Holy Habits
Holy Habits 1
Introduction
We are not meant to remain as children but we are meant to grow up in every way into Christ, the head. Ephesians 4:14–15
Facts about Spiritual MaturityIt’s not automatic.
You have been Christians a long time now, and you ought to be teaching others, but instead. you need someone to teach you. When a person is still living on milk it shows he isn’t very far along in the Christian life. He is still a baby Christian! Hebrews 5:12–13
It’s a process.
There are no shortcuts to spiritual maturity.
It takes time.
It takes discipline.
Develop Habits.
Do not lie to one another, for you have put off the old self with its habits and have put on the new self. This is the new being which God, its Creator, is constantly renewing in his own image, in order to bring you to a full knowledge of himself.
Colossians 3:9-10
Daily Time: In God’s Word
“If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”John 8:31-32
Prayer: Talking with God
“If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, then you will ask for anything you wish, and you shall have it. In this way you become my disciples.”
John 15:7-8
Generosity: Giving Back to God
The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives. Deuteronomy 14:23
Fellowship: Enjoying God’s Family
“Love each other just as much as I love you. Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35
Definitions of Habit
“A continual, often unconscious inclination to do a certain activity, acquired through frequent repetition.”
Class Goal
I will commit to the habits necessary for spiritual maturity.
Daily Time in God’s Word
The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God’s way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone. 2 Timothy 3:16–17
The Hand
Hear, Read, Study, Memorize, Meditate and Apply
Hear God’s Word
PROBLEM: We forget 95% of what we hear after 72 hours!
How to Improve Your Hearing
Deal with attitudes that prevent hearing God.
A closed mind: Is fear, pride, or bitterness preventing me from hearing God?
A superficial mind Am I really serious about wanting to hear God speak? “I really don’t care about any of this. It’s just not that important to me.”
A preoccupied mind Am I too busy and concerned with other things to concentrate on what God has to say?
Confess any sin in your life.
So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. James 1:21
Keep a Spiritual Notebook
Act on what you hear!
Read God’s Word
Happy is the one who reads this book and obeys what is written in this book! Revelation 1:3
How often should I read God’s Word?
SUGGESTIONS FOR HEARING GOD’S WORD
Read it in different translations: Good News, Translation, New Living Translation.
Read it aloud quietly to yourself.
Underline or color code key verses.
Choose a reading plan and stick with it.
You Version Bible App
If I read approximately 15 minutes a day, I can read through the entire Bible in one year.
Study God’s Word
The secret of effective Bible study is knowing how to ask good questions
Memorize God’s Word
Guard my words as your most precious possession. Write them down, and also keep them deep within your heart. Proverbs 7:2-3
Benefits of Memorizing Scripture
It helps me resist temptation.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11
It helps me make wise decisions.
Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path. Psalm 119
It strengthens me when I’m under stress.
Your promises to me are my only hope. They give me strength in all my troubles; how they refresh and revive me! Psalm 119:49–50
It comforts me when I’m sad.
You spoke to me, and I listened to every word. I belong to you, Lord God Almighty, and so your words filled my heart with joy and happiness. Jeremiah 15:16
It helps me witness to unbelievers.
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15
TIPS FOR MEMORIZING A VERSE
1. Pick a verse that speaks to you.
2. Say the reference before and after the verse.
3. Read the verse aloud many times. Record it!
4. Break the verse into natural phrases.
5. Emphasize key words when quoting the verse.
6. Write down the verse and erase a word at a time.
7. Carry some cards with you at all times for review.
8. Display your verses in prominent places.
9. Put the verse to music. Write a song!
10 .Get a partner so you can check each other.
*Suggested beginning rate: Two new verses a week.
Meditate on God’s Word
Those who are always meditating on his laws are like trees along a river bank bearing luscious fruit. They shall never wither, and all they do shall prosper.
Psalm 1:2-3
Meditation is focused thinking about a Bible verse that speaks to you, in order to apply its truth in your own life.
Why Meditate on Scripture?
It is the key to becoming like Christ.
It is the key to answered prayer.
It is the key to successful living.
They meditated on the Word day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8
SIX WAYS TO MEDITATE ON A VERSE
Picture it!-Visualize the scene in your mind.
Pronounce it! -Say the verse aloud, each time emphasizing a different word.
Paraphrase it! -Rewrite the verse in your own words.
Personalize it!- Replace the pronouns or people in the verse with your own name.
Pray it! -Turn the verse into a prayer and say it back to God.
APPLICATIONS QUESTIONS
Is there any, Attitude to adjust? Promise to claim? Priority to change? Lesson to learn? Issue to resolve?Command to obey? Activity to avoid or stop?Truth to believe? Idol to tear down? Offense to forgive? New direction to take?
Sin to confess?
Apply God’s Word
Interpretation -Implication -Personalization
First ask: What did it mean to the original hearers?
Then ask: What is the underlying timeless principle?
Then ask: Where or how could I practice that principle?
Write out a sentence that describes a project or action you will take to apply the truth.
Most applications will focus on one of the three relationships with God, with myself with others
Four Marks of a Good Application Action
It’s personal
It’s practical
It’s possible
It’s provable
“You know these things now do them! That is the path of blessing.” John 13:17
