Growing Up Spiritually - Part 3 - The Manhood Stage

Growing Up Spiritually: The Manhood Stage Dr. Creflo A. Dollar
3/14/07 • 7:00 P.M.

 Scripture References

Hebrews 11:24-26, AMP;
Psalm 1:1-3
3 John 2
1 Corinthians 4:2-4
1 Corinthians 13:5, AMP
Genesis 45:5, 7

Summary

Spiritual maturity is demonstrated through the decisions you make. Spiritually mature Christians make decisions in line with the Word of God. There are three primary characteristics of a Christian who is in the "manhood" stage of their walk with God: he or she esteems earthly things lightly, is deaf to criticism and praise and is able to understand when God is at work.

1. Spiritual maturity is demonstrated through the decisions you make.
1. Decisions that are in line with the Word of God demonstrate spiritual maturity.
2. Decisions that are not in line with the Word of God demonstrate spiritual immaturity.
3. Spiritually mature Christians make decisions based on faith.
1. By faith, Moses refused his privileges as the son of pharaoh's daughter (Hebrews 11:24-26, AMP).
   
   
2. Spiritually mature Christians esteem the things of God higher than the things of this world.
1. Moses esteemed the things of God higher than the things of this world.
2. Spiritually mature Christians understand that spiritual wealth is greater than material wealth.
1. Prosperity is the will of God for your life (Psalm 1:1-3).
1. God wants you to be whole and prosper as your soul prospers (3 John 2).
   
   
3. Spiritually mature Christians are deaf to criticism and praise.
1. A spiritually mature Christian is not in bondage to anyone.
1. Paul was not concerned about being judged by people (1 Corinthians 4:2-4).
1. Spiritually mature Christians do not make adjustments to please their critics.
2. Spiritually mature Christians never think higher of themselves than they ought to think.
1. Spiritually mature Christians walk in humility and thank God for everything.
3. Spiritually mature Christians walk in the love of God and take no account of a suffered wrong (1 Corinthians 13:5, AMP).
4. Don't internalize criticism or praise.
   
   
4. Spiritually mature Christians are able to recognize when God is at work.
1. When God is at work, you can rejoice no matter what the circumstances.
1. Joseph's story is an example of God at work (Genesis 45:5, 7).
1. It is not strange to experience trials, tests and temptations.
2. You can't develop your faith unless there is pressure.
3. People tend to blame the devil for the storms in their life; however God is always working to mature you through the things you face and overcome.
4. Everything is a walk of faith, and if you have the faith you will develop and pass the test.
1. In order to be a conqueror you must conquer some things.