Unity in Diversity - Pastor Rob
1Cor 3.1-24 (Part 2)
02.07.16
PATH
The spiritually IMMATURE are prideful while the MATURE are humble but ALL are to be faithful, respectful and thoughtful.
POINTS
MATURE are humble
The Process
o Read Luke 2.52; Colossians 1.28; Proverbs 15.33; Zephaniah2.3
§ Consider the process you have gone through up to this point to “mature” in your life: schooling, discipline, trial and error, failure and success, criticism and commendation, risk and loss, contemplation and action, grief and joy, sleepless nights, perseverance.
§ Now consider the process you have gone through up to this point to “mature” in your faith.
§ Do you think you have put as much effort into maturing in your faith as you have into your life in general? Do you think you should? Why or why not?
§ What areas do you feel you are most mature spiritually? What areas are you most immature? [i.e. spiritual disciplines, thoughts, desires, speech, actions, relationships, service]
§ What are you doing to mature spiritually? Where do you need to be more diligent?
The Practice
o Read 1 Corinthians 14.20; Philippians 3.15; Hebrews 5.14; Matthew 18.4; Luke 14.11; Philippians 2.8; 1 Peter 5.5-6; Acts 20.18-19; Ephesians 4.1-3; Philippians 2.3; Colossians 3.12
§ In what ways would you say your thinking has matured? Why?
§ Has your change in thinking changed your desires? In what ways?
§ How has your change in thinking and desiring changed what you’re practicing?
§ During your process of change have you noticed any growth in your humility? If so in what ways? If not why not? What areas are still in need of work?
The Product
o Read Ephesians 4.13; Colossians 4.12; Proverbs 22.4
§ How often do you look into a mirror each day to assess your physical appearance: one, two, three, four, five or more times daily?
§ Have you ever thought why we look into a mirror so often every day? Although there are many reasons, might there be among them a need to reassure ourselves, increase our confidence or gain acceptance or even praise from our peers?
§ With this in mind, how often do you look into God’s Word each day to assess your spiritual “appearance”?
§ What would happen if you put as much emphasis on your spiritual “reflection” as you do your physical one? How much more reassurance, confidence and overall maturity would you have spiritually?
§ How important is it to you to become like Jesus and honor God?
§ Is your desire for change strong enough to daily, consistently bring yourself back before the “mirror” of God’s Word? If not ask God to give you His desires and then get prepared for Him to start a fire!
PONDER
Meditate on Ephesians 4.11-16 and consider how God desires to grow you and mature you.