RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL SUNDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2021

TOPIC: SPIRITUAL MATURITY

MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith towards God”. Hebrews 6:1.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: After salvation, every believer is expected to begin the process of spiritual growth.

Just like a baby grows from living on ordinary milk to some light solid meal and eventually to cracking real bones at adulthood, a Christian must grow from just taking the milk of the word (1 Pet.2:2) to a spiritual bone-cracker (Heb.6:1).

It is not correct to claim that the Spirit of God lives in you without any effect on your lifestyle.

Spiritual maturity is achieved through becoming more like Jesus Christ.

READ >> OPEN HEAVEN 7 FEBRUARY 2021

OUTLINESS

1. Characteristics Of A Spiritual Christian
2. Signs Of Spiritual Maturity

CHARACTERISTICS OF A SPIRITUAL CHRISTIAN

A spiritual Christian lives as a son and not as a slave (Romans 8:14-16, Luke 8:21).

He is led by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16, 18, Ephesians 5:2, 15) and bears the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23, Psalm 92:13-14).

He is mindful of spiritual things (Romans 8:5; Philippians 2:5).

He is free from the law (Romans 8:2, John 8:32) and its condemnation (Romans 8:1, Luke 6:37).

He has mortified the deeds of the flesh (Colossians 3:5-9, Galatians 5:20).

He is divinely guided and has spiritual insight (1 Corinthians 2:10-13, 15).

SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY
Maturing believers possess some of these indicators: An appetite for ‘strong meat, i.e. love for deeper doctrines (Hebrews 5:12-14). Unyieldingness to personal offence, (Philippians 1:15-18).

A conscience informed by Scripture, not opinions (Romans 14:1-3).

A sense of humility when used by God in ministry (1 Timothy 3:6; 2 Corinthians 4:7).

A tendency to give credit for spiritual growth to God, not people (1 Corinthians 3:4-7).

CONCLUSION: Becoming spiritual is Christ’s aim for the Church. We should all strive towards spiritual maturity, so as to be ready for thecoming of Christ.

QUESTIONS

1. What are the characteristics of a Spiritual Christian?

2. What are the signs of spiritual maturity?

FURTHER READING: MON: John 5:24; TUE: Romans 8:2; WED: John 3:18; THUR: Romans 8:34; FR: Col. 3:1-2, SAT Phil. 2:5; SUN: 1John 2:6

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five signs of spiritual immaturity.

RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER’S MANUAL 7 FEBRUARY 2021

TOPIC: SPIRITUAL MATURITY

OPENING PRAYER: Father, I receive the grace to grow spiritually.

BIBLE PASSAGE:. Hebrews 5:12-14.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: After salvation, every believer is expected to begin the process of spiritual growth. Just like a baby grows from living on ordinary milk to some light solid meal and eventually to cracking real bones at adulthood, a Christian must grow from just taking the milk of the word (1 Pet.2:2) to a spiritual bone-cracker (Heb.6:1).

It is not correct to claim that the Spirit of God lives in you without any effect on your lifestyle. Spiritual maturity is achieved through becoming more like Jesus Christ.

TEXT REVIEW: Hebrews 5:12-14.
A. The writer of the book of Hebrews laments the spiritual state of some believers that he expected to have matured spiritually in that:

At the time they ought to be teachers they needed someone to teach them again the first principles of God’s word. -v12a.
They still needed milk and not solid food. -v12b.
B. He further explains that:

LESSON OUTLINES

LESSON OUTLINE 1: CHARACTERISTICS OF A SPIRITUAL CHRISTIAN
Teacher should highlight some of the things that characterise a spiritual Christian.
A. A spiritual Christian lives as a son and not as a slave (Rom. 8:14-16, Luke 8:21).
B. He is led by the Spirit (Gal. 5:16, 18, Eph. 5:2, 15).
C. He bears the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23, Ps. 92:13-14).
D. He is mindful of spiritual things (Rom. 8:5, Phil. 2:5)
E. He is free from the law (Rom. 8:2, Jn. 8:32) and its condemnation
(Rom.8:1, Luke 6:37).
F. He has mortified the deeds of the flesh (Col.3:5-9, Gal. 5:20).
G. He is divinely guided and has spiritual insight (1Cor.2:10-13, 15).
H. Peace is available with Him (Mk. 11:23).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Class should discuss those factors that characterise a carnal Christian.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY
Naturing believers possess some of these indicators:
An appetite for ‘strong meat, i.e. love for deeper doctrines (Heb.5:12-
14).
B. Not yielding to personal offence(Phil 1:15-18).
C. Conscience informed by Scripture, not opinions (Rom.14:1-3).
D. A sense of humility when used by God in ministry (1Tim.3:6; 2Cor.4:7).
E. A tendency to give credit for spiritual growth to God, not people (1Cor.3:4-7).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should mention some other notable signs of a maturing Christian.

SUMMARY: Christian are expected to be spiritual and not carnal. The signs of maturity must be evident in their lives.

CONCLUSION: Becoming spiritual is Christ’s aim for the Church. We should all strive towards spiritual maturity, so as to be ready for the coming of Christ.

EVALUATION: Teacher should ask the students to mention some of the signs of spiritual maturity.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, from today, I choose to grow in the faith by your grace.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five signs of spiritual immaturity.