5 Stages Of Spiritual Growth : #1

Spiritually Dead

In the next several articles I will be discussing each stage of spiritual growth, what the traits of that stage are, the new Believer’s response, the Disciple Maker’s response to people in that stage and tips on discipling in that stage. Note: I am by no means an expert on this topic. I’m just sharing what I have learned along the way and will share scriptures to back it up. I urge you to search the scriptures yourself and pray about what God is revealing to you about the stage you are in.

The 5 Stages Of Spiritual Growth are:

Spiritually Dead/ The Seeker

Spiritual Infant/ New Believer

Spiritual Child/ The Learner

Spiritual Adolescent/ Young Adult/ The Server

Spiritual Parent/ The Leader

This article will focus on the first phase. The Spiritually Dead.

SPIRITUALLY DEAD/ THE SEEKER-

This person has not yet accepted the Gospel. They have not experienced spiritual re-birth, through faith, by repenting of their sins and accepting Jesus’ gift of salvation. They are exploring and seeking and may have questions about spirituality, God, the afterlife and their purpose on this earth.

Ephesians 2:1 says “Once you were dead because of your disobedience and many sins”. It goes on in verse 4 and 5 of the same chapter “ But God is so rich in mercy, and he loves us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace you have been saved!) Colossians 2:13 says “You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. "

The Spiritually Dead’s first response:

Believe and receive. 1.Believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose again to save you from your sins and an eternity separated from God 2. Receive his forgiveness and free gift of salvation.

Rejoice! For you have a new eternal life in Christ. 2nd Corinthians 5:17NLT says “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”. Romans 10:9 NLT says “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him for the dead you will be saved.” Acts 2:21NLT says “But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Other scriptures you can look up in the Bible on responding to the Gospel message are -Romans 10:13, John 3:16-18, John 14:6, Ephesians 2:4-9, Acts 4:12, Romans 3:23-25.

The Disciple Makers response to The Spiritually Dead:

Living out your faith authentically and being the hands and feet of Jesus. Cultivating an authentic, caring relationship with them. Meeting them where they are. No one cares what we know until they know that we care! Remember, it’s not YOUR job to “save” them. Your job is to faithfully show how Jesus has changed your life, offer an explanation of the gospel message an invitation to receive Christ. Only Jesus can save.

Paul says to Philemon in Philemon 1:6 ESV “And I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.” 1 Peter 3:15-16 NLT says “Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.”

Seeker, do you have questions about this new life in Christ? Have you decided to follow Jesus? If so, please seek out a Bible believing Christian you know or church in your area. Ask them all the questions! They will be thrilled to share with you. You may also message me on here and I’d be happy to chat with you or help you find a Bible believing church in your area.

Believer in Christ, do you have an understanding of where you are in your spiritual growth? Pray about it, search the Scriptures, follow along and keep reading!

For the Calling,

Melissa

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