SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OF A CHRISTIAN YOUTH (1Peter 1:3-7) A LECTURE PRESENTED AT THE SYMPOSIUM ORGANISED BY KNUST CHURCH OF CHRIST AT THE

GREAT HALL, KNUST ON 29TH OCTOBER, 2011 Objectives To motivate listeners/readers to strive for spiritual growth. To equip listeners/readers with the necessary knowledge to grow spiritually. Lecture outline 1. Introduction 2. Definition of spiritual growth. 3. Attributes of a spiritual person. 4. The need for spiritual growth among the youth. 5. Things that lead to spiritual growth. 6. Obstacles to spiritual growth. 1. Introduction The ultimate goal of every Christian should be to be holy just as God is[Mt 5:48]. In 1Pet 2:2 the bible admonishes us to growth spiritually through the word. Growing spiritually should therefore engage the mind of everyone who seeks to have a meaningful relationship with God. This lessons explains what spiritual growth is, explains why the youth should strive for spiritual growth and how this can be achieved. 2. Definition of spiritual growth. Spiritual growth is the process of increasing in spirituality, Godly knowledge and holiness. It is implied from the definition that spiritual growth is not an instantaneous activity but rather a continuing activity [1Pet 1:3-7].Spiritual growth includes: (a) increasing in the knowledge and understanding of God's Word, (b) decreasing in frequency and severity of sin, (c) increasing in practice of Christ-like qualities, and (d) increasing in faith and trust in God. It is expected that as one grows spiritually, one will be manifesting less of the works of the flesh [Gal 5:19-21] and more of the fruits of the spirit [Gal 5: 22-23]. The best summary of spiritual growth is becoming more like Jesus Christ. In 1Corinthians 11:1, Paul says, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of what it truly means to be spiritual. 3. Attributes of a spiritual person. The attributes of a spiritually matured person include the following: (a) Conscious of his actions [Jo 19:28] (b) Judges all things [1Co 2:15] (c) Meditates on Gods word. [Psalm 1:1-2]
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(d) Not easily fallen to sin [1Jo 3:9] (e) Regularly assesses himself [2Cor 13:5, Gal 6:4] 4. The need for spiritual growth among the youth. (a) Just as the body cannot exist without the spirit, the body cannot progress fruitfully without a corresponding progression of the spirit.[Jas 2:26] (b) So that one may not enter into bad habits/company and do things which will adversely affect one in the future. [1Co 15:33, Gal 6:7, Ps 119:9] (c) That one may be equipped to survive the challenges of adulthood. [Eccl 12:1] (d) It is easier to attain a high degree of spiritual growth during youth days than in adulthood. (e) One can maintain an appreciable level of spirituality during adulthood is one builds a high level of spirituality during the youthful stage. 5. Things that lead to spiritual growth. The prerequisite for spiritual grow is to start a spiritual life through rebirth. Faith in Christ Jesus as the son of THE MOST HIGH GOD, the saviour of mankind and going through baptism among others initiate one into a spiritual life and set the stage for spiritual growth to occur. It is not possible to experience spiritual growth without first having a spiritual life. "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life" [1John 5:1112]. When one believes in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit lives inside of him and a new life begins [John 14:16-17, 2Cor 5:17]. Upon entering into a spiritual life one can use the following to develop spiritually. (a) Regular reading/study of scriptures [2Tim 3:15-17]. (b) Regularity at the assembly of the saints [Heb 10:25]. (c) Getting involved in a ministry group. (d) Visiting others and sharing in their challenges [Gal 6:2]. (e) Praying daily [1Th 5:17]. 6. Obstacles to spiritual growth. (a) Not making a conscious effort to grow. (b) Belonging to a bad company [1Cor 15:33, Ps 1:1, Pr 1:10] .