THREE PHASES OF A BELIEVER’S SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

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THREE PHASES OF A BELIEVER’S SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

The Bible usually refers to Believers of 3 types or levels in the Bible.

It is important to know these for several reasons.

The first is to know where you are and to know the point you should strive to grow to.

The second is so that you can understand where those you are discipling are.

The third is so that you can train leaders at varying levels and teach them to do the same.

Below is meant to be an OUTLINE of characteristics.  Not so much a checklist as an evaluation.  I believe a person will exhibit a majority of characteristics (although never perfectly) on the list.  Naturally, this is not a comprehensive list but instead some easy to note virtues.  Each level definitely has more characteristics.  Also, certain givens are not listed, like prayer, sharing faith and reading the bible, since these should be present at all levels.

While there are many scriptures on the subject, the two listed below are the foundation references I often use when training leadership, teaching the congregation or leading a Bible Study on related matters.

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“I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.

I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning.

I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one.

I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning.

I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. “

–1 John 2:12-14

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“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.”

–Heb 6:1,2

Below are the 3 phases of a believer

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CLASSIFICATION:              NEW (Baby) BELIEVER
Characteristic:                        Receives
Comprehension:                      The Cross and Forgiveness
Activity:                                  Looks to God for what He has done and can give

1. Discovers the person of Jesus as the “Christ”
2. Looks to Jesus as the ONLY way to have a relationship with the Creator
3. Begins a real daily relationship with Jesus
4. Receives and accepts forgiveness for sin (nature) but still struggles with sins (practice)
5. Learns to turns away (repent) from sin
6. Experiences multiple baptisms
7. Understands Jesus is God in the Flesh
8. Places faith in God
9. Experiences Spiritual Gifts, miracles and answered prayer from God
10. Recognizes they have Gifts and seeks to identify them
11. Begins studying the Word Of God & starts to know it
12. Is a regular attendee at a local church
13. Seeks Being Fed (milk)

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CLASSIFICATION:              MATURING BELIEVER
Characteristic:                        Walks in Power
Comprehension:                      Resurrection and an Eternity in heaven
Activity:                                  Looks to God for what He doing and can empower to do

1. Is actively being trained and discipled by a more mature believer(s)
2. Is steadily maturing in Christ
3. Relates to God on a daily basis (study, prayer & worship)
4. Knows the word of God AND how to apply it in real life
5. Able to resist temptations as well as Satan and his tricks
6. Stays pure from purposeful sins (rebellion)
7. Keeps faith in God during tough times (need) and good times (abundance)
8. Considered a “strong” Christian by others (believers and non-believers)
9. Not only reads God’s word, but LIVES it, adjusting their life to line up with the Bible
10. Faith has become a lifestyle
11. Gets deep into Gods word
12. Enjoys “meat” in study and teachings
13. Is an actual MEMBER of a local body
14. Serves in a ministry in a local body
15. Recognizes/Operates in each of the different Spiritual Gifts given by The Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
16. Is a regular, consistent tither
17. Has confidence in their spiritual identity (Righteousness of God in Christ)
18. Can discern God’s will in there life
19. Understands they have a destiny and seeks to identify it
20. Feeds Themselves

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CLASSIFICATION:              DESTINY BELIEVER
Characteristic:                        Duplicates
Comprehension:                      The Son’s Eternality and Our Destiny
Activity:                                  Looks to God for who He Is (and always has been)

1. Knows Jesus was purposed to come to earth even if there was no fall (Christ/Emmanuel)
2. Understands Jesus as the firstborn of many brethren with man created to become like Him as an extension of the Trinity (Foreordained)
3. Realizes God had a purpose for them as an individual even before the earth was formed (Predestination)
4. Knows Their personal Destiny and is Living It
5. Realizes Destiny starts on Earth and continues in Heaven
6. Realizes Their Life on Earth determines their Destiny in Heaven
7. Works toward maturing to the full stature of Christ
8. Leads people to a life following Jesus AND Disciples Others
9. Feeds Others

Pastor Maurice “Moe” Evans

Tampa Bay Christian Center

http://www.TampaBay.cc