Study Guide / Outline
Embracing Growth as a Lifestyle
- Main Points:
- Growth is a process, not a destination, and must be embraced as a lifestyle.
- Focusing on health rather than numerical growth leads to natural and sustainable expansion.
- Avoiding a superficial appearance of growth, likening true growth to the robustness of a bagel compared to the fragility of a puff pastry.
The Foundation of the Born-Again Spirit
- Main Points:
- Understanding the born-again spirit is a lifelong journey, integral to Christian growth.
- The born-again spirit is foundational to understanding personal growth in a Christian context.
The Key Elements of Spiritual Growth
- Main Points:
- Praying in the spirit is closely related to the born-again spirit and essential for growth.
- Different types of tongues (spiritual languages) as described in 1 Corinthians 12:10 and further explored in 1 Corinthians 14:5.
- Diversities of tongues include tongues for interpretation, deep intercessional groanings (Romans 8:26), tongues as a sign to unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22; Acts 2:4-11), and tongues for personal edification (1 Corinthians 14:4).
The Importance of Praying in the Spirit
- Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12:10, 1 Corinthians 14:5, Romans 8:26, 1 Corinthians 14:22, Acts 2:4-11, 1 Corinthians 14:4, John 16:13, Isaiah 28:9-12.
- Main Points:
- Praying in the spirit provides a perfect prayer and bypasses doubt, enhancing faith.
- It is a way to unleash the teacher within, leading to spiritual revelation and understanding.
- Emphasizes the power of praying in the spirit for personal edification and spiritual enlightenment.
The Revelation of Paul and Praying in the Spirit
- Main Points:
- Apostle Paul’s extensive revelation is attributed to his dedication to praying in the spirit.
- The connection between praying in the spirit and receiving revelation from God.
- The forthcoming analysis of 1 Corinthians chapter 2 as a key text for understanding the role of the Holy Spirit in imparting wisdom and revelation.
Lesson Content