Seven Habits for Spiritual Health and Growth
Summary
In our journey together, we are embarking on a transformative exploration of God's promises for seven key areas of our lives: spiritual, physical, mental, emotional, relational, financial, and vocational health. God desires to bless us in every aspect of our lives, and His Word provides the principles and steps necessary to achieve this holistic well-being. However, with every promise from God, there is a premise—a condition we must fulfill to receive His blessings.
Our focus today is on spiritual health, which is foundational to all other areas. To cultivate strong spiritual health, we must adopt seven essential habits. The first habit is to love Jesus supremely. Our spiritual health is measured by our love for God and others, not by our knowledge or religious activities. Loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength is the essence of worship.
The second habit is to meet with God daily. Establishing a daily quiet time with God, even if it's just a few minutes, is crucial. This habit allows us to listen to God and speak to Him, fostering a deeper relationship.
The third habit involves studying and doing God's Word. It's not enough to merely read the Bible; we must meditate on it and apply its teachings in our lives. This practice leads to prosperity and resilience, as promised in Psalm 1.
The fourth habit is tithing our income. By giving the first part of our earnings to God, we demonstrate our trust in Him and invite His blessings into our finances. Tithing is an act of worship that aligns our hearts with God's priorities.
The fifth habit is loving other believers. Spiritual growth happens in community, and we are called to love and support one another. This love is the hallmark of true discipleship and cannot be cultivated in isolation.
The sixth habit is serving others unselfishly. Service is spiritual exercise, preventing us from becoming spiritually stagnant. By serving, we emulate Jesus, who came to serve and give His life for others.
Finally, the seventh habit is passing on the good news. We are entrusted with the message of salvation and must share it with others, ensuring that the chain of faith continues.
These habits require intentionality and commitment. Spiritual growth is a choice, and by developing these habits, we align ourselves with God's will and experience His blessings.
Key Takeaways:
- Love Jesus Supremely: Spiritual health is measured by love, not knowledge or religious activities. Loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength is the essence of worship. This supreme love for Jesus is foundational to our spiritual well-being. [02:10]
- Daily Time with God: Establishing a daily quiet time with God, even if it's just a few minutes, is crucial for spiritual growth. This habit allows us to listen to God and speak to Him, fostering a deeper relationship and aligning our lives with His will. [04:18]
- Study and Do God's Word: It's not enough to merely read the Bible; we must meditate on it and apply its teachings in our lives. This practice leads to prosperity and resilience, as promised in Psalm 1, and is essential for spiritual health. [05:44]
- Tithing as Worship: By giving the first part of our earnings to God, we demonstrate our trust in Him and invite His blessings into our finances. Tithing is an act of worship that aligns our hearts with God's priorities and reflects our commitment to Him. [08:17]
- Community and Service: Spiritual growth happens in community, and we are called to love and support one another. Serving others unselfishly is spiritual exercise, preventing stagnation and emulating Jesus, who came to serve and give His life for others. [17:58]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:22] - Introduction to God's Promises
- [01:37] - Seven Key Areas of Life
- [02:10] - Habit 1: Love Jesus Supremely
- [04:18] - Habit 2: Meet with God Daily
- [05:44] - Habit 3: Study and Do God's Word
- [08:17] - Habit 4: Tithing as Worship
- [13:22] - Habit 5: Love Other Believers
- [17:58] - Habit 6: Serve Others Unselfishly
- [20:25] - Habit 7: Pass on the Good News
- [24:28] - Choosing Spiritual Growth
- [26:24] - Developing Spiritual Habits
- [27:15] - Invitation to Know Christ
- [29:40] - Prayer for Spiritual Growth
- [30:04] - Conclusion and Encouragement
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 14:26-27
2. Mark 12:30
3. Psalm 1:1-3
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Luke 14:26-27, what does Jesus say is required to be His disciple? How does this relate to the concept of loving Jesus supremely? [02:10]
2. In Mark 12:30, what are the four aspects of our being that Jesus commands us to love God with? How does this comprehensive love define worship? [03:14]
3. Psalm 1:1-3 describes the person who delights in the law of the Lord. What are the promises given to such a person, and how do they relate to spiritual health? [06:10]
4. What does the sermon suggest is the relationship between spiritual health and the habit of meeting with God daily? [04:18]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the requirement to love Jesus more than family or even one's own life (Luke 14:26-27) challenge common perceptions of discipleship? What might this look like in practical terms? [02:25]
2. In what ways does loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30) serve as the foundation for spiritual health? How does this affect other areas of life? [03:27]
3. Psalm 1:1-3 speaks of meditating on God's law day and night. How does this practice contribute to resilience and prosperity, as mentioned in the sermon? [06:24]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community and service. How does serving others unselfishly prevent spiritual stagnation, according to the sermon? [17:58]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current relationship with Jesus. What steps can you take this week to love Him more supremely, as described in Luke 14:26-27? [02:10]
2. Consider your daily routine. How can you incorporate a consistent quiet time with God, even if it's just a few minutes, to foster a deeper relationship with Him? [04:18]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you can apply the teachings of the Bible more intentionally. How can you meditate on and act upon God's Word in that area this week? [05:44]
4. Tithing is described as an act of worship. How can you demonstrate trust in God through your finances, and what changes might you need to make to align your heart with God's priorities? [08:17]
5. Think of a fellow believer you can support or encourage this week. What practical steps can you take to show love and build community within your church or small group? [13:22]
6. Reflect on your current service to others. How can you serve more unselfishly, and what specific actions can you take to emulate Jesus' example of service? [17:58]
7. Consider someone in your life who may not know the good news of Jesus. How can you share your faith with them this week, and what specific steps will you take to ensure the chain of faith continues? [20:25]
Devotional
Day 1: Supreme Love for Jesus
Loving Jesus supremely is the cornerstone of spiritual health. It is not about how much we know or how many religious activities we engage in, but about the depth of our love for God and others. This love is the essence of worship and is foundational to our spiritual well-being. When we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, we align ourselves with His will and open our lives to His transformative power. This supreme love for Jesus is what sustains us and guides us in every aspect of our lives. [02:10]
"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart." (Deuteronomy 6:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you express your love for Jesus more fully today, beyond just words or thoughts?
Day 2: Daily Communion with God
Establishing a daily quiet time with God is crucial for spiritual growth. This habit allows us to listen to God and speak to Him, fostering a deeper relationship and aligning our lives with His will. Even if it's just a few minutes each day, this intentional time with God can transform our spiritual journey. It is in these moments of solitude and reflection that we find guidance, strength, and peace. By prioritizing this daily communion, we demonstrate our commitment to nurturing our relationship with God. [04:18]
"But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." (Matthew 6:6, ESV)
Reflection: What specific time and place can you set aside each day to meet with God, and how can you protect this time from distractions?
Day 3: Living Out God's Word
Studying and doing God's Word is essential for spiritual health. It's not enough to merely read the Bible; we must meditate on it and apply its teachings in our lives. This practice leads to prosperity and resilience, as promised in Psalm 1. By living out God's Word, we align our actions with His truth and experience the blessings that come from obedience. This habit requires intentionality and commitment, but the rewards are profound and lasting. [05:44]
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror." (James 1:22-23, ESV)
Reflection: How can you apply a specific teaching from the Bible in your life today, and what steps will you take to ensure it becomes a habit?
Day 4: Tithing as an Act of Worship
Tithing is an act of worship that aligns our hearts with God's priorities. By giving the first part of our earnings to God, we demonstrate our trust in Him and invite His blessings into our finances. Tithing reflects our commitment to God and acknowledges His provision in our lives. It is a tangible expression of our faith and a way to participate in God's work on earth. Through tithing, we learn to prioritize God's kingdom and experience the joy of generosity. [08:17]
"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: What financial habits can you adjust to ensure that tithing becomes a regular and joyful part of your worship?
Day 5: Community and Service
Spiritual growth happens in community, and we are called to love and support one another. Serving others unselfishly is spiritual exercise, preventing stagnation and emulating Jesus, who came to serve and give His life for others. By engaging in acts of service, we grow in humility and compassion, reflecting the love of Christ to those around us. This habit strengthens our faith and builds a sense of belonging within the body of Christ. [17:58]
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one person or group in your community that you can serve this week. What specific action will you take to demonstrate Christ's love to them?
Quotes
God has promised that if you practice these seven habits and they're all out of scripture he will bless you with strong spiritual health so let's just start with the habit number one if I want to be spiritually healthy number one I must love Jesus supremely. [00:01:57]
Spiritual health is measured by love. Spiritual health is measured by love. Write that down spiritual health is measured by how much you love it's not measured by how much you know it's not measured by your Bible knowledge it's not measured by your skills it's not measured by the words that you say or it's not measured by how much you attend church. [00:02:41]
If I want to be spiritually healthy I must meet with him that's God daily. I must meet with him daily it could just be 5 minutes a day or 10 minutes or 15 minutes or whatever but you make a date with God you get alone with God and you just sit there and you be quiet and you say God is there anything you want to say to me. [00:04:11]
Blessed is the man who listens to me watching daily circle the word daily watching daily at my doors waiting at my doorway what is God saying there he's saying I want you to have a daily appointment a daily habit of meeting with me. [00:04:41]
If I want to be spiritually healthy I must study and do his word I just can't study it I've got to study and do his word now there are so many promises in the Bible where God says if you get this book the Bible you get this book into your heart and into your mind he says I will bless your business. [00:05:37]
The Bible says this in Malachi chapter 3 verse 10. It's one of the great promises of the Bible and if you're going through financially difficult times right now if you're under stress about your money and your finances if you are barely making ends meet you need this promise it's one of the habits for spiritual health. [00:08:50]
If I want to be spiritually healthy I must learn to love other believers remember when we started off we said God says life's all about love well God doesn't want you to just love him he wants you to love other believers Jesus said it like this if you're going to be my disciple you can't just love me you have to love everybody in my family. [00:13:29]
The Bible says this if somebody says I love God and they hate a Christian brother or sister that person's a liar that's pretty clear God says I'm a liar I'm a liar if I say I love God and I don't love other Christians because if we don't love people that we can see the Bible says how can we love God whom we have not seen. [00:15:17]
If I want to be spiritually healthy I need to learn to serve others unselfishly now service is an important part of your spiritual health and development because God says to grow it's not all taken in you've got to be given back you've got to use those muscles that God gives you you've got to develop your strength. [00:17:58]
Jesus said it like this one of the most important verses in the Bible for even I the son of man came here not to be served but to serve others and to give my life as a ransom for many now I want you to circle the words serve and give I came to serve and I came to give. [00:18:34]
If I want to be spiritually healthy I must pass on the good news in other words what I've been given I've got to give to other people I've got to tell others the good news about Jesus I've got to tell others that there's a purpose for their life that they they can be forgiven that their past can be forgiven they can have a purpose for living they can have a home in heaven. [00:20:33]
Christianity is always one generation away from just dying if you don't tell somebody then who is going to tell them you're dependent on somebody else you are spiritually sterile if you haven't told anybody about Jesus Jesus says to be a disciple to grow you got to pass on the good news. [00:22:01]
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