The Pursuit of Spiritual Stability

Spiritual stability comes from knowing what to do and doing it consistently.

Biblical Christianity is impossible to do alone.

Jesus has given us the church.

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.1 Corinthians 12:12-14

Jesus has given us spiritual mentors.

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:Ephesians 4:11-12

We should regularly gather for the purpose of worship and spiritual growth.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.Hebrews 10:23-25

God has given us spiritual mentors through His church.

Teaching can be done long-distance, mentoring requires close proximity.

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.2 Timothy 2:2

But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.2 Timothy 3:10-11

We should examine the lives and fruit of those we allow to influence us.

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.Hebrews 13:7

Spiritual mentors must be evaluated before we open ourselves to their influence.

We must examine their teaching and discipleship. (Learned) Learned: Active learning, discipleship,

And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,Acts 20:20

We must examine their understanding of Scripture. (Received) Received: Inherited, passed down. The Scriptures.

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.1 Thessalonians 2:13

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;1 Corinthians 15:1

We must examine their testimony. (Heard) Heard: Reputation

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.1 Corinthians 11:1-2

Even a good reputation amongst unbelievers…

Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.1 Timothy 3:7

We must examine their life up close. (Seen) Seen: Your experience

Do you pass the test of being a solid, mature spiritual mentor?

Once we know what God expects of us, we must obey.

When we rebel against God, we forfeit the peace of God. Sin produces spiritual anxiety. Peace: harmonious relations and freedom from disputes; contrasted with confusion.

Disobedience is: Christians living in rebellion Christians living in ignorance Unsaved simply being unsaved.

God’s best is always found in obedience to His ways.

And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.Deuteronomy 28:1-2

Obedience, holiness and righteousness produce the peace of God.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.Isaiah 26:3

And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.Isaiah 32:17

The Enemies of Spiritual Stability

Wrong thoughts Wrong influences Wrong relationships Duplicitous living