Embracing Spiritual Intelligence in the Christian Journey
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound concept of "Spiritual Intelligence" (SQ), a term that has recently gained traction in psychological circles but is deeply rooted in biblical principles. We began by reflecting on the supernatural nature of the Christian journey, from the moment of being born again to our final breath. This journey is not something we can navigate with our natural intellect alone; it requires a higher level of spiritual awareness and understanding.
We explored the story of Nicodemus and Jesus, where Jesus emphasized the necessity of being born from above to see the Kingdom of God. This rebirth is a supernatural event, orchestrated by God, and it sets the stage for a life led by the Spirit. We discussed how our natural minds, no matter how brilliant, are insufficient for understanding and obeying God's will. Instead, we need spiritual intelligence, which is a God-given insight into the true nature of things.
Paul's letter to the Ephesians served as our primary text, where he speaks about the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus. This wisdom is not merely practical knowledge but a divine insight that allows us to see beyond the surface and understand the deeper spiritual realities. We also touched on the importance of prayer in developing this spiritual intelligence. Prayer is not just a ritual but a lifeline that connects us to God's wisdom and power.
We concluded by emphasizing the importance of knowing the hope of our calling and the riches of our inheritance in Christ. This awareness transforms our perspective and empowers us to live out our faith in every aspect of our lives. We are called to be lights in the world, sharing the good news of Jesus and living out the supernatural life He has called us to.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Supernatural Nature of the Christian Life: From being born again to our final breath, the Christian journey is inherently supernatural. This journey cannot be navigated with natural intellect alone; it requires spiritual intelligence, a higher level of awareness and understanding that comes from God. [01:04:35]
2. The Necessity of Spiritual Intelligence: Spiritual intelligence is a God-given insight into the true nature of things. It allows us to see beyond the surface and understand deeper spiritual realities. This wisdom is crucial for living a life that aligns with God's will and purposes. [01:25:24]
3. The Role of Prayer in Developing Spiritual Intelligence: Prayer is not just a ritual but a lifeline that connects us to God's wisdom and power. Consistent, fervent prayer helps us develop spiritual intelligence, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with divine insight. [01:18:05]
4. Understanding Our Calling and Inheritance: Knowing the hope of our calling and the riches of our inheritance in Christ transforms our perspective. This awareness empowers us to live out our faith in every aspect of our lives, making us effective witnesses for Jesus. [01:37:51]
5. Living Out Our Faith in the World: We are called to be lights in the world, sharing the good news of Jesus and living out the supernatural life He has called us to. This involves being aware of the spiritual realities around us and acting in accordance with God's will. [01:41:51]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[50:33] - Update on Pastor's Father
[52:23] - The Mandate of Life
[55:14] - Public Journey and Testimony
[55:58] - Trusting God in All Circumstances
[58:45] - Introduction to Spiritual Intelligence
[01:00:05] - Defining Spiritual Intelligence
[01:01:27] - Ephesians Chapter 1
[01:02:24] - The Supernatural Nature of Christianity
[01:03:34] - Jesus and Nicodemus
[01:04:35] - The Born-Again Process
[01:05:57] - Dropping the "Super" in Supernatural
[01:07:56] - Understanding "Therefore" in Ephesians
[01:09:35] - Spiritual Blessings in Heavenly Places
[01:10:28] - God's Unchangeable Plan
[01:11:21] - No Retirement in the Kingdom
[01:12:15] - Prayer in Uganda
[01:13:57] - Wake-Up Call for the Church
[01:15:46] - The Sway of the Evil One
[01:18:05] - The Importance of Prayer
[01:19:53] - God Teaching Us to Pray
[01:21:27] - Knowing in Your Spirit
[01:23:27] - The Limitations of the Natural Mind
[01:25:24] - Spiritual Wisdom Defined
[01:27:36] - God-Given Insight
[01:29:47] - Deception on the Rise
[01:31:42] - Pointing People to Jesus
[01:33:41] - The Spirit of Revelation
[01:35:36] - Measuring Spiritual Intelligence
[01:37:51] - The Hope of Our Calling
[01:39:51] - Jesus' Example in the Synagogue
[01:41:51] - Sharing the Good News
[01:43:34] - Changing Our Perspective
[01:45:30] - The Exceeding Greatness of His Power
[01:47:31] - The Radical Nature of Following Jesus
[01:49:19] - The Necessity of Being Born Again
[01:51:33] - Invitation to Be Born Again
[01:53:40] - Prayer of Salvation
[01:54:59] - Sealing the Decision
[01:55:31] - Next Steps and General Prayer
[01:56:33] - Closing Remarks and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 1:15-19 (NIV)
> "For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength."
2. John 3:3-5 (NIV)
> "Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.' 'How can someone be born when they are old?' Nicodemus asked. 'Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!' Jesus answered, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.'"
3. Romans 8:7 (NIV)
> "The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 1:15-19, what does Paul pray for the believers in Ephesus to receive from God?
2. In John 3:3-5, what does Jesus say is necessary to see and enter the kingdom of God? How does Nicodemus initially misunderstand Jesus' statement? [01:03:34]
3. What does Romans 8:7 say about the natural mind's relationship with God? How does this relate to the concept of spiritual intelligence discussed in the sermon? [01:05:57]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:15-19 help us understand the importance of spiritual intelligence in the Christian life? [01:25:24]
2. What does Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John 3:3-5 reveal about the nature of spiritual rebirth and its necessity for understanding spiritual truths? [01:04:35]
3. How does the concept of the natural mind being hostile to God in Romans 8:7 challenge our reliance on human intellect in spiritual matters? [01:05:57]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own prayer life. How can you incorporate more intentional prayers for spiritual wisdom and revelation, as Paul did for the Ephesians? [01:18:05]
2. Jesus emphasized the necessity of being born again to see the kingdom of God. Have you experienced this spiritual rebirth? If so, how has it changed your understanding of spiritual matters? If not, what steps can you take to seek this transformation? [01:04:35]
3. The sermon highlighted the importance of spiritual intelligence over natural intellect. In what areas of your life are you relying too much on your own understanding rather than seeking God’s wisdom? [01:05:57]
4. How can you make prayer a more central part of your daily routine to develop spiritual intelligence? Consider setting specific times for prayer and asking God to teach you to pray more effectively. [01:18:05]
5. Knowing the hope of our calling and the riches of our inheritance in Christ can transform our perspective. How can you remind yourself of these truths daily to live out your faith more effectively? [01:37:51]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of being lights in the world and sharing the good news of Jesus. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear about Jesus. How can you share your faith with them this week? [01:41:51]
7. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How might spiritual intelligence have helped you navigate that situation differently? What steps can you take to seek God’s wisdom in future challenges? [01:25:24]
Devotional
Day 1: The Supernatural Nature of the Christian Life
The Christian journey is inherently supernatural, beginning with the transformative experience of being born again and continuing until our final breath. This journey cannot be navigated with natural intellect alone; it requires spiritual intelligence, a higher level of awareness and understanding that comes from God. The story of Nicodemus and Jesus highlights the necessity of being born from above to see the Kingdom of God. This rebirth is a supernatural event, orchestrated by God, and it sets the stage for a life led by the Spirit. Our natural minds, no matter how brilliant, are insufficient for understanding and obeying God's will. Instead, we need spiritual intelligence, which is a God-given insight into the true nature of things. [01:04:35]
Ephesians 1:17-18 (ESV): "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints."
Reflection: Think about a recent decision you made. How would your choice have been different if you had sought spiritual intelligence rather than relying solely on your natural understanding?
Day 2: The Necessity of Spiritual Intelligence
Spiritual intelligence is a God-given insight into the true nature of things. It allows us to see beyond the surface and understand deeper spiritual realities. This wisdom is crucial for living a life that aligns with God's will and purposes. Paul's letter to the Ephesians speaks about the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus. This wisdom is not merely practical knowledge but a divine insight that allows us to see beyond the surface and understand the deeper spiritual realities. Without this spiritual intelligence, we are unable to fully grasp and obey God's will. [01:25:24]
1 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV): "The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel confused or uncertain. How can you seek God's wisdom and spiritual intelligence to gain clarity and direction in this area?
Day 3: The Role of Prayer in Developing Spiritual Intelligence
Prayer is not just a ritual but a lifeline that connects us to God's wisdom and power. Consistent, fervent prayer helps us develop spiritual intelligence, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with divine insight. Through prayer, we open ourselves to receive God's guidance and understanding, which surpasses our natural abilities. It is through this intimate communication with God that we can access the spiritual intelligence needed to live a life that aligns with His will. [01:18:05]
James 1:5 (ESV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
Reflection: Reflect on your prayer life. How can you make your prayers more intentional and focused on seeking God's wisdom and spiritual intelligence?
Day 4: Understanding Our Calling and Inheritance
Knowing the hope of our calling and the riches of our inheritance in Christ transforms our perspective. This awareness empowers us to live out our faith in every aspect of our lives, making us effective witnesses for Jesus. Understanding our spiritual inheritance helps us to see the bigger picture of God's plan for our lives and the world. It gives us the confidence and motivation to live out our faith boldly and share the good news of Jesus with others. [01:37:51]
Colossians 1:12-13 (ESV): "Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son."
Reflection: Consider the hope and inheritance you have in Christ. How does this knowledge change the way you approach your daily life and interactions with others?
Day 5: Living Out Our Faith in the World
We are called to be lights in the world, sharing the good news of Jesus and living out the supernatural life He has called us to. This involves being aware of the spiritual realities around us and acting in accordance with God's will. As we grow in spiritual intelligence, we become more effective in our witness and more aligned with God's purposes. Our lives should reflect the supernatural nature of our faith, drawing others to the light of Christ. [01:41:51]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can be a light in your community this week. How can you share the good news of Jesus and live out your faith in a tangible way?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "One thing we know, we can count on Him. One thing we know, we can trust Him. One thing we know, that God is with us. Emmanuel. Either it's real or it's not. Amen. Give the Lord one more round of applause as you take your seat. Hallelujah. Thank you, guys. Thank you for following his lead. Amen." [55:58] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Everything about being a Christian is supernatural. From beginning to end and everywhere in between. You all are familiar with the story of Jesus and Nicodemus, aren't you? This is where Jesus goes to Nicodemus in the book of John. I believe it's... And he starts to have this discussion with Nicodemus about... Nicodemus, if you want to see the kingdom of heaven, you must be born again." [01:02:24] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We were created by God, for this Christian life. Supernatural from the beginning to the end and everywhere in between. And we want to up our spiritual quotient. We want to up our spiritual intelligence. We want to be in tune with what God is saying and what God is doing. And from there, it just gets wild. It gets radical, because you never know what God's going to do." [01:49:19] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You see, as we up our spiritual intelligence, things just begin to turn around. Now, the enemy's going to come for you, yes, because he's going to realize that you're onto something. And he's going to try everything he can to stop you, because you're actually onto something. You're right in the vein of what Jesus is wanting for your life." [01:47:31] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You want to know what it is you're called, you're called to open your mouth and proclaim the name of Jesus everywhere you go to everyone. You might be a lawyer, you might be a doctor, you might work in construction, you might be a doctor, you might be a retired, you might be just starting your career, you might be in college, high school, you might be a homemaker, you might be in politics. Wherever you are, whatever your platform, he's called you to open your mouth and share the good news of Jesus." [01:41:51] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Spiritual wisdom is God-given insight into the true nature of things. Spiritual wisdom is God-given insight into the nature of things. That is to say, what you see is not always what you get. Now, sit with that for a moment. How many times is there a situation presented to you, one way, but something else is really going on?" [01:25:24] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you're not praying, you're perishing. If you're not praying, you're... I'm not 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. 15 minutes is not enough. 30 minutes is not enough." [01:18:05] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We need spiritual intelligence. We need to have spiritual intelligence in our marriages. Boy, don't get me started on that. Suffice to say, we're missing something. We're missing something because our spiritual intelligence is a little low. It's running a little low and we're not perceiving what's going on." [01:15:46] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You measure SQ by fruit. Fruit. Jesus said you will know them by the fruit and by their love. It's fruit. It's fruit of the spirit and fruit of the works of Christ. Like how many people through you whose lives are being changed? That's fruit. That requires something of us. That requires that we give ourselves over to the Lord for His work." [01:35:36] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You see, when we change our perspective as to why we're there, it'll change our attitude. It'll change your attitude because the other attitude is selfish. I get it. I get it. It ain't easy. But he didn't call us to walk with him with ease. He said take up your cross and follow me." [01:43:34] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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