8/2/2019 Spiritual Development of a Christian Youth
1/2
1
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. Introduction2. 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. IntroductionThe 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]
8/2/2019 Spiritual Development of a Christian Youth
2/2
2
(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 adverselyaffect 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 ChristJesus 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 5:11-
12]. 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]
.
