Quiet Times Search

Methods of Maturing

Self-Training with the Word

Hebrews 5:11-14 - Constant use of the word - for direction, correction, and guidance

With each other

Colossians 1:28-29

• It is our responsibility to grow
• We need small groups, large groups, and one another times

Imiatating others

1 Corinthians 4:14-17

• Follow the qualities in people which are best examples of Christ
• Collectively the best qualities show an example of Christ

Perservering in trials

James 1:2-4

• Whenever (that means anytime) the testing of your faith comes
• Consider it a pure joy - Many Trials
• Perservering is where you mature

• Broke bread in their homes and ate together - Acts 2:46
• The church meet in houses - 1 Corinthians 16:19
• House church at Nymph's house - Colossians 4:15

1. God's Plan for Your Life - Genesis 3:19; Ecclesiastes 3:13, 22; 2 Thessalonians 3:10
   1. It is God's will for us to work hard in order to earn the bread we eat.
   2. God wants us to find satisfaction in our work.
   3. If a person will not work, he cannot eat.
2. Responsibility of the Employee - Colossians 3:22-25; Ephesians 4:28; Acts 5:29
   1. Obedience: We are to be a disciple to our boss on the job. God expects us to obey our boss not just to win his favor, but out of reverence for Christ.
   2. Wholeheartedness: God expects us to put our whole heart into our work. As Christians, we should be the most sincere and hard-working employees on the job.
   3. Do not steal from your employer (e.g. receiving pay for work you did not do, taking supplies, submitting false or exaggerated expense reports).
   4. Obey God first. If asked to do something that is illegal, unethical, or sinful - obey God over men.

1. What do I need to repent of in relation to my job? Be specific.
2. Am I doing anything as a part of my job that is sinful or goes against my conscience?

• Money
• Relationships
• Control over resources

• God is love but he also just and holy
• There is no sin that can go unpunished
• This the parents dilemma - should I punish or let it go?
• God can not let anything go because of his nature
• We do not have to have all the answers - not our "wisdom" but God's wisdom

• In him all things hold together
• How God can be just and for us to have salvation because of the blood of Jesus
• It all comes through Jesus Christ

1. Age 4 - Going potty
2. Age 12 - Having friends
3. Age 17 - Having a car
4. Age 35, 45, 55, 65 - Having Money
5. Age 75 - Having a car
6. Age 80 - Having friends
7. Age 85 - Go potty

• Deversity in the church
• Strong Marriage
• Unity

• Acceptance
• Future
• What others think

• Jesus is God in the flesh. He is the unique Son of God: fully God and fully man!
• God came to earth as a man in order that we could come to know him.
  
• If you were an all powerful and invisible God, how would you have tried to communicate your love to your creation?
  
• Illustration: Imagine trying to talk to an ant - How do you communicate with them without terrifying them? Become an ant yourself
  

• All the fullness of God lives in Jesus Christ.
  
• Every aspect of God’s character can be found in Jesus.
  
• Reading through any of the Gospels describing Jesus life and words will give you insight into God’s character and will for your life.
  

• Mark 1:21-22 - Jesus was an amazing teacher whose words were spoken with authority.
• Mark 1:23-28 - Jesus cast out demons, showing that the power of God was present in him.
• Mark 1:29-31 - Jesus met people’s felt needs and healed the sick.
• Mark 1:32-34 - Jesus focused his attention on others and selflessly gave of himself.
• Mark 1:35 - Jesus was dependent upon God in prayer for his strength and direction.
• Mark 1:36-39 - Jesus was consumed with his mission to preach the good news.
• Mark 1:40-42 - Jesus was filled with compassion for all people.
• Mark 10:32-34, 45 - Jesus came to serve, and gave his perfect life as a ransom for sinners. As predicted, he was rejected by his people and crucified - but he rose from the dead three days later.

Ephesians 1:3-10

• An important New Testament teaching: every spiritual blessing from God is found “in Christ.”
• What are some of those blessings listed here? (Sonship, adoption, grace, redemption, forgiveness…)
• So how does a person enter “into Christ”? (Next passage.)

Galatians 3:26-29

• We are baptized “into Christ.” Note that Paul did not consider faith and baptism to be contradictory.
• Baptism is a tangible expression of faith that places us “in Christ” where salvation occurs.

Infant Baptism? Colossians 2:11-12

• Baptism is an immersion in water (from the Greek baptizo meaning “plunge, dip, immerse” - see Acts 8:38-39), but it does not operate “automatically” apart from the faith of the one who is baptized.
• Can an infant believe? Repent of sin? And what sins need to be forgiven?
• Ezekiel 18:20: Contrary to the widely held doctrine of “original sin,” guilt for sin is not inherited from our parents.
• We are guilty for our own sins and saved by grace through our own response of faith.

1. Singing - Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 3:19; James 5:13
   • To teach
   • To give thanks and express joy
   • To make music and praise God
2. The Lord’s Supper - 1 Corinthians 11:23-29
   • To remember - v24
   • To proclaim - v26
   • To examine - v28-29
   • On the first day of the week - Acts 20:7
3. Prayer - 1 Timothy 2:1-8
   • For peaceful and quiet lives (ie no persecution)
   • With hands (ie a holy life)
   • To advance the gospel - v4-6

• Generously - 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 9:6-11, Luke 16:13-16
• Weekly - 1 Corinthians 16:1
• To advance the gospel - Philippians 4:14-16, Titus 3:13-14
• To meet the saints’ needs - Romans 15:25-27, Acts 2:44-45

1. Evangelism - Philippians 2:14-16, Colossians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 1:8, 1 Peter 2:9
   
2. Serving
   • Serving food - Acts 6:1-4
   • Providing clothes - Acts 9:36-39
   • Looking after its orphans and widows - 1 Timothy 5:16, James 1:27
   • Showing hospitality - 1 Corinthians 16:5-6, 3 John 5-8, Hebrews 13:!2
   • 1 John 3:16-17, James 2:15-16, Matthew 25:34-36

1. Acts 2:45, 1 John 3:17 - Material needs
2. Colossians 1:28-29 - Toil to present one another perfect (mature, complete) in Christ.
3. Ephesians 4:29 - Say only what is edifying.
4. Hebrews 3:12-13 - Encourage daily!

1. Respect those who work hard
2. Live in peace with each other
3. Warn the idle
4. Encourage the timid
5. Help the weak
6. Be patient with everyone
   

• About our sins and struggles
• About our marriage/relationship.

• Question: Who has all authority? Jesus is the head (focus) of everything we want to do
• Question What is another name for the body of Christ? The head controls the body. Who is the head of the church? Jesus
• Use illustration to help for understanding
  

• Question: How would you define a foreigner or an alien person? Before becoming a disciple that's is what you
• Now through Jesus we are able to have peace (relationship) with God. To become family.
• As a disciple you become part of the family (household) not a part of the organization
• Question: What is the foundation of God's household? v20 - The Bible
• Share: Everyone in a household has responsibilities as we have responsibilities to the church family

• All Authority - Matthew 28:18; Colossians 2:10
• Called God by James - James 2:1
• Called God by John - 1 John 5:20; Revelation 1:18; Revelation 19:16
• Called God by Jude - Jude 25
• Called God by Paul - Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:15-17; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; Titus 2:13
• Called God by Peter - 1 Peter 3:22; 2 Peter 1:17
• Forgives sins - Mark 2:5
• Judges - John 5:22
• Knew All things - John 21:17

• Be thankful - Colossians 3:15
• Be slow to speak and anger - James 1:19-20
• Do everything in love - 1 Corinthians 16:14
• Do everything without complaining or arguing - Philippians 2:14-15
• Do not be proud or conceited - Romans 12:2
• Do not lie - Colossians 3:9-10
• Do not take revenge - Romans 12:19
• Do not conform to the world - Romans 12:2

Started reading the one another scriptures in the Bible:

• Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you - Romans 15:7
• Admonish one another - Colossians 3:16
• Be at peace with each other - Mark 9:50
• Be devoted to one another in brotherly love - Romans 12:10
• Be kind and compassionate to one another - Ephesians 4:32
• Be patient, bearing with one another in love - Ephesians 4:2
• Bear with each other - Colossians 3:13
• Build each other up - 1 Thessalonians 5:11
• Carry each other’s burdens - Galatians 6:2
• Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another - 1 Peter 5:5

• Confess your sins to each other - James 5:16
• Do not lie to each other - Colossians 3:9
• Do not slander one another - James 4:11
• Don’t grumble against each other - James 5:9
• Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others - 1 Peter 4:10
• Encourage each other - 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:11
• Encourage one another - Hebrews 10:25
• Encourage one another daily - Hebrews 3:13

• Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another - Colossians 3:13
• Forgiving each other - Ephesians 4:32
• Greet one another with a holy kiss - Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20;2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Peter 5:14
• Have equal concern for each other - 1 Corinthians 12:25
• Honor one another above yourselves. - Romans 12:10

• Make your love increase and overflow for each other - 1 Thessalonians 3:12
• Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling - 1 Peter 4:9
• Pray for each other - James 5:16
• Serve one another in love - Galatians 5:13
• Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs - Ephesians 5:19
• Spur one another on toward love and good deeds - Hebrews 10:24
• Stop passing judgment on one another - Romans 14:13
• Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ - Ephesians 5:21
• Teach[one another] - Colossians 3:16
• Wash one another’s feet - John 13:14; John 13:34-35; John 15:12; John 15:17
• When you come together to eat, wait for each other - 1 Corinthians 11:33

• Emmanuel - Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23
• Eternal life - 1 John 1:2; 5:20
• Everlasting Father - Isaiah 9:6
• Faithful witness - Revelation 1:5; 3:14
• First and Last - Revelation 1:17; 2:8
• Firstborn from the dead - Revelation 1:5; Colossians 1:18
• First-born of every creature - Colossians 1:15

• Great High Priest - Hebrews 3:1, 4:14
• Head of the Church - Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18
• Heir of all things - Hebrews 1:2
• Holy One - Psalms 16:10; Acts 2:27,31
• Holy One of God - Mark 1:24
• Holy One of Israel - Isaiah 41:14
• Horn of salvation - Luke 1:69

• Law giver - Isaiah 33:22
• Leader - Isaiah 55:4
• Life - John 14:6; Colossians 3:4; 1 John 1:2
• Light of the world - John 8:12, 9:5
• Lion of the tribe of Judah - Re 5:5
• Lord God Almighty - Revelation 15:3
• Lord God of the holy prophets - Revelation 22:6

Starting to study the names of the church as

• Assembly of the saints - Psalms 89:7
• Assembly of the upright - Psalms 111:1
• Body of Christ - Ephesians 1:22,23; Colossians 1:24
• Branch of God's planting - Isaiah 60:21
• Bride of Christ - Revelation 21:9
• Church of God - Acts 20:28
• Church of the Living God - 1 Timothy 3:15
• Church of the first-born - Hebrews 12:23

• Elect of God - Colossians 3:12; Titus 1:1
• Epistles of Christ - 2 Corinthians 3:3
• Excellent, The - Psalms 16:3
• Faithful brethren in Christ - Colossians 1:2
• Faithful, The - Psalms 12:1
• Faithful of the land - Psalms 101:6

• Lying spirit - 1 Kings 22:22
• Murderer - John 8:44
• Old serpent - Revelation 12:9; 20:2
• Piercing serpent - Isaiah 27:1
• Power of darkness - Colossians 1:13

Fearing God is the most exalted endevors in our life

The highest reaches of becoming holy are realized only in the fear of God

Fearing God does not stop in the New Testament:

• 1 Peter 2:17 - Fear God
• Acts 9:31 - Live in the fear of the Lord
• 2 Corinthians 7:1 - Cleanse ourselves in the fear of the God
• Colossians 3:22 - Work should be done while fearing the Lord

The Spirit of God rested on the Messiah with the fear of the Lord and he delighted in it - Isaiah 11:1-3
If we would be like the Lord Jesus, we should delight in fearing the God

• 1 Thessalonians 4:1 - we instructed you how to live in order to please God; urge you to do this more and more
• Colossians 1:10 - we pray you live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way
• 2 Timothy 2:4 - No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs
• Hebrews 11:6 - Without faith it is impossible to please God
• 2 Corinthians 5:9 - So we make it our goal to please him

• John 14:10 - It is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work
• John 8:38 - I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence
• Philippians 1:21 - For to me, to live is Christ
• Colossians 1:27 - Christ in you, the hope of glory
• Colossians 3:4 - Christ, who is your life
• Galatians 2:20 - Christ lives in me

• 1 John 2:3-6 - We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.

• Ephesians 4:22-24 - Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness
• Colossians 3:10 - Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator

• It is not merely being a member of the church.
• It is not merely being baptized.
• It is not merely observing the Lord’s Supper each Sunday.
• It is not merely the equivalent of quiet time each day.
• It is not merely an involvement in one or more discipling relationships.
• It is not merely being busy in “Church work”.
• It is not merely being fruitful in evangelism.

• It means that I am continually conscious of God’s presence and that I desire such by seeking God’s face throughout the day
• It means that His thoughts are becoming my thoughts, His ways are becoming my ways (this is a continual, never ending process)
• It means that I truly love God and want to obey His will with more of my heart each day.

• Acts 20:22-24 - It was everything to him to finish the race
• 2 Corinthians 11:28 - Felt daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches
• Colossians 1:28-29 - Struggled with all his energy

a. He utilized every opportunity.
b. He created opportunities for evangelism

• 2 Timothy 2:4 -Soldier don't get involved in civilian affairs
• Colossians 1:10 - Live a life worthy of the Lord
  
• 1 Thessalonians 4:1 - Live in order to please God
  
• Matthew 16:23 - Peter, at this time, was not focus on the greater things of God
  
• John 4:34, 5:30, 36, 6:38, 9:4, 17:4 - My foo is to do the will of him who sent me

• Philippians 2:19-22, 25-30 - Timothy had a genuine interest in the welfare of others
  
• Galatians 5:13-15 - Serve one another in love.
  
• Mark 6:34 - He had compassion on the

1. Stubborn: Pharaoh was stubborn towards the Lord’s will - Exodus 13:15
2. Pride: It’s hard to see your own pride but others can easily - Psalms 73:6
3. Arrogance: God hates arrogance - Proverbs 8:13

1. Proverbs 15:33 - fear of God brings about wisdom and humility
2. Proverbs 16:3 - put God first and you will be successful
3. Philippians 2:3 - putting others before yourself
4. Colossians 3:12 - we are to put on humility daily
5. 1 Peter 5:5 - respect others and clothe yourself with humility

• We must love each other the way Jesus loves us (unconditionally).
• How did Jesus love his disciples unconditionally (Peter, Judas, John, etc…)?

• Love each other deeply from the heart (not surface love)
• Share our insecurities (to not let Satan get a foot hold)

• God honors humility
• When we become humble we become more like God himself.

• Best example is in a marriage (someone has to start with “I’m sorry”)
• Jesus said “blessed are the peacemakers” not “blessed is the one who wins the argument”

• Paul learned thankfulness no matter what your circumstances
• Without doubt the most valuable secret in life.
• How can we learn to be thankful?

• Remember that you were an object of wrath and on the path to hell.
• Think how fortunate you are to be in God's grace and on the road to heaven.
• Were would you be today without God's grace?
  

• Learn to enjoy serving God and His people.
• Don't look for recognition.
• Old life hide sin, new life hide good

• What do you see?
  • Do not be anxious about anything - the Lord is near.
  • Constantly think about GOOD, NOBLE, HONOURABLE and PURE things. (Don't allow the devil to pollute your mind).
  • Rejoice in the Lord always.

Remember the battle you entered

• Ephesians 6:10-18 - Satan is after you; don’t be surprised if he attacks you
• Deuteronomy 8:1-5 - God will allow you to be tested
• 1 Corinthians 10:13 - Any test from God will not be beyond what you can handle

Remember what you promised

• Colossians 3:1-10 - That you would die to your sins and fight against them
• Acts 9:17-22 - That you would make an effort to reach out to others (make a list of who)
• Matthew 22:34-40 - That you would love God and strive to get close to Him (make a prayer list)
• Hebrews 10:19-25 - That you would be a part of the church and come to encourage (calendar)

The key to successful first few weeks as a disciple is relationships. Make some specific decisions about how you will stay close to God and the other disciples in your life. Decide as well to get to know some other disciples and start sharing your new-found love for God with those you know and love. You will find that you will have good days, but remember – you’re just getting started.

• Hebrews 12:28-29 - Be grateful you are a part of such an awesome Kingdom
• Colossians 2:6-7 - Our thankfulness should be an obvious part of our life (overflowing)

• Nehemiah 12:31 - God assigned two choirs, solely for the purpose of giving thanks
• Psalms 28:7 - Gratitude must be seen in our singing to God (Colossians 3:15-16)
• Psalms 100:1-5 - All parts of worship should be entered into with thanksgiving

• Hebrews 5:11-14 - Train yourself; be disciplined to read and pray and get help from others
• Hebrews 6:1-3 - We must learn the elementary truths so we can move on to maturity

• 1 John 2:5-6 - Always compare yourself to Jesus and look to imitate Him in everything
• Colossians 1:28-29 - Let others help you to be formed more into the image of Jesus

• 2 Peter 1:3-11 - Growth is an absolute; it solidifies your place in heaven
• 2 Peter 3:17-18 - Growth will keep you from falling from your secure position

1. What was your relationship with God before today?
   
2. What had you done to make God your enemy?
3. What does it mean to be holy/without blemish/free from accusation?
4. What condition is there to staying saved (vs. 23).

• As a "child of God", what should your attitude be?
• How can you begin to "purify yourself"?

1. What has Jesus' sacrifice done for you?
2. How can you draw near to God with a sincere heart?

• What has God done with your sins?
  
• Write other "benefits" God has done for you (vs. 2).

1. Why does your hope in Christ go beyond this earthly life?
2. Why are we as Christians to be pitied if there is no eternal life?

1. What is the mystery Paul tells us (vs.51)?
2. Why do we normally fear death - and why should we no longer be afraid of dying?
3. Why should we work for the Lord? What will happen when we give ourselves completely?

1. When were you raised with Christ?
2. What should you be thinking about from now on?
3. What things should you stop thinking about so much?

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger - Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart - Colossians 3:21

If we lose their hearts, we lose everything.
Intimacy is tied to feeling emotionally safe around someone.
Devil will begin to fill their minds with accusations against you.
When your children get angry with you, you need to stop what you are doing, get engaged, and help them deal with their anger

Epaphras always  prays earnestly for you - Colossians 4:12

Early African converts were known for their commitment to prayer

So much so their prayer spots were marked with worn paths to them

If prayer was negligneted, it could be easily spotted - "Brother, the grass grows on your path"

Epaphras demonstrated such genuine love for the Colossians and played a big role in establishing the church there - Colossians 1:17

He practiced three important elements of prayer

1. Consistancy
2. Sincerity
3. From the Heart

Can you make room for regular time of prayer on the behalf of those you love?

Nothing makes more of a difference in your walk with Christ than regular times of prayer

Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you - Colossians 4:17

Church on Sunday morning, do you recongnize that God has a specific purpose and ministry for you that day?

Don't miss out on the blessing you can receive when you assume your place of service in the body of Christ

Archippus' ministry was apparently important enough to the apostle Paul that he encouraged the young man to make sure he got the job done:

1. Paul didn't want him to see his ministry as a burden
2. Archippus was responsible for continuing to put the gift he was given to good use

God has given you a particular ministry and the gifts it takes to effectively carry it out.

Are you pursuing your role in the church with all of your heart?