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?