SECOND BASE OF THE LIFE-DEVELOPMENT PROCESS Mountain View’s Church Discovery Series - CLASS 201

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WELCOME TO DISCOVERING SPIRITUAL MATURITY 1. God wants you to be ! “Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” I Peter 2:2 (NIV) “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” II Peter 3:18 (NIV) 2. God wants you to be spiritually . “Our greatest wish and prayer is that you will become mature Christians.” II Corinthians 13:9 (NIV) 3. God wants you to understand what it means to be spiritually mature:

Maturity is not . Maturity is not simply . Maturity is not simply .

4. Here are three measures of spiritual maturity: a. - to know Him “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3 (NIV) b. - to be used by Him “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ...” I Peter 4:10-11 (NIV)

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c. - to become like Him “For from the very beginning God decided that those who came to Him - and all along He knew who would - should become like His Son, so that His Son would be the First, with many brothers.” Romans 8:29 (TLB) “But we Christians...can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within Us, we become more and more like Him.” II Corinthians 3:18 (TLB) “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” I John 3:2 (NIV) 5. Important facts about spiritual maturity: It is not . “Dear brothers, I have been talking to you as though you were still just babies in the Christian life who are not following the Lord but your own desires; I cannot talk to you as I would to healthy Christians who are filled with the Spirit...For you are still only baby Christians, controlled by your own desires, not God’s...In fact, you are acting like people who don’t belong to the Lord at all. I Corinthians 3:1, 3 (TLB) It is a . “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own. Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV) It takes personal . “...discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness...” I Timothy 4:7 (NIV) “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.” II Timothy 1:7

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DEVELOPING THE HABITS OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH A pattern of action that is acquired through

regular repetition and which has become so automatic that it is difficult to break; an established disposition of character; a customary practice. (Webster’s)

“You have put off the old self with its habits, and have put on the new self...which God is continually renewing in His own image, to bring you to a full knowledge of Himself.” Colossians 3:9-10 (NIV) personal training or development through the deliberate control of your desires, actions, habits. (Webster’s) “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant. Later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

HAVE YOU KNOWN PEOPLE WHO WERE LIKE THIS BUILDING?

THE WHEEL ILLUSTRATION

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Putting Christ in control of the areas of my life of which I once held control. (John 15:5) Conforming my will as much as I can to the will of God. (John 14:21) God’s written words to people about Himself and about us; about His plans and desires for us. (II Timothy 3:16) Talking to the Lord: turning my heart to the heart of God. (Philippians 4:6,7) The dynamic relationship between other believers that emerges from our growing relationship with God. (Hebrews 10:24,25) To represent God to people through our words and our lives. (Acts 1:8, II Corinthians 5:20)

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SEMINAR OUTLINE THE SIX HABITS OF POWER

SESSION 1: THE HABIT OF TAKING GOD’S WORD

SESSION 2: THE HABIT OF A DAILY QUIET TIME

SESSION 3: THE HABIT OF PRAYER

SESSION 4: THE HABIT OF SHARING CHRIST

SESSION 5: THE HABIT OF FELLOWSHIP

SESSION 6: THE HABIT OF PUTTING CHRIST FIRST

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SESSION 1: THE HABIT OF TAKING IN

GOD’S WORD

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HO W TO GET A GRASP ON YO UR BIBLE A. The weakest finger. Here we need someone else to chew our food for us. B. 3 pages a day will get you through the Bible in one year. C. Developing the habit of chewing your own food. D. How often do you review your vocabulary? Why is that you don’t forget it? You use it! E. The thumb works in conjunction with the other fingers. This is a prayerful reflection on the Word of God with a view towards application. These five methods of scripture intake help you get a firm grasp on God’s Word. A. Hearing How To Hear God’s Word “Faith comes from hearing the Word of God.” Romans 10:17 (NIV) Ways to Hear God’s Word - the Bible on tape - Church services and studies - radio/tv teachers Problem: We forget % of what we hear after 72 hours. How To Improve Your Hearing 1. Be ready and eager to hear God. (Jesus) “He who has an ear to hear, let him hear!” Luke 8:8 (NIV)

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“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.” Psalm 119:103 (NIV) 2. Deal with attitudes that prevent us from hearing God. (Luke 8:4-15) “Consider carefully how you listen...” Luke 8:18 (NIV) a. A Closed Mind: Is fear/pride/bitterness preventing me from hearing God? b. A Superficial Mind: Am I really serious about wanting to hear God speak? c. A Preoccupied Mind: Am I too busy and concerned with other things to concentrate on what God has to say? 3. Confess any sin in your life. “...Get rid of all moral filth and humbly accept the Word...” James 1:21 (NIV) 4. Take Notes on what you hear. “We must pay more careful attention to what we’ve heard, so that we do not drift away.” Hebrews 2:1 (NIV) Keep a spiritual notebook. 5. Act on what you hear! “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says!” James 1:22 (NIV) “Whoever...does not simply listen and then forgets, but puts it into practice - that person will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:25 (TEV) B. Reading How To Read God’s Word

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“Happy is the one who reads this book...and obeys what is written in it.” Revelation 1:3 (TEV) How often should I read God’s Word? “(The Scriptures) shall be his constant companion. He must read from it everyday of his life so that he will learn to respect the Lord his God by obeying all of His commands.” Deuteronomy 17:19 (TLB) Suggestions ∗ Read it systematically. ∗ Bible without notes. ∗ Read it in different translations. For reading: Good News, Living Bible Phillips ∗ Read it aloud to yourself (quietly). ∗ Underline or color code key verses. ∗ Choose a reading plan and stick to it. A Bible Reading Plan Through the New Testament in 30 Days 1. Matthew 1-9 2. Matthew 10-15 3. Matthew 16-22 4. Matthew 23-38 5. Mark 1-8 6. Mark 9-16 7. Luke 1-6 8. Luke 7-11 9. Luke 12-18 10. Luke 19-24 11. John 1-7 12. John 8-13 13. John 14-22 14. Acts 1-7 15. Acts 8-14 16. Acts 15-21

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17. Acts 22-28 18. Romans 1-8 19. Romans 9-16 20. I Corinthians 1-9 21. I Corinthians 10-16 22. II Corinthians 1-13 23. Galatians-Ephesians 24. Philippians-II Thessalonians 25. I Timothy-Philemon 26. Hebrews 27. James 28. I John-III John 29. Revelation 1:11 30. Revelation 12-22 C. Studying How To Study God’s Word “...they accepted the message eagerly and studied the Scriptures every day...” Acts 17:11 (Ph) “Be a good workman...know what His Word says and means.” II Timothy 2:15 (NIV) 1. A Personal Bible Study Tools: a) Study Bible : “The Life Application Bible”(Tyndale) - The best in personal application. “The Disciples Study Bible”(Holman) - The best doctrine study Bible b) A Bible Handbook: “Richard’s Complete Handbook” (Word) “Haley’s Bible Handbook” (Zondervan) “Eerdman’s Bible Handbook” (Eerdmans)

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c ) Other Important Tools: - A Concordance “Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance”(Abingdon) - A Bible Dictionary “Holman’s Bible Dictionary”(Holman) - A One-Volume Commentary “______________________” - A Bible Atlas “Moody Atlas of Bible Lands” (Moody) 2. A Bible Study Fellowship “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42 (NIV) The backbone of Mountain View’s strategy for Bible study and discipleship is . Our goal is to build a healthy church by having at least ____% of worship attendance involved in a Home Group. D. Memorizing Benefits of Memorizing Scripture 1. It helps me . “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 (NIV) 2. It helps me make . “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NIV) 3. It strengthens me when I’m . “...Your promises to me are my hope. They give me strength in all my troubles; how they refresh and revive me.” Psalm 119:49 (TLB)

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4. It me when I’m . “Your words are what sustains me...they bring joy to my sorrowing heart and delight me.” Jeremiah 15:16 (NIV) 5. It helps me to . “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...” I Peter 3:15 (NIV) How To Memorize A Verse 1. Pick a verse that speaks to you. 2. Say the reference before and after the verse 3. Read the verse aloud many times. (Record it.) 4. Break the verse into natural phrases. 5. Emphasize key words when quoting the verse 6. Write down the verse and erase one word at a time. 7. Write out the verse on a flash card. 8. Carry some cards with you at all times for review. 9. Display your verses in prominent places. 10. Always memorize the verse word perfect. 11. Put the verse to music (Write a song.) 12. Get a partner so you can check each other. E. Meditating Why Meditate on Scripture? 1. It is the key to like . “..your life is shaped by your thoughts.” Psalm 4:23 (TEV) “...Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 (TEV) “As we...contemplate the Lord’s glory, we are being transformed into the likeness...” I Corinthians 3:18 (TEV)

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2. It is the key to . “If you live your life in Me, and my words live in your hearts, you can ask me for whatever you like, and it will come true for you.” John 15:7 (Ph) 3. It is the key to . “....Meditate on (the word) day and night so you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8 (Ph) How Do I Meditate On A Verse?

1. it! Visualize the scene in your mind. 2. it! Say the verse aloud, each time emphasizing a different word. 3. it! Rewrite the verse in your own words. 4. it! Replace the pronouns or people in the verse with your own name. 5. it! Turn the verse into a prayer and say it back to God. 6. it! Ask the following questions (S.P.A.C.E.) Is there a Sin to . Promise to . Attitude to . Command to . Error to . F. Applying How To Apply God’s Word

“...Whoever...” Matthew 5:19 (NIV) Three Questions To Ask

1. What did it mean to ? 2. What is the underlying ? 3. Where or how can I ? Most applications will focus on one of three . 1. My relationship with .

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2. My relationship with . 3. My relationship with . Write out a sentence that describes a project or action you will take to apply the truth. “Now that you know these things - do them! that is the path of blessing.” John 13:17 (TLB)

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SESSION 2: THE HABIT OF A DAILY

QUIET TIME

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WHY DO WE NEED TO SPEND DAILY TIME WITH THE LO RD?

Spending daily time with God in His Word and prayer is not just a good idea - it is vital to growing as a Christian and deepening our relationship with Christ. God has given us many good reasons for spending daily time in the Word and prayer: 1. To God. “I don’t want your sacrifices; I want your love. I don’t want your offerings; I want you to know Me!” Hosea 6:6 (NIV) 2. For nourishment. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 (NIV) “Like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the Word, that by it you may grow in respect to your salvation.” I Peter 2:2 (NIV) 3. For victory. “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your Word... I have stored up Your Word that I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:9,11 (NIV) 4. For guidance. “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NIV) Godly Examples “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.” Mark 1:35 “Now Abraham arose early in the morning and went to the place where he had stood before the Lord.” Genesis 19:27 (NIV)

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“In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; in the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.” Psalm 5:3 (NIV) “He entered his house...and continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously.” Daniel 6:10 (NIV) Principles For Effective Quiet Times 1. Keep your objective clearly in mind. Remember that you are meeting with a Person, to deepen your relationship with Him. 2. Identify the time that is best for you; when you can be uninterrupted; when you will be most attentive and un-distracted. Advantages Of A Morning Devotional Time It indicates . Make spending time with God the first thing you do each day. In the morning is especially receptive to influence. You can help form your attitudes for the day by spending this time with God. You can commit your to the Lord. As part of your time with God you can pray through your coming day, asking God for guidance and help in all that you do. There is a Biblical reinforcing the value of morning time with God: David - Psalm 5:3 Isaiah - Isaiah 50:4,5 Jesus - Mark 1:35

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3. Decide the best place to spend your time with God. You will need a place that is quiet and away from distractions. Try to have your time with God in the same place and at the same time. This will help build the habit of spending time with God in your life. 4. Get your heart ready to meet with God: a. Confess any known sin. Isaiah 59:1,2 b. Pray for an un-distracted mind. Hebrews 12:1,2 c. Ask God to teach you. Psalm 119:18 5. Write down what God says to you: a. To help you clarify what God has said to you. b. To help you remember what God has said to you. c. To provide you with a permanent record of your time. d. To demonstrate that you are taking God’s Word seriously. Keys To Quality 1. Concentrate on applying God’s Word to your life. God warns us in James 1:22 to “be doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Applications should be specific, personal, and “bite- size”. Possible Applications to Look For: a Sin to forsake a Promise to claim an Attitude to adopt a Command to obey an Error to avoid 2. Conclude your time with God in prayer:

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Talk to God about what you learned from this passage. Thank Him for what He has said to you through His Word. Ask Him to help you in making and following through on your applications. 3. To maintain your devotional focus. concentrate on relationship not activity. Focus on learning as much as you can about God. 4. Share what you are learning with others: To motivate others to spend time with God. To encourage others with the words God used to encourage you. To encourage you to continue as you see God use you to bless others. To help you to remember and apply what God said to you. Keys To Consistency How beneficial would it be to exercise only erratically? In the same way, we need consistent, daily time with God to experience the full benefit. here are some suggestions that can help you: 1. your schedule. Don’t just try to fit it in somewhere. 2. In Job 23:12, Job said he treasured God’s Word more than . How consistent would you be if you had a policy that you won’t eat until you’ve had your daily devotional time? 3. Have somebody on you and hold you accountable. 4. Go to on time! 5. - Ephesians 6:12 - Remember that this is a spiritual battle. 6. Don’t forget that this time is an with a Person; not just reading a book.

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Psalm 1 “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” If your delight was the Word of God: 1. How would that influence your schedule? 2. How would that influence your life?

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SESSION 3:

THE HABIT OF PRAYER

“The great people of the earth today are the people who pray. I don’t mean those who talk about prayer; nor those who can explain about prayer; but I mean those people who take time and pray. They don’t have the time. It must be taken from

something else. This something else is important - very important and pressing, but still less important and less pressing than prayer.

S.D. Gordon

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Prayer is a vital part of an effective Quiet Time. The Scriptures and prayer are like the “wings” of Quiet Time: you won’t really get off the ground unless they are both attached to your time! Remember that the purpose of our time is to deepen our relationship with the Lord. The key to any relationship is communication. In our relationship with the Lord, He speaks to us through His Word and we speak to Him through prayer. THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER We need to pray because: 1. It is by God. “Pray continually...” I Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV) “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2 (NIV) 2. It is the solution for and . “Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6,7 (NIV) “Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8 3. God prayer. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:7,11 (NIV)

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How To Pray (ACTS) Adoration Definition: praise; it is communicating to God appreciation for who He is, what He is like, His character. Why Praise is So Important: 1. We are by God. Psalm 113:1 2. It helps us appreciate God. Psalm 106:1 3. It shows our for the Lord. Psalm 70:4 We can praise God for His: Confession Definition: confession is being specific; it is agreeing with God that our sin hinders our fellowship with Him, and asking for His forgiveness. 1. with God that this is . Psalm 32:5 2. that I did it. Psalm 51:3 3. responsibility for my actions, attitudes. Psalm 51:4 4. Be genuinely sorrowful that I against God. II Corinthians 7:10 5. myself to change, with God’s help. Proverbs 28:13 Why Confession Is So Important: 1. It is essential to with God. Isaiah 59:1,2 2. It is essential for forgiveness. I John 1:9 3. It is essential to prayer. Proverbs 28:9

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Suggestions: 1. Be specific. 2. Deal with issues quickly. 3. Use Psalms 32 & 51 as a guide. Thanksgiving Definition: Grateful acknowledgment for something received by or done for someone; appreciating the work of God - what He has done and is doing for us; acknowledging that all the good we are constantly experiencing is from God. (James 1:17) Why Being Thankful Is So Important: 1. It is by God. Colossians 3:15 2. It is essential to experience . I Thessalonians 5:15,16; Deuteronomy 28:47 3. It is essential to experience . Philippians 4:6, 4. It characterized the life of . John 6:11,23; 11:41; Luke 22:17,19 We should be thankful for: Supplication Definition: Bringing to God requests concerning the needs of others or myself. Why Supplication Is So Important: 1. Because God us to pray. I Timothy 2:1,2 2. Because it shows our for others. Romans 10:1 3. Because we can influence others . Ephesians 6:18 4. Because prayer is and in people’s lives. James 5:16

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Jesus’ Example: “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31,32 (NIV) “Such a high priest meets our need - one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.” Hebrews 7:26 (NIV)

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SESSION 4: THE HABIT OF

SHARING CHRIST

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II Corinthians 5:10-21

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. (vs. 10-11)

We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than what is in the heart. If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. (vs. 12-13)

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. (vs. 14-15)

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (vs. 16-17)

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. (vs. 18-20)

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (vs. 21) WHY SHARE CHRIST WITH OTHERS: 1. Because we take God (v. 10-11) Romans 14:12 - each of us (Christians & non-Christians) 2. Because we are by Christ’s love (v. 14-15) Romans 9:1-3— Romans 10:1—

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3. Because we see people from God’s (v. 16-17) Matthew 9:36— John 4:34— 4. Because are God’s (v. 18-20) Matthew 28:19,20— Acts 1:8— 5. Because Jesus is man’s only (v. 21) John 14:6— Acts 4:32— I Timothy 2:5— NOTE:

In C.L.A.S.S. 201 - Discovering Spiritual Maturity, we do not have the time needed to look at ‘how to share Christ’, but we will offer seminars on this subject on a regular basis.

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SESSION 5: THE HABIT OF FELLOWSHIP

As a body we are dependant upon one another to complete the picture of Jesus Christ. God added each of us to this fellowship just as He desired.

It is not possible for one believer in the fellowship

to grow spiritually cold without lowering the temperature

of the whole body.

God has assembled us to accomplish His purposes.

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1. I need to to some family of believers. “Let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10 (NIV) “You are a member of God’s very own family...and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” Ephesians 2:19 (TLB) “In Christ, we who are many form one Body, and each member belongs to all the others!” Romans 12:5 (NIV) 2. I need to grow spiritually. “Let us think of one another and how we can encourage each other to love and to do good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24 (Ph) “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up...” I Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) 3. I need to grow spiritually. “People learn from one another just as iron sharpens iron.” Proverbs 27:17 (TEV) “Therefore, encourage one another...lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13 (NIV) 4. There is great when believers pray together. “Whenever two of you agree about anything you pray for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven.” Matthew 18:19 (TEV) 5. Christ is when we fellowship together. “For wherever two or three people have come together in My name, I am there, right among them!” Matthew 18:20 (Ph)

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6. Fellowship is a dynamic to the world. [Jesus prayed] “That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in Me and I am in you. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that you have sent Me.” John 17:21 (NIV) 7. You have significant to make to other believers. “God has given you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other...” I Peter 4:10 “There are different kinds of service to God...together you form the Body of Christ and each one of you is a necessary part of it.” I Corinthians 12:5,27 (TLB) The “One Anothers” Of The New Testament 1. “Be at peace with each other.” Mark 9:50 2. “Wash one another’s feet.” John 13:14 3. “Love one another...” John 13:34 4. “Love one another.” John 13:35 5. “Love each other.” John 15:12 6. “Love each other.” John 15:17 7. “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.” Romans 12:10 8. “Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10 9. “Live in harmony with one another.” Romans 12:16 10.“Love one another.” Romans 13:8 11.“Stop passing judgment on one another.” Romans 12:16 12.“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you.” Romans 15:7 13.“Instruct one another.” Romans 15:14 14.“Greet one another with a holy kiss.” Romans 16:16 15.“When you come together to eat, wait for each other.” I Corinthians 11:33 16.“Have equal concern for each other.” I Corinthians 12:25 17.“Greet one another with a holy kiss.” I Corinthians 16:20 18.“Greet one another with a holy kiss.” II Corinthians 13:12 19.“Serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13

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20.“If you keep on biting and devouring each other...you will be destroyed by each other.” Galatians 5:15

21.“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” Galatians 5:26 22.“Carry each other’s burdens” Galatians 6:2 23.“Be patient, bearing with one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.”

Ephesians 5:19 24.“Be kind and compassionate to one another.” Ephesians 4:32 25.“Forgiving each other.” Ephesians 4:32 26.“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.” Ephesians 5:19 27.“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21 28.“In humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 29.“Do not lie to each other.” Colossians 3:9 30.“Bear with each other.” Colossians 3:9 31.“Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.” Colossians 3:13 32.“Teach....(one another).” Colossians 3:16 33.“Admonish one another.” Colossians 3:16 34.“Make your love increase and overflow for each other.” I Thessalonians 3:12 35.“Love each other.” I Thessalonians 4:9 36.“Encourage each other.” I Thessalonians 4:18 37.“Encourage one another.” I Thessalonians 5:11 38.“Build each other up.” I Thessalonians 5:11 39.“Encourage one another daily.” Hebrews 3:13 40.“Spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24 41.“Encourage one another.” Hebrews 10:25 42.“Do not slander one another.” James 4:11 43.“Don’t grumble against each other.” James 5:9 44.“Confess your sins to each other.” James 5:16 45.“Pray for each other.” James 5:16 46.“Love one another deeply, from the heart.” I Peter 1:22 47.“Live in harmony with one another.” I Peter 3:8 48.“Love each other deeply.” I Peter 4:8 49.“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” I Peter 4:9 50.“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve the other.” I Peter 4:10 51.“Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.” I Peter 5:5 52.“Greet one another with a kiss of love.” I Peter 5:14

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53.“Love one another.” I John 3:11 54.“Love one another.” I John 3:23 55.“Love one another.” I John 4:7 56.“Love one another.” I John 4:11,12 57.“Love one another.” II John 5 “Twenty-one of the fifty-seven or, fully one third, call for Christians to love!”

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SESSION 6: THE HABIT OF

PUTTING CHRIST FIRST

You have all the time, talents and treasures you need to do all that God asks you to do.

He promises never to leave you lacking.

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FO UNDATIO NAL TRUTHS: 1. I to God. “For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” Romans 14:7-8 (NIV) “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” I Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV) 2. I have comes from God. “What are you so puffed up about? What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if all you have is from God, why act as though you are so great, and as though you have accomplished something on your own?” I Corinthians 4:7 (TLB) “...good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I Peter 4:10 (NIV) 3. I am to God for what I do with what He has given me. “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12 (NIV) The parable of the talents Matthew 25:14-30 A. TIME: Taking Control Of Your Life

List each of the commands given in Ephesians 5:15-17. then write down some possible applications of that command to our use of time.

Commands Applications Re: Our Use of Time Practical Suggestions: 1. Pray through your day (“forwards & backwards”). Proverbs 16:3

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2. Take inventory from time to time. Psalms 139:23,24 3. Major on what is really important. I Kings 20:39,40 4. Focus on pleasing the Lord. Galatians 1:10 5. Make habits out of the important things of life. I Corinthians 15:58 Three Ways To Live A Wasted Life: 1. Do nothing. 2. Do the wrong things. 3. Do so many things that what you do counts for nothing. B. TALENTS: Making The Most Of How God Made You God can use you! God wants to use you! Your contribution to Mountain View, to the ministry of the Lord is both significant and greatly needed. Every one of us has an important contribution to make. In the Scriptures we are compared to the parts of the human body. Some parts may be more visible than others, but every part must be functioning in order for the body to be healthy. 1. What are some excuses or rationalizations people use for not taking on some

ministry need in the church? 2. How did each of the following people use their abilities to serve God?

Passage Name How Did They Serve? Luke 10:38 Martha

Acts 4:34-37 Barnabas Acts 8:5,29 Philip

Acts 9:36-39 Tabitha Acts 16:14 Lydia

4. Aquila and Priscilla were a godly couple whom the Lord greatly used. They had a job and family which they used as a means of serving the Lord, not an excuse. List different ways they served the Lord and others by giving of themselves.

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Acts 18:2-3 Acts 18:24-28 Romans 16:3-5 Application: Take CLASS 301! Who we are is a combination of how God has made us and the circumstances we have lived. I need to be careful that I don’t focus only on what I can’t do. God expects us to do the best we can with what we have. Don’t let what you can’t do keep you from doing what you can. What are some ways you can -serve other believers? -reach out to the lost? C. TREASURES: SEEING FINANCES FRO M GO D’S PERSPECTIVE

Critical Issues: Purpose & Objectives 1. What is the world’s view of the purpose of money, finances? security luxury pleasure independence 2. What is God’s view? Philippians 4:19 -to meet our needs & demonstrate His provision II Corinthians 8:14 -to share with others Matthew 6:19-21 -to invest in eternity Contentment & Submission 1. What factors might indicate how willing I am to live according to God’s

provision?

2. How do I determine my lifestyle, my standard of living, as a follower of Christ?

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I Timothy 6:6-8— Philippians 4:11-13—

Values & Priorities 1. How do your finances indicate what is really important to you?

2. What can we learn from the following passages about money & our priorities? - what is important to me? - what am I investing in? - what am I exchanging my life for? I Timothy 6:18,19 - Luke 12:15-21- Matthew 6:19-21- BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES OF GIVING Why Does God Want Me To Give? 1. Giving makes me more like . “For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 (NIV) 2. Giving draws me to the Lord. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21 (NIV) 3. Giving is an investment in .

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“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth...but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven.” Matthew 6:19-20 (NIV) 4. Giving is an antidote for . “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” I Timothy 6:17-18 (NIV) 5. Giving results in God giving to . “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 (TLB) 6. Giving allows us to in the lives of others. “For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.” II Corinthians 8:3-5 (NIV) 7. Giving results in for the giver. “Then the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly, for they made their offering to the Lord with a whole heart, and King David also rejoiced greatly.” I Chronicles 29:9 (NIV) HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE? Old Testament Guidelines

Malachi 3:8-10 “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob Me. But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse —the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. ‘Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw

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open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” There are two primary terms used in the Old Testament that relate to giving: Tithe — is giving 10% of my income to the Lord. Offering — is anything I give to the Lord in addition to my tithe. There are about thirty references to “tithing” to the Lord in the Old Testament. God’s instructions to His people were very clear: “A tithe of everything from the land [“everything you produce”], whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” Leviticus 27:30 “Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. Eat the

tithe of your grain, new wine and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the Lord your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for His name, so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always.”

Deuteronomy 14:22-23 (NIV) These verses come from the Old Testament law that was given to Moses. But even before this time, Abraham gave 10% to the Lord [Genesis 14:20 & Hebrews 7:2-4] and so did Jacob [Genesis 28:22]. New Testament Guidelines

In the New Testament, there are very few references to the tithe (Matthew 23:23, Luke 18:12, and Hebrews 7:2-8). Jesus never told His disciples to tithe although He did commend the Pharisees for tithing (one of the few things they did right!). There is no reference to tithing in any of Paul’s letters or in any of the other New Testament books. Instead of emphasizing to give, New Testament teaching stresses to give—that is, the attitudes the Lord wants us to have. Consider the attitudes mentioned in these two passages: “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up...”

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I Corinthians 16:2 (NIV) 1. We should give .

“And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will ... For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich..” II Corinthians 8:1-5,9 (NIV) 1. We should give and . (v. 2-3) 2. We should take the in giving without waiting. (v.3-4) 3. We should give according to for us. (v.5) 4. We should give the way gave to us. (v.9) “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver...You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.” II Corinthians 9:6-7, 11-13 (NIV) 1. We should give . (v. 6,11,13) 2. We should give and . (v.7) 3. We should give to people and to God. (v.11-13) Applications:

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1. Following Christ’s example means giving generously and sacrificially. 2. We need to be committed to giving as much as we , not just as much as we .

3. Our giving is recognition that everything we have and to God.

Mountain View’s Ministry Budget

The ministry of Mountain View Christian Fellowship is accomplished through the sacrificial giving of the people of Mountain View. We believe that as God raises up people with a heart for ministry - that God will also provide the resources for that ministry through His people. As you commit to give sacrificially to the ministry of Mountain View, here is how your gifts are used. World Missions: Cooperative Program (our part in world missions) - 10% Midwest Baptist Association (Alberta) - 1.5% University of Calgary - Baptist Student Ministries - 1.5% Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary - 1.5%

Children’s Ministry (KidZone) Rent _________________________ Curriculum _________________________ Supplies _________________________ Backyard Bible Clubs __________________

Ministry of Worship Rent _________________________ Equipment _________________________ Music _________________________ Honorariums _________________________ Drama _________________________

Ministry of Outreach & Fellowship Advertising _________________________ Bridge Building _______________________ Life Development Process ______________ Home Groups ________________________ Women on Mission ____________________ Communications ______________________ Men’s Ministry _______________________

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Youth _________________________ DivorceCare _________________________ Weigh Down _________________________ Discipleship and Training _______________ Other New Ministries __________________

Ad-Ministr-ation Pastor’s Salary _______________________ Travel _______________________ Office _______________________ PROMISES TO GIVERS God has given many promises in His Word to serve as encouragement to us to give generously: Proverbs 11:24-25 “One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 22:9 “A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.” Ecclesiastes 11:1 “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.” Malachi 3:9-10 “You are under a curse —the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. ‘Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 6:38

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“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” II Corinthians 8:7 “But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” II Corinthians 9:8, 11-12 “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work... You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” How To Start And Maintain Good Habits We’ve spent most of this seminar talking about habits. We’ve examined six habits that are essential to growing to spiritual maturity: - The Habit Of Taking In God’s Word - The Habit Of A Daily Quiet Time - The Habit Of Prayer - The Habit Of Sharing Christ With Others - The Habit Of Fellowship - The Habit Of Putting Christ First But how do you build a new habit into your life? Here are seven steps that you can apply to each of these habits to successfully root them in your daily living: Step #1: . You need to start with a strong desire. You must be internally motivated. If you start only half-heartedly, you’ll never stick with it later on. “...but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James 1:14-15 (NIV)

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Step #2: . Begin right now! Don’t wait for the “right time.” Remember, putting off decisions can also become a habit! The best time to begin a good habit or to start breaking a bad habit is today. “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.” Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NIV) Step #3: . Announce your intentions publicly. Make a covenant or a resolution. The power of a vow is awesome. It can be particularly powerful if you put your commitment in writing. “Make your vows before the Lord and fulfill them.” Psalms 76:11 (NIV) Step #4: . Never allow an exception until the new habit is securely rooted in your life. A single slip unwinds many turns at first. Never be swayed by “just this once.” The act of yielding weakens the will and reinforces your lack of self-control. It takes about three weeks to become comfortable with a new habit. It takes another 3-4 weeks (doing it daily) for a habit to become part of your life. “Preach the Word of God urgently at all times, whenever you get the chance, in season and out, when it is convenient and when it is not.” II Timothy 4:2 (TLB) Step #5: . Whenever you feel the “want to” to do your new behavior, do it right then. Don’t wait. Seize every moment to reinforce your habit. You won’t always “feel” like doing the right thing but when you do, strengthen that desire in your life by doing. “Don’t merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 (NIV)

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Step #6: . Find someone who will support you and encourage you. It should be someone who is willing to hold you accountable and check up on you, especially in the early days before the habit is firmly rooted in your life. “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV) “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13 (NIV) Step #7: . What we’re talking about here is establishing the habit of obedience in some area of your life so that you are becoming more and more like Jesus. We need to prayerfully rely on Him and believe Him to work within us. “For it is God who is at work within you, giving you the desire and the power to achieve His purpose.” Philippians 2:13 (Ph) “Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” II Corinthians 3:5-6 (NIV) Where Do You Go From Here?

1. Prayerfully to building these godly habits into your life

2. Prayerfully pick to work on first.

3. Follow the to establish this habit in your daily living.

4. If you haven’t already done so, make a commitment to join a Home Group.

5. Plan now to attend as soon as possible.

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WHAT NOW?

MOUNTAIN V IEW’S STRATEGY TO HELP YOU GROW

Discovery C.L.A.S.S. Christian Life And Service Seminars

Go On To THIRD Base!

AN OVERVIEW OF C.L.A.S.S. 100 Level Seminars: They lead people to Christ and membership at Mountain View

200 Level Seminars: They grow people to spiritual maturity

300 Level Seminars: They equip people with the skills they need for ministry 400 Level Seminars: They enlist people to the worldwide mission of sharing Christ

“Take the time and trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit.”

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1 Timothy 4:7 (Ph)

My Growth Covenant

As an indication of my commitment to Spiritual Maturity, I promise to strive to:

Have a Daily Time With God -Commit myself to personal Bible reading and prayer.

Give of my Weekly Treasures to God -Commit to give sacrificially of my income to support my church’s ministry.

Be on a Committed Team For God -Commit to fellowship with believers in a Home Group.

Make Use of my Talents For God -Commit to take C.L.A.S.S. 301 and use my S.H.A.P.E. in ministry.

DATE ____________ SIGNED ______________________________________