Welcome to BFCC’s Maturity Class!

What is the basis for this class?

• This class exists to show Christians how to achieve spiritual maturity.

“Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the
pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the
church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge
of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of
Christ. Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every
wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they
sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like
Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” Ephesians 4:11–15 NLT

What is spiritual maturity?

• Spiritual maturity is being like Christ.

Spiritual maturity is not measured by how you dress, or how much you go to church, or even how well
you know the Bible. Spiritual maturity is measured by how much you resemble your Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ! “…mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.”

Two facts you need to know about achieving spiritual maturity:

1. It is a process!

“You must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18 NLT

There is no shortcut to spiritual growth. There's no pill you can take that will move you from a babe in
Christ to a spiritually mature Christian. Like physical growth, spiritual growth takes time.

2. It takes discipline!

“…train yourself to be godly.” 1 Timothy 4:7 NLT

You have to practice some healthy habits to become physically fit (eating right; regular exercise). Well,
you have to practice spiritual habits if you want to become like Jesus.

“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All
athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an
eternal prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24–25 NLT

What will you learn in this spiritual growth class?

• You will learn the five habits every Christian needs to practice to grow to spiritual maturity, and the
skills and tools you will need to continue these habits for the rest of your life.

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Habit #1: Bible Study
Bible study is the most important discipline a Christian can learn! According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, God
gave us the Bible to teach us truth, to expose our sin, to correct us, and to show us how to do right.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is
wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to
prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16–17 NLT

There are six ways to get a grasp on your Bible:

• Hear
• Read
• Study
• Memorize
• Meditate
• Apply

HOW TO HEAR GOD'S WORD

Romans 10:17 says, "Faith comes from hearing the Word of God." So, if you want more faith, you need
to hear the Word on a regular basis. But, you don’t just need to hear God’s Word, you also need to
remember it. So, let me give you…

Five ways to improve your hearing of the Word:

1. Be ready to hear God.

Before you go to church on Sunday morning, or attend a Bible study, take some time to prepare your
heart to hear the Word of God. Jesus said in Luke 8:8, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"

2. Deal with wrong attitudes that prevent you from hearing God.

Are you bitter, angry or envious of the speaker? These wrong attitudes can prevent you from hearing
the Word! Jesus said, "Consider carefully how you listen." Luke 8:4-15.

3. Confess any sin in your life.

“So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your
hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.” James 1:21 NLT

4. Take notes on what you hear.

“We must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.” Heb. 2:1 NLT

5. Act on what you hear.

“But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t
forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” James 1:25 NLT

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HOW TO READ GOD'S WORD
1st – Read from a modern translation.

2nd – Use a reading plan that meets your lifestyle.

3rd - Underline and color code key verses.

*You will easily read through the Bible in one year if you read four chapters a day!

HOW TO STUDY GOD'S WORD

You must do two things well to effectively study the Bible:

• First, you have to ask: Who? What? Where? When? How? Why? (Study: John 3-5)

• Second, you have to compare scripture with scripture. (Study: John 6)

What do you need to help you study the Bible?

1. You need a study Bible (Open Bible; Life Application Study Bible, ESV Study Bible).

2. You need some different translations (NKJV, NIV, NLT, NASB).

3. You need some good commentaries (Wiersbe; MacArthur; Liberty; Bible Knowledge Commentary),
or you can use Bible software (Logos).

*There are lots of good free websites (CARM; gotquestions.org; ICR) that can help you study the Bible.

HOW TO MEMORIZE GOD'S WORD

What are the benefits of memorizing scripture?

1. Memorizing scripture helps you resist temptation and make wise decisions.
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” “Your word is a lamp to guide
my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:11, 105 NLT

2. Memorizing scripture strengthens you when you’re under stress.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him
for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6 NLT

3. Memorizing scripture comforts you when you’re sad.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18 NLT

4. Memorizing scripture helps you witness to unbelievers.

"…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that

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you have...” 1 Peter 3:15 NIV
Seven steps to memorize scripture:

1. Pick a verse or passage that speaks to you.

2. Read the reference and passage out loud several times.

3. Emphasize key words as you quote the verse.

4. Break the verse into natural phrases.

5. Write the verse out on flash cards.

6. Get a memorization partner and challenge each other.

7. Review, review, review!

How To Meditate On God’s Word

What is meditation?

• Meditation is focused thinking about a Bible verse to determine how to apply its truth to your life.

The word meditation comes from the word rumination, which is the process a cow uses to chew its
cud. A cow chews grass, swallows it, regurgitates it and chews it again. It actually goes through the
rumination process about seven times to get every bit of nourishment that it can from the grass.
That's what you need to do with God's word. You need to chew on it until you drain every bit of
spiritual nourishment from it.

Why should you meditate on scripture?

1. Meditation is necessary to renew your mind.

Meditating is part of that renewing process. When you meditate on Scripture, God is able to renew
your mind and replace your bad thoughts with good thoughts.

Romans 12:2 says, "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

2. Meditation is necessary for answered prayer.

Jesus said, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it
will be granted!” John 15:7 NLT

3. Meditation is necessary for successful living.

“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey
everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” Joshua 1:8 NLT

*Meditation brings your thoughts in line with the Lord so that He can bring success to our life.

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Six ways to meditate on Scripture:

1. Picture it! Visualize the scene in your mind (John Chapter Four – The Woman at The Well).

2. Pronounce it! Emphasize key words in a passage.

3. Paraphrase it! If you're having a hard time relating to a verse, put it into your own words.

4. Personalize it! Stick your name into the passage!

5. Pray it! Take a prayer from the Bible and pray it to the Lord.

6. Probe it! Dissect a passage and see what is inside of it for your life.

Nine questions to help you probe a passage:

1. Is there a sin to confess?

2. Is there a promise to claim?

3. Is there an attitude to change?

4. Is there a command to obey?

5. Is there an example to follow?

6. Is there a prayer to pray?

7. Is there an error to avoid?

8. Is there a truth to believe?

9. Is there something to thank God for?

HOW TO APPLY GOD'S WORD

Hearing, Reading, Studying, Memorizing, and Meditating on God’s Word will not make you like Jesus.
Those actions can make you like a Pharisee, but they cannot make you like Jesus. If you want to be like
Christ, you have to Apply God’s Word to your life!

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling
yourselves.” James 1:22 NLT

How do you apply the God’s Word to your life?

• You use the Application Bridge.

The application bridge helps you get from "What does the passage mean?" to "What does the passage
mean to me?"

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The Application Bridge is built on three questions:

1. What did the passage mean to the original hearers? Interpretation

2. What is the underlying timeless principle? Implication

3. How can I apply the timeless principle? Personalization

*Luke 10:25-37 is a great passage to practice using the Application Bridge.

Most applications will focus on one of three relationships:

1. What does this passage have to do with my relationship with God?

2. What does this passage have to do with my relationship with others?

3. What does this passage have to do with my relationship with myself?

“If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” John 13:17 ESV

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HABIT #2: PRAYER

How can you have a dynamic prayer life?

• Approach prayer with a humble attitude.

“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the
synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth that is all the reward they will ever get.
But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private.
Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as
people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words
again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask
him!” Matthew 6:5–8 NLT

• Use the model Jesus gave us for prayer in Matthew 6:9-13.

1st – You need to give God praise.

“Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.” Vs. 9 NLT

There are two kinds of praise:

• Adoration - praising God for who He is.

• Thanksgiving - praising God for what He has done.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his
name.” Psalm 100:4 NLT

2nd – You need to commit to God’s will for your life.

“May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” Vs. 10

This is an acknowledgment that God is God and I am not. At this time in prayer I tell the Lord to do
whatever He needs to do in my life.

3rd – You need to ask God to provide for your needs and others’ needs.

“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 NLT

Why do you have to ask God to supply your needs? God wants you to be dependent on Him! First, God
allows you to have a need you cannot fulfill by yourself. Then God waits on you to ask Him to meet
your need. Then, when you specifically ask Him, God meets your need.

"You do not have because you don't ask of God." James 4:2

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him
for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6 NLT

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“I urge you to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for
them.” 1 Timothy 2:1 NLT

*Use your fingers to remind you of people you need to pray for.

4th – You need to ask God to forgive your sins.

“And forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” Matthew 6:12 NLT

5th – You need to ask God to protect you.

“And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:13 NLT

Satan wants to defeat you through temptation and fear. So, don’t leave your house without praying
for protection!

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will
be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood
enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark
world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so
you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing
firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For
shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition
to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your
helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on
every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”
Ephesians 6:10–18 NLT

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HABIT #3: FELLOWSHIP

What is fellowship?
• Fellowship is a partnership to the mutual benefit of those involved.

Christians can enjoy fellowship with one another because they are united by common beliefs,
commitments and commandments. Unfortunately, most Christians discount the importance of
partnering with other Christians.

Why do you need to fellowship with other Christians?

1. You need to fellowship with other Christians because you are in God’s family.

Galatians 6:10 says, "Let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the household, or
family of believers."

Ephesians 2:19 states, "You are a member of God's very own family and you belong in God's household
with every other Christian."

2. You need to fellowship with other Christians to grow spiritually.

You cannot become like Christ on your own. You need others who are more spiritually mature than
you to motivate, encourage, correct, and guide you.

“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our
meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his
return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:23–25 NLT

3. You need to fellowship with other Christians to do big ministry.

You may be able to accomplish some ministry by yourself, but you will never be able to do big ministry
without the help of other Christians.

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one
another.” 1 Peter 4:10 NLT

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other
can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. A person standing alone can be
attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-
braided cord is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, 12 NLT

4. You need to fellowship with other Christians to overcome sin.

Galatians 6:1-2 tells us, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore
such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s
burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

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How can the Christians in a growing church fellowship with one another?

• The first church met in the Temple and in homes throughout the week. They had a large group
celebration and many small groups for fellowship.

Acts 5:42 says, "They [the believers] met day after day in the Temple courts and from house to house."

We are to come together on Sunday to celebrate the Lord. And, we are to go to small groups to
fellowship. That’s where the "one another's" take place! At Bay Farm, we believe as our church grows
larger it must also become smaller.

Six benefits of small groups from the First Christian Church of Jerusalem (Acts 2:41-47):

1. Bible Study - Acts 2:42 says, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine…”

The best place to study God’s Word is in a small group. Why, because people can sit in a circle and
make eye contact with one another and discuss the Scripture in a relaxed manner.

2. Fellowship - Acts 2:42 goes on to say, “and fellowship…”

Fellowship is best done in a small group. In a small group, you can make real friends, share real
concerns, and really support one another.

3. Food - Acts 2:42 tells us, “in the breaking of bread…”

In Bible days, fellowship was always around food! Why, because food relaxes people and encourages
conversation, which naturally grows friendships.

4. Prayer - Acts 2:42 goes on to say, “and in prayers…”

Have you noticed that people who pray together about the same things grow closer together? Sure,
prayer is great glue! It causes Christians to be one minded and row in the same direction!

5. Support - Acts 2:44-45 tells us, “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,
and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.”

Needs are best expressed and met in small groups. Small groups love to take care of their own!

6. Praise - Acts 2:46-47 says, “So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread
from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having
favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”

The small groups in the first church were constantly giving God praise for what He was doing in their
lives. Small groups promote praise!

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HABIT #4: GIVING
Why is giving one of the five basic habits all Christians should practice? Let me put the habit of giving
in perspective for you. Of the key words used in the Bible, the word "believe" is used 272 times. The
word "pray" is used 371 times. And, the word "love" is used 714 times. But, the word "give" is used
2162 times.

Did you know that the Bible talks more about giving than it does about either heaven or hell? Jesus
talked more about giving than almost any other subject. Over half of His parables have to do with
money or giving. There are more promises in the Bible related to giving than any other subject.

Seven Reasons You Should Give:

1. Giving makes you more like God!

God is a giver! So, if you want to be like God, you've got to be a giver. Everything good in the universe
comes from God. He is a good giver of good gifts!

“So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down
to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a
shifting shadow.” James 1:16–17 NLT

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in
him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NLT

2. Giving moves you closer to God!

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus tells us to not invest all our money in the things of this world, to invest in
spiritual endeavors that last for eternity.

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where
thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and
thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also
be.” Matthew 6:19–21 NLT

3. Giving expresses your gratitude to God.

When you give you show God you are thankful for His daily provision. All of us should be like David
and ask…

“What can I offer the LORD for all he has done for me?” Psalm 116:12 NLT

4. Giving strengthens your faith in God!

You strengthen your faith in God every time you give a large portion of your money away. Why,
because when you give away a large portion of your money, you have to trust that God is willing and
able to supply your needs.

*Study the three givers from Luke Chapters 16, 18, & 21 and you will see how giving is tied to faith!

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5. God rewards those who give!

You want a long-term investment that pays big dividends? When you give to someone in need, you
can expect God to reward you richly.

“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill
your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.” Proverbs 3:9–10 NLT

“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make
room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount
you get back.” Luke 6:38 NLT

6. Giving makes you happy.

Karl Menninger, one of the top psychiatrists in the nation said, "Giving is a criterion of mental health.
Generous people are rarely mentally ill." Why, because giving makes us happy!

“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Prov. 11:25 NLT

“Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.” Proverbs 22:9 NLT

“You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Acts 20:35 NLT

7. Giving allows your church to do what it was called to do.

How does God want you to give?

• God wants you to give willingly.

God doesn’t want to pry money from His kid’s hands. That’s not giving – that’s taking! God wants His
children to give as an act of love.

“So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But
I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly. Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few
seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each
decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God
loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 9:5–7 NLT

• God wants you to give generously.

“Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the
churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are
also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave
not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us
again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more
than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God
wanted them to do.” 2 Corinthians 8:1–5 NLT

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HABIT #5: MINISTRY

What is ministry?

• Ministry is using whatever God has given you to serve Him by serving others.

Why are you supposed to do ministry?

1. You are to do ministry to become like Jesus!

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for
many.” Mark 10:45 NLT

2. You need to do ministry to be obedient to God.

“…fully carry out the ministry God has given you.” 2 Timothy 4:5 NLT

3. You need to do ministry to use your God given spiritual gifts to help others!

The Bible makes it clear that God expects His children to use their gifts and talents to serve others.

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one
another.” 1 Peter 4:10 NLT

How are you supposed to minister to others?

• You are supposed to minister as we are shaped.

God made you to minister in specific way in a specific ministry to specific people. Every believer is
supposed to minister using their: Spiritual gifts, Heart passion, Abilities (natural talents), unique
Personality and life Experiences.

“The body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body
because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body.” 1 Cor. 12:14–15 NLT

• You are supposed to minister through the context of the local church.

Every mention in the New Testament of a Christian using his spiritual gifts and natural talents to
minister to another Christian or Christians is in the context of a local church.

• You are supposed to minister faithfully.

“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord,
for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT

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How can you start and maintain good spiritual growth habits?

Step 1: Make a commitment to work on your spiritual maturity.

Step 2: Develop a plan to fulfill your commitment.

Step 3: Find a person that can mentor and encourage you, and hold you accountable.

Step 4: Pray for the strength to practice Bible study, prayer, fellowship, giving and ministry.

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”
Philippians 2:13 NLT

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