CHARACTERISTICS of a SPIRITUAL CHRISITAN
Most Christians would like to believe they are “spiritual” and that's great, but the Bible has some clear guidelines that distinguish spiritual believers from carnal.
A spiritual Christian is one that depends on the Holy Spirit for everything. All his works are done by the power of the Spirit, not his flesh. His motive for speaking, working and living is simply the Love of God. A spiritual Christian is one who has not only been born again, but one who is also walking in the Spirit by the authority and power of God, thereby glorifying Him in all he does.
Galatians 5:22 gives us the characteristics that God lays down for a spiritual Christian. He is filled with “the fruit of the Spirit” as evidenced by Love (Agape), joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. All these characteristics manifest themselves in humility.
Luke 14:11
11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
KJV
This description of a spiritual Christian is amplified in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 where Paul says, “Love (Agape) suffereth long, and is kind; [His Love] vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not [its] own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth’ beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things, [God’s Love] never fails”
2 Peter 1:5-8 describes these attributes even more. “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to our faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Then in verses 10-11: “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. [(What do you think will happen if you don’t?). The answer is simply, you will fall – fall from what and fall where?)] For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.” Could it be that this “entrance” into the “age-lasting” kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be taken from us.
Most Christians would like to believe they are “spiritual” and that's great, but the Bible has some clear guidelines that distinguish spiritual believers from carnal.
A spiritual Christian is one that depends on the Holy Spirit for everything. All his works are done by the power of the Spirit, not his flesh. His motive for speaking, working and living is simply the Love of God. A spiritual Christian is one who has not only been born again, but one who is also walking in the Spirit by the authority and power of God, thereby glorifying Him in all he does.
Galatians 5:22 gives us the characteristics that God lays down for a spiritual Christian. He is filled with “the fruit of the Spirit” as evidenced by Love (Agape), joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. All these characteristics manifest themselves in humility.
Luke 14:11
11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
KJV
This description of a spiritual Christian is amplified in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 where Paul says, “Love (Agape) suffereth long, and is kind; [His Love] vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not [its] own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth’ beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things, [God’s Love] never fails”
2 Peter 1:5-8 describes these attributes even more. “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to our faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Then in verses 10-11: “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. [(What do you think will happen if you don’t?). The answer is simply, you will fall – fall from what and fall where?)] For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.” Could it be that this “entrance” into the “age-lasting” kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be taken from us.
Wow! This is the bottom line isn't it! A spiritual Christian is one who puts others first, and thus, willbe warmly received in the Millennial Kingdom of Christ.
Heb 4:14:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
KJV
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