Embracing Spiritual Intelligence in Our Christian Journey

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the concept of "Spiritual Intelligence" or SQ, a term that has emerged in recent years but is often misunderstood. While the world may define it as reaching a level of God-consciousness akin to New Age philosophies, true spiritual intelligence is rooted in the Word of God. It is about understanding the supernatural nature of our Christian journey, from being born again to living a life led by the Spirit. This journey is not something we can achieve through intellectual or emotional means alone; it requires a deep connection with God and an awareness of His presence and guidance in our lives.

We delved into the story of Jesus and Nicodemus, highlighting the necessity of being born from above to see the kingdom of God. This rebirth is a supernatural event, chosen by God before time, and it marks the beginning of a life that is meant to be lived supernaturally. However, many Christians have lost the "super" in their natural lives, trying to navigate their faith journey with their natural minds, which are insufficient for understanding God's ways.

Spiritual intelligence involves a higher ability to know God, understand His ways, and apply His resources in our daily lives. It is not something that can be bought or borrowed; it is a gift from God that every believer is entitled to and can grow in. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, speaks of the spiritual blessings and inheritance we have in Christ, emphasizing that we are predestined according to God's eternal plan.

We are called to rise in spiritual intelligence, to be aware of what God is saying and doing, and to forsake our own ways. This requires a commitment to prayer, as prayer is the means by which we connect with God and receive His wisdom and revelation. As we grow in spiritual intelligence, we become more attuned to the true nature of things, discerning what is real and what is not, and aligning ourselves with God's purposes.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Supernatural Nature of Christianity: Christianity is inherently supernatural, from being born again to living a life led by the Spirit. This journey cannot be navigated with our natural minds alone; it requires a deep connection with God and an understanding of His supernatural ways. [05:48]

2. The Importance of Spiritual Intelligence: Spiritual intelligence is a higher ability to know God and understand His ways. It involves being aware of who we are in Christ and the resources we have access to, and applying them in our daily lives. [08:09]

3. Prayer as a Pathway to Spiritual Growth: Prayer is essential for growing in spiritual intelligence. It is through prayer that we connect with God, receive His wisdom and revelation, and align ourselves with His purposes. [19:22]

4. Discerning the True Nature of Things: Spiritual wisdom involves God-given insight into the true nature of situations. It allows us to see beyond the surface and understand what is really happening, guiding us in how to respond. [29:08]

5. Living Out Our Calling: We are called to proclaim the name of Jesus in every aspect of our lives. This involves sharing the good news with others and living out our faith in a way that points people to Christ. [43:20]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:00] - Introduction to Spiritual Intelligence
- [03:04] - The Supernatural Nature of Christianity
- [04:00] - Jesus and Nicodemus: Born from Above
- [05:48] - The Supernatural Journey
- [07:20] - Losing the "Super" in Our Natural Lives
- [08:09] - Understanding Spiritual Intelligence
- [12:02] - God's Unchangeable Plan
- [14:55] - A Call to Be Ablaze for Jesus
- [19:22] - The Power of Prayer
- [20:04] - The Challenge of Prayer
- [27:01] - Spiritual Wisdom and Insight
- [29:08] - Discerning the True Nature of Things
- [35:15] - Revelation in the Knowledge of Jesus
- [43:20] - Living Out Our Calling
- [50:32] - The Importance of Spiritual Intelligence in Community

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Spiritual Intelligence

Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 1:15-19
2. John 3:1-8
3. Romans 8:7

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the term "born from above" mean in the context of Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus? How does this relate to the concept of spiritual intelligence? [04:00]

2. According to Ephesians 1:15-19, what are the spiritual blessings that Paul mentions, and how do they relate to our understanding of spiritual intelligence?

3. How does the sermon describe the role of prayer in developing spiritual intelligence? [19:22]

4. What is the significance of the phrase "the eyes of your understanding being enlightened" in Ephesians 1:18, and how does it connect to the sermon’s message about spiritual insight?

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of being "born again" as described in John 3:1-8 challenge our natural understanding of spiritual growth? [04:45]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Christians have "dropped the super" in their natural lives, and how can spiritual intelligence help restore this? [07:20]

3. How does the sermon explain the difference between intellectual knowledge and spiritual intelligence, particularly in the context of Ephesians 1:17-18? [27:01]

4. What role does discernment play in spiritual intelligence, and how can it help believers navigate the complexities of life according to the sermon? [29:08]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current prayer life. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer to enhance your spiritual intelligence? Consider setting a specific time each day for prayer. [19:22]

2. Identify an area in your life where you feel you have been relying too much on your natural mind. How can you invite God’s supernatural wisdom into that situation? [07:20]

3. Think of a recent decision you made. How might spiritual intelligence have influenced that decision differently? What steps can you take to seek God’s guidance in future decisions? [29:08]

4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing who we are in Christ. How can you remind yourself daily of your identity in Christ and the spiritual resources available to you? [08:09]

5. Consider a situation where you need discernment. How can you practice listening to God’s voice and discerning His will in that situation? [31:25]

6. How can you actively share the good news of Jesus in your current environment, whether at work, home, or in your community? What specific actions can you take this week? [43:20]

7. Reflect on a time when you felt God’s presence guiding you. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of His presence in your daily life? [51:19]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing the Supernatural Journey
The Christian life is inherently supernatural, beginning with the rebirth that Jesus spoke of to Nicodemus. This rebirth is not a mere change of mind or emotion but a profound transformation initiated by God. It marks the start of a journey that cannot be navigated by human intellect or emotion alone. Instead, it requires a deep connection with God and an understanding of His supernatural ways. Many Christians struggle because they attempt to live out their faith using only their natural minds, which are insufficient for comprehending the divine. To truly experience the fullness of the Christian life, one must embrace the supernatural nature of this journey and seek to be led by the Spirit. [05:48]

"For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power." (1 Corinthians 4:20, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying solely on your natural understanding? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you supernaturally today?


Day 2: Cultivating Spiritual Intelligence
Spiritual intelligence is a higher ability to know God and understand His ways. It involves being aware of who we are in Christ and the resources we have access to, and applying them in our daily lives. This intelligence is not something that can be acquired through human effort; it is a gift from God that every believer is entitled to and can grow in. As Paul writes to the Ephesians, we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ, and we are predestined according to God's eternal plan. To cultivate spiritual intelligence, one must be committed to seeking God and understanding His purposes. [08:09]

"And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual." (1 Corinthians 2:13, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally seek to grow in spiritual intelligence this week? What steps will you take to deepen your understanding of God's ways?


Day 3: The Power of Prayer
Prayer is essential for growing in spiritual intelligence. It is through prayer that we connect with God, receive His wisdom and revelation, and align ourselves with His purposes. Prayer is not just a ritual or a duty; it is a vital means of communication with God that transforms our hearts and minds. As we commit to prayer, we open ourselves to the guidance and insight that only God can provide. This connection with God through prayer is what enables us to discern His will and live out our faith with power and purpose. [19:22]

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you need God's wisdom and revelation? How can you commit to praying about this consistently?


Day 4: Discerning the True Nature of Things
Spiritual wisdom involves God-given insight into the true nature of situations. It allows us to see beyond the surface and understand what is really happening, guiding us in how to respond. This discernment is crucial in a world where appearances can be deceiving and where spiritual realities often go unnoticed. By growing in spiritual intelligence, we become more attuned to the true nature of things and can navigate life with greater clarity and purpose. This discernment helps us align our actions with God's will and respond to situations in a way that honors Him. [29:08]

"But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." (Hebrews 5:14, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you struggled to understand what was really happening. How can you seek God's discernment to gain clarity and respond appropriately?


Day 5: Living Out Our Calling
We are called to proclaim the name of Jesus in every aspect of our lives. This involves sharing the good news with others and living out our faith in a way that points people to Christ. Our calling is not just about what we do but who we are in Christ. As we grow in spiritual intelligence, we become more aware of our identity and purpose in Him. This awareness empowers us to live out our calling with confidence and conviction, impacting the world around us for His glory. [43:20]

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally live out your calling as an ambassador for Christ today? What specific actions can you take to share His love and truth with those around you?

Quotes



Why is spiritual intelligence important? Well, it's important, as I said last week, because everything about being a Christian is supernatural. Everything about being a Christian, listen, listen carefully, is supernatural from beginning to end and everywhere in between. [00:03:29] (32 seconds)


And then Jesus understands that he is not engaging with Nicodemus in a spiritual way. Nicodemus is speaking from a natural perspective. And so he begins to clarify, unless a man is born of the spirit and of what? Water, he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven. [00:05:04] (22 seconds)


And so this idea of spiritual intelligence is critical because it is a higher ability, to know God, to know His ways, to be aware of who we are, to be aware of the resources we have access to, and to be able to put them into practice in our everyday, ordinary life. [00:08:09] (26 seconds)


If you're not praying, you're perishing. If you're not praying, you're, I'm not talking about nothing. I'm not talking about nothing. I'm talking about now I lay me down to sleep. If you're not praying, you're perishing. God is calling for his children to rise up in greater prayer. [00:19:22] (14 seconds)


But this kind of wisdom that Paul is talking about is not an earthly wisdom. It's an insight into what's really happening in a particular situation. And God shares that insight with you. [00:29:08] (21 seconds)


You might be a homemaker. You might be in politics. Wherever you are, whatever your platform, he's called you to open your mouth. open your mouth and share the good news of Jesus. There is no other reason that we're here. Does that sound boring? [00:43:20] (20 seconds)


He wants us to know the hope of our calling what is the riches of the glory of this inheritance in the saints there are things that god has given us that we inherit as part of kingdom kids you'll become more I said you'll become more and more aware of that as you go deeper and deeper into prayer. [00:45:32] (26 seconds)


I'm telling you, you just try it and you let me know. Amen? Verse 19. And what is the exceeding greatness? Of his power, say power, toward us. Toward who? Us. Me. Who? Believe. According to. [00:46:39] (26 seconds)


And then collectively, when we come together, we are right in the vein of what Jesus wants for our life as a community of believers. That's the goal. Not what we want, but what he wants. Amen? [00:50:32] (14 seconds)


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Transcript
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