HOW A DISCIPLE GROWS

Normally, every living thing grows and matures. It is abnormal, even unhealthy, when

growth fails to occur.

We divide human growth into identifiable stages that

normally are associated with a corresponding chronological age that allows us to define normal, healthy growth and identify abnormal growth or

development.

In a similar way stages of growth for a disciple of Jesus Christ have been identified and described to help us know how healthy Christian growth is described in the Bible. We will look at 5 stages.

Stage 1: Spiritually Dead (Ephesians 2:1-5)

Characteristics

•Unbelief•Rebellion against God•Rejection of God’s will

What they say

What they need1. The Gospel explained clearly2. The Gospel lived out3. Answers to their questions4. A challenge to believe in Christ

D. EVERYONE starts out spiritually

dead.

5. Stage 2: Spiritual Infant

(John 3:3;1 Pet. 2:2)

A. Characteristics1. Ignorance of the Bible

and spiritual things2. Confusion about how

to live the new life3. Dependence on others

for growth

B. What they say

C. What they need (1 Peter 2:2-3)

1. Personal attention of a disciple-maker (1 Thess

2:6-8)2. Care and protection

3. Teaching and modeling of truths and values

C. What they need (1 Peter 2:2-3)

4. To develop new habits for life as disciples

5. Solid Bible teaching and preaching

6. Stage 3: Spiritual Child (1 Tim. 1:1-2)

A. Characteristics1. Self-centeredness;

selfishness2. Idealism

3. Over/Under-confidence- pride/defeat

B. What they say

C. What they need1. Relational connection to church and small group2. Teaching how to ‘feed themselves’ spiritually

3. To learn who they are in Christ

C. What they need4. How to maintain their relationship with Christ

5. How to relate to believers and others

6. Realistic expectations about others

7. Stage 4: Spiritual Young

Adult (1 John 2:12-13)

A. Characteristics Rom. 12:10-13; Phil. 2:3-4; 1 Jn. 3:16-18

1. Move to a God- and others- centered spiritual outlook

B. What they say

C. What they need1. A place to learn how to

serve2. A spiritual parent to

debrief ministry experiences3. Relationships that offer

encouragement and accountability

C. What they need4. Help establishing boundaries5. Help identifying their spiritual gifts6. Skills training

8. Stage 5: Spiritual Parent (a disciple who

makes disciples)

A. Characteristics1. Intentionally cooperates with God to reproduce disciples2. Able to reproduce the process they learned

A. Characteristics3. Able to work with a team of other disciples4. Able to feed themselves; know how to find answers

B. What they say

C. What they need1. Relationships with other disciple-makers2. A church family- their team3. Peer accountability and encouragement

Don’t mistake physical age for spiritual maturity!

In which stageare you?

How long have you been there?

What are you doing to grow?

How can Ibe of help?