This document discusses real spiritual growth. It states that spiritual growth happens purposefully, thoughtfully and mindfully. It also happens intelligently by getting to know Jesus well enough to discern what is and isn't like Christ. True spiritual growth takes after Christ by exchanging one's own culture for a Christian culture rather than just embracing diversity. Spiritual growth is also Christ-centered and bears the marks of mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and charity. It rules the heart with God's peace despite life's circumstances.

1. Colossians
The New Man
Lesson 19

2. Real spiritual growth
happens:
• Purposefully
• Thoughtfully
• Mindfully
I. IT HAPPENS INTELLIGENTLY

3. That implies we are going to
have to get to know Jesus
well enough to discern what
is and isn't like Christ.
The Bible warns that there
are many antichrists in the
world – that is, a spirit that
claims to be of Christ but is
not.
II. IT TAKES AFTER CHRIST

4. The way to get along with
Christian people of different
cultures is not so much that
we embrace and love
diversity but that we
exchange our own culture
for a Christian one
III. IT IS CHRIST CENTERED

5. Mercies – compassion for the distressed
Kindness – mercy in action
Humbleness of mind – preferring others above
ourselves
Meekness – submission to the will of God whatever
it might be
Longsuffering – enduring the reproaches of others
Forbearing one another – refusing to retaliate
against another
Forgiving one another – holding no ill will toward
another
Charity – love which especially concerns itself for
the welfare of the local church
IV. IT BEARS THESE MARKS

6. The overwhelming mark of
faith; that, whatever the
circumstances, we
demonstrate a faith – trust –
that God is sovereign and at
work.
V. IT RULES THE HEART WITH
THE PEACE OF GOD

7. The overwhelming mark of
faith; that, whatever the
circumstances, we
demonstrate a faith – trust –
that God is sovereign and at
work.
V. IT RULES THE HEART WITH
THE PEACE OF GOD