RLJ-708OL

HOW TO MATURE SPIRITUAL BABIES
Or How To Graduate From The Nursery

March 19, 2000
A sound mind is a gift from God. 2 Timothy 1:7 In times past God has confused the minds of people, who refuses to do his will. Genesis 11:1-9 At other times God has blinded the minds of people, and had armies destroy themselves. Judges 7:17-22

God judged king Nebuchadnezzar and removed his mental health for a season.  Daniel 4:13-17; 33-37

 Sinners that refuse time after time to repent will be given a reprobate mind - Romans 1:26-32

THE DEVIL AND THE FALLEN ANGELS HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE AND THE CAPACITY TO ATTACK THE MIND OF PEOPLE (INCLUDING CHRISTIANS) AND TO DESTROY A PERSON’S MENTAL HEALTH.  Matthew 17:14-21; Luke 8:26-39

Satan will use immature Christians to bash one another!  James 3:14-16

Add to this gossip, strife, jealousy, pride and slander, and the spiritual nursery is totally out of order. It will drive any pastor sick to his soul. Titus 1:4-11

IT TOOK JESUS SOME THREE AND A HALF YEAR TO PUT HIS NURSERY IN ORDER! Here is how he did it:

1. Before the apostles and the others were allowed to judge other people, they had to clear up their own problems first. Matthew 7:1-5

2. While they were in training, they were all given the same gifts and authority.  Matthew 10:1; Luke 9:1; Luke 10 :1

3. There were many fights among them, since they tried to figure out who should become the greatest of them. Matthew 18:1-4; Luke 9:46-48; 22:15-29

4. Peter was a "loud mouth" spiritual baby - Matthew 16:13-23

5. The disciples wanted to have "the Franchise Right" to the Gospel - Luke 9:49-50

6. The disciples wanted to kill those resisting them - Luke 9:52-57
     We are to minister.  We are not in charge of the results.        

7. The disciples did not like a children’s ministry - Luke 18:15-17

8. Jesus had to deal with "EGOTISTICAL SPIRITUAL BABIES" - Matthew 26:6-13

9. They all stated that they would not betray Jesus - Matthew 26:30-35; verse 56

10. There will always be a Judas - Matthew 26:14-16

11. James and John tried to use their mother to get some leverage with Jesus. It did not work, but it made all the rest of the disciples very angry and upset. Matthew 20:20-24

12. The disciples were often arguing among themselves. Mark 9:33-37; Luke 22:23-28
       Jesus must have had some "lovely" days with his babies!

Jesus laid out his spiritual law, step by step: FORGIVENESS AND RECONCILIATION  Matthew 18:15-22

Staying offended is spiritual suicide! Mark 11:22-26

Jesus does not give us any options, either you comply or he will pass you by!  John 15:1-14

Do you have an ear with which to hear ?  Revelation 3:14-22