'll elaborate more on this by using someone very close to me as an example. There was this friend of mine who loved to drink and he smokes literally all the time, he does it so much that it became part of him, I tried talking him out of those things but he usually says and I quote "Angie, I know these things I'm doing are wrong, but i can't seem to stop them, trust me I've tried, and each time I decide to stop, I lose my Self-control, and I find myself doing them again." Thank God that by His grace, he stopped all those bad habits and perseverance took over.Moving on, let me shed more light in some of the steps of spiritual maturity:
Faith: Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen, it is a belief in something without proof or evidence. "Heb 11:6", "John 3:16". Having faith in God, having faith in His word, and believing in what he has done for us through His Son Jesus Christ, is the key that unlocks the door into the heavenly realms and everlasting life. :Mark 9:23" says; "All things are possible to him who believes" saith our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Virtue: Virtue consists of "Integrity, honesty, morality" ones a person is born again, they will see changes occuring withing their heart and soul. "2 Cor 5:17", "Ezekiel 36:26-27".
Knowledge: "Understanding, wisdom" are the things knowledge consists of. The next step is for a christian to grow in knowledge and understanding as the Holy spirit unveils the magnitude and power of what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. "Eph 2:8-9", "Col 1:25-27".
In conclusion; These steps to spiritual maturity represent a process of sanctification which is defined as a process of becoming holy and set apart for God's glory, as we grow in grace, we become more like Jesus and less like ourselves.
*Before I leave, I would like to know how you have grown spiritually over the past years, and how you've managed from one step to another spiritually, and you can also share with us how through faith God was able to come through for you in one situation or another*.
Prayer Points
O lord give me the power to grow in grace, and to reflect your agape love in Jesus Mighty name, Amen.