True Spirituality

True Spirituality

What if there were a series of lessons that could help you carefully define & then joyfully pursue life w/God? That is the aim/purpose of this series. Have you thought about – and do you have a clear picture of the kind of life you’d live if you were able to be more spiritual? Have I really been transformed into the kind of person I need to be?

I. Being spiritual may not be what you think.

A. When we misunderstand spirituality it leads to frustration & misery.

1. Spirituality wrongly understood or perceived is a major source of human misery & rebellion against God.

2. Some settle for “pseudo-transformation.”

B. Matthew 23:5-12 - some equate spirituality with the amount of biblical/theological information they acquire.

1. We don’t discount the value of knowledge – 2 Peter 3:18; Psalm 119:1-2, 5-8, 17-18, 97-98, 104-105

2. Knowledge is a key ingredient to spirituality – but not THE ingredient.

C. Matthew 23:14-15 - have I ever looked for superficial & more visible ways to demonstrate my spirituality?

D. Matthew 23:25-26 – Are we ever more judgmental/competitive than loving?

E. Matthew 23:27-28 - how many associate spirituality only w/outward behavior?

II. What is the proper understanding of spiritual life?

A. How do you define spirituality? How do you assess spiritual progress?

B. Scripture speaks w/brilliant and amazing clarity. 1 John 2:6

C. Spiritual transformation is expected. It is NOT optional. Ephesians 4:22-24

D. Understand transformation = a process – not an event. 2 Pet. 3:18

E. While transformation is God’s work – it requires our participation.

1. Luke 6:40 – be like Jesus.

F. Transformation is not a compartmentalized pursuit.

1. 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 – God wants an intimate relationship – it is made possible only through complete devotion!

2. God is not interested in your “spiritual” life – He’s interested in your LIFE – all of it!

III. God is inviting you to learn how to master the art of life.

A. What does spiritual life look like lived out?

B. Colossians 3:17 – not talking about bible authority here…

C. Colossians 3:17 – in a comprehensive view:

1. whatever you do; in word or deed; do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.

D. Every moment is an opportunity to do life in Jesus’ name.

1. YOU can live in such a way that glorifies Jesus in everything you do.

2. YOU can live in such a way in which you will know the joy of true spiritual life.

Conclusion:

A. 1 John 1:5-7; 2:1-6

B. Are you walking in the light?

C. Have you been transformed into the kind of person you need to be? Are you making spiritual progress?



True Spirituality What if there were a series of lessons that could help you carefully define & then joyfully pursue life w/God? That is the aim/purpose of this series. Have you thought about – and do you have a clear picture of the kind of life you’d live if you were able to be more spiritual? Have I really been transformed into the kind of person I need to be? I. Being spiritual may not be what you think. A. When we misunderstand spirituality it leads to frustration & misery. 1. Spirituality wrongly understood or perceived is a major source of human misery & rebellion against God. 2. Some settle for “pseudo-transformation.” B. Matthew 23:5-12 - some equate spirituality with the amount of biblical/theological information they acquire. 1. We don’t discount the value of knowledge – 2 Peter 3:18; Psalm 119:1-2, 5-8, 17-18, 97-98, 104-105 2. Knowledge is a key ingredient to spirituality – but not THE ingredient. C. Matthew 23:14-15 - have I ever looked for superficial & more visible ways to demonstrate my spirituality? D. Matthew 23:25-26 – Are we ever more judgmental/competitive than loving? E. Matthew 23:27-28 - how many associate spirituality only w/outward behavior? *II. What is the proper understanding of spiritual* life?** A. How do you define spirituality? How do you assess spiritual progress? B. Scripture speaks w/brilliant and amazing clarity. 1 John 2:6 C. Spiritual transformation is expected. It is NOT optional. Ephesians 4:22-24 D. Understand transformation = a process – not an event. 2 Pet. 3:18 E. While transformation is God’s work – it requires our participation. 1. Luke 6:40 – be like Jesus. F. Transformation is not a compartmentalized pursuit. 1. 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 – God wants an intimate relationship – it is made possible only through complete devotion! 2. *God is not interested in your “spiritual” life – He’s interested in your LIFE – all of it!* III. God is inviting you to learn how to master the art of life. A. What does spiritual life look like lived out? B. Colossians 3:17 – not talking about bible authority here… C. Colossians 3:17 – in a comprehensive view: 1. whatever you do; in word or deed; do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. D. Every moment is an opportunity to do life in Jesus’ name. 1. YOU can live in such a way that glorifies Jesus in everything you do. 2. YOU can live in such a way in which you will know the joy of true spiritual life. Conclusion: A. 1 John 1:5-7; 2:1-6 B. Are you walking in the light? C. Have you been transformed into the kind of person you need to be? Are you making spiritual progress?