Step-by-Step Instructions

Ephesians 4:17-24 James 1:2-4

EPHESIANS 4:17-2417 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. 20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21 Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

JAMES 1:2-42 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

PIECES OF MATURITY1. SOUND DOCTRINE

2. LOVING, HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

3. GODLY CHARACTER

4. PASSIONATE AND VIBRANT SPIRITUALITY

5. MINISTRY AND SERVICE TO OTHERS

6. ACTIVELY AND REGULARY SHARING THE GOSPEL WITH THE LOST

THE RIGHT TOOLS

1. The Word of God

2. The Holy Spirit

3. Trials

4. Body of Christ

ASSUMPTIONS

1. You are a Christian

2. You want to grow to maturity

DEVELOPING GODLY CHARACTER

NEEDS

Physical/Survival Needs

Shelter/Safety Needs

Belonging/Connecting Needs

Significance Needs

Spiritual Needs

85% of population is in bottom three levels

NEEDS (Physical/Survival, Safety/Shelter, Relational/Belonging,

Emotional/Significance and Spiritual Needs)

VALUES AND BELIEFS (Our life experiences teach us how to meet those needs and, based on these experiences, we develop our values…those

consistent, passionate and distinctive convictions behind all we do – the “why” behind the “what”)

EMOTIONAL RESPONSES (Our ability or inability to have our needs met is usually

reflected through our emotions)

MOTIVATIONS/ATTITUDES/THOUGHTS (Our values determine our priorities,

influence our decisions, motivate our thoughts and drive our lives)

BEHAVIORS (Our internal values and beliefs are always demonstrated

ultimately in our behaviors.)

NEEDS

VALUES AND BELIEFS

MOTIVATIONS/ATTITUDES/THOUGHTS

EMOTIONAL RESPONSES

BEHAVIORS

Ephesians 4:20-24

INFORMATION The Word

INFORMATION The Word Teaches God’s Value System

1.Read the Word – I Peter 2:2; Nehemiah 9:3

2.Study the Word – II Timothy 2:15; Nehemiah 8:8

3.Memorize the Word – Psalm 119:11

4.Meditate on the Word – Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; Psalm 119:15

5.Develop a biblically-based statement of faith covering the main areas of Christian doctrine – I Peter 3:15; Titus 2:1

DEVELOPING SOUND DOCTRINE

INFORMATION

REVELATION

The Holy Spirit through the Word, body of Christ and trials reveals areas

that need changing

INFORMATION

REVELATION

The Holy Spirit through the Word, body of Christ

and trials that need changing

•Often revealed through emotional spikes

NEEDS

VALUES AND BELIEFS

MOTIVATIONS/ATTITUDES/THOUGHTS

EMOTIONAL RESPONSES

BEHAVIORS

INFORMATION

REVELATION

The Holy Spirit through the Word, body of Christ

and trials that need changing

•Often revealed through emotional spikes

•Prayer for wisdom to discern underlying values

INFORMATION

REVELATION

TRANSFORMATION Romans 12:1-2 II Cor 3:17-18

TRANSFORMATION

CIRCLE OF TRANSFORMATION

Repent & reject ungodly values and the devil’s lies

I John 1:9; Rom 6:11-14; II Cor 10:4-5

Pray and press in to God Psalm 63:1; Eph 6:18

Rely on the Holy Spirit Rom 8:12-13; Gal 5:16

Step out in faith James 1:2-8

Seek God’s healing Psalm 30:2; 34:4

Persevere James 1:4

Pursue relationships of encouragement & accountability James 5:16; Ephesians 4:15-16

Replace ungodly values with godly ones

Eph 4:22-24; Rom 12:1-2

INFORMATION

REVELATION

TRANSFORMATION

INCARNATION

INFORMATION

REVELATION

TRANSFORMATION

INCARNATION