I want to share some things with you daily that will help us examine ourselves—to better prepare us for the work ahead of us. Please use these to let God shine the light on your heart and draw you deeper into His light.
 
Blessings to you all,
Pastor Jimmy Fuller

Characteristic #12 – “Hands That Give Generously”

A careful study of the transformation of the Apostle Paul, from a brand new Christian (Acts 9) into a mature disciple of Jesus Christ (Acts 28), reveals that there were six key “Christ-like” characteristics he exhibited which were developed through his spiritual growth after his salvation.  The failure for a Christian to have and work on these characteristics will severely hinder his or her ability to display Christ-likeness as has been commanded by The Word of God (Luke 6:40; Matthew 16:24; 1Peter 2:21; 1John 2:3-6).

 

One characteristic of a disciple of Jesus Christ is that he or she knows that everything we have belongs to God (Job 41:11; Psalm 24:1). Paul understood that even our bodies belonged to God and should be used to honor Him in all that we do (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). That is why Paul urged all believers to set aside a percentage of their income each week (1 Corinthians 16:2) so that they could excel in the “grace” of giving to advance the kingdom of God’s work on the earth (2 Corinthians 8:7). He also commanded those who were financially well off (i.e. “rich”) to be “generous” and share with others who are in need (1 Timothy 6:18). When believers faithfully give to His causes, Jesus continuously provides them with all that they need to minister to other’s needs (2 Corinthians 9:8) which proves their faith is real (James 2:14-26) and results in more praise and thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:12-13). So, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, do you have hands that give generously?
 

DISCIPLESHIP MATURITY SELF-EVALUATION FORM: click → Characteristic #12 – “Hands That Give Generously”

Characteristic #11 – “Voice For The Gospel”

A careful study of the transformation of the Apostle Paul, from a brand new Christian (Acts 9) into a mature disciple of Jesus Christ (Acts 28), reveals that there were six key “Christ-like” characteristics he exhibited which were developed through his spiritual growth after his salvation.  The failure for a Christian to have and work on these characteristics will severely hinder his or her ability to display Christ-likeness as has been commanded by The Word of God (Luke 6:40; Matthew 16:24; 1Peter 2:21; 1John 2:3-6).

 

One characteristic of a disciple of Jesus Christ is that he or she will be able and active in sharing the gospel with those who need to hear it (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). Paul understood that Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection on behalf of sinful man made a pathway for all mankind to be forgiven of their sins and to be reconciled to God (Romans 3:21-25). Paul also accepted the responsibility of being a “minister of reconciliation” by using the gospel to try to persuade all lost people to be saved (2Corinthians 5:18-21). Because Jesus has commanded all disciples to preach the gospel to the lost (Mark 16:15-16), Paul felt obligated to share it with everyone and was not ashamed to do it (Romans 1:14-16). So, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, do you have a VOICE FOR THE GOSPEL?

 

DISCIPLESHIP MATURITY SELF-EVALUATION FORM: click → Characteristic #11 – “Voice for The Gospel”

Characteristic #10 – “Knees For Prayer”

A careful study of the transformation of the Apostle Paul, from a brand new Christian (Acts 9) into a mature disciple of Jesus Christ (Acts 28), reveals that there were six key “Christ-like” characteristics he exhibited which were developed through his spiritual growth after his salvation.  The failure for a Christian to have and work on these characteristics will severely hinder his or her ability to display Christ-likeness as has been commanded by The Word of God (Luke 6:40; Matthew 16:24; 1Peter 2:21; 1John 2:3-6).

 

One characteristic of a disciple of Jesus Christ is that he or she will have an active and passionate prayer life to maintain honest and continual communication with God (Romans 12:12; 1Thessalonians 5:17-18). The way Paul began to pray after his “born again” experience with Jesus is what convinced other believers that his conversion to Christianity was real (Acts 9:11). Paul encouraged the young pastors he was mentoring to make prayer a priority for the believers in their new churches (Colossians 4:2; 1Timothy 2:1-8). In James’ New Testament Epistle, he wrote that prayer was a power and effective way for believers to be healed both physically and spiritually (James 5:15-16). Although prayer is a weakness of all believers (Romans 8:26), it is also something that can be taught and learned by true disciples of Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:5-15; Luke 11:1-13).   So, do you have KNEES FOR PRAYER?
 

DISCIPLESHIP MATURITY SELF-EVALUATION FORM: click → Characteristic #10 – “Knees for Prayer”

 

Characteristic #9 – “Arms Of Love”

A careful study of the transformation of the Apostle Paul, from a brand new Christian (Acts 9) into a mature disciple of Jesus Christ (Acts 28), reveals that there were six key “Christ-like” characteristics he exhibited which were developed through his spiritual growth after his salvation.  The failure for a Christian to have and work on these characteristics will severely hinder his or her ability to display Christ-likeness as has been commanded by The Word of God (Luke 6:40; Matthew 16:24; 1Peter 2:21; 1John 2:3-6).

 

One characteristic of a disciple of Jesus Christ is that he or she will have openly display an “agape”   (i.e. sacrificial) love for “others”, especially those who are fellow Christians (John 13:34-35; 1John 4:19-21). A person’s normal (sinful) nature is focused on fulfilling the “lusts” of the flesh and will fight others in order to achieve their own desires and goals (1John 2:16; Galatians 5:19-22). Therefore, in order for a person to prove they are a mature disciple of Jesus Christ they must have a life that is dominated by a love for other people whether they be strangers or enemies (Luke 10:25-37; Romans 12:20-21).  So, do you have ARMS OF LOVE for others?
 

DISCIPLESHIP MATURITY SELF-EVALUATION FORM: click → Characteristic #9 – “Arms of Love”

 

Characteristic #8 – “Hands That Give Generously”

 

A careful study of the transformation of the Apostle Paul, from a brand new Christian (Acts 9) into a mature disciple of Jesus Christ (Acts 28), reveals that there were six key “Christ-like” characteristics he exhibited which were developed through his spiritual growth after his salvation.  The failure for a Christian to have and work on these characteristics will severely hinder his or her ability to display Christ-likeness as has been commanded by The Word of God (Luke 6:40; Matthew 16:24; 1Peter 2:21; 1John 2:3-6).

 

One characteristic of a disciple of Jesus Christ is that he or she knows that everything we have belongs to God (Job 41:11; Psalm 24:1). Paul understood that even our bodies belonged to God and should be used to honor Him in all that we do (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). That is why Paul urged all believers to set aside a percentage of their income each week (1 Corinthians 16:2) so that they could excel in the “grace” of giving to advance the kingdom of God’s work on the earth (2 Corinthians 8:7). He also commanded those who were financially well off (i.e. “rich”) to be “generous” and share with others who are in need (1 Timothy 6:18). When believers faithfully give to His causes, Jesus continuously provides them with all that they need to minister to other’s needs (2 Corinthians 9:8) which proves their faith is real (James 2:14-26) and results in more praise and thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:12-13). So, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, do you have hands that give generously?
 

DISCIPLESHIP MATURITY SELF-EVALUATION FORM: click → Characteristic #8 – “Hands That Give Generously”

 

Characteristic #7 – “Voice For The Gospel”

A careful study of the transformation of the Apostle Paul, from a brand new Christian (Acts 9) into a mature disciple of Jesus Christ (Acts 28), reveals that there were six key “Christ-like” characteristics he exhibited which were developed through his spiritual growth after his salvation.  The failure for a Christian to have and work on these characteristics will severely hinder his or her ability to display Christ-likeness as has been commanded by The Word of God (Luke 6:40; Matthew 16:24; 1Peter 2:21; 1John 2:3-6).

 

One characteristic of a disciple of Jesus Christ is that he or she will be able and active in sharing the gospel with those who need to hear it (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). Paul understood that Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection on behalf of sinful man made a pathway for all mankind to be forgiven of their sins and to be reconciled to God (Romans 3:21-25). Paul also accepted the responsibility of being a “minister of reconciliation” by using the gospel to try to persuade all lost people to be saved (2Corinthians 5:18-21). Because Jesus has commanded all disciples to preach the gospel to the lost (Mark 16:15-16), Paul felt obligated to share it with everyone and was not ashamed to do it (Romans 1:14-16). So, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, do you have a VOICE FOR THE GOSPEL?
 

DISCIPLESHIP MATURITY SELF-EVALUATION FORM: click → Characteristic #7 – “Voice For The Gospel”

Characteristic #6 – “Knees For Prayer”

A careful study of the transformation of the Apostle Paul, from a brand new Christian (Acts 9) into a mature disciple of Jesus Christ (Acts 28), reveals that there were six key “Christ-like” characteristics he exhibited which were developed through his spiritual growth after his salvation.  The failure for a Christian to have and work on these characteristics will severely hinder his or her ability to display Christ-likeness as has been commanded by The Word of God (Luke 6:40; Matthew 16:24; 1Peter 2:21; 1John 2:3-6).

 

One characteristic of a disciple of Jesus Christ is that he or she will have an active and passionate prayer life to maintain honest and continual communication with God (Romans 12:12; 1Thessalonians 5:17-18). The way Paul began to pray after his “born again” experience with Jesus is what convinced other believers that his conversion to Christianity was real (Acts 9:11). Paul encouraged the young pastors he was mentoring to make prayer a priority for the believers in their new churches (Colossians 4:2; 1Timothy 2:1-8). In James’ New Testament Epistle, he wrote that prayer was a power and effective way for believers to be healed both physically and spiritually (James 5:15-16). Although prayer is a weakness of all believers (Romans 8:26), it is also something that can be taught and learned by true disciples of Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:5-15; Luke 11:1-13).   So, do you have KNEES FOR PRAYER?
 

DISCIPLESHIP MATURITY SELF-EVALUATION FORM: click → Characteristic #6: “Knees for Prayer”

Characteristic #5 – “Arms Of Love”

A careful study of the transformation of the Apostle Paul, from a brand new Christian (Acts 9) into a mature disciple of Jesus Christ (Acts 28), reveals that there were six key “Christ-like” characteristics he exhibited which were developed through his spiritual growth after his salvation.  The failure for a Christian to have and work on these characteristics will severely hinder his or her ability to display Christ-likeness as has been commanded by The Word of God (Luke 6:40; Matthew 16:24; 1Peter 2:21; 1John 2:3-6).

 

One characteristic of a disciple of Jesus Christ is that he or she will have openly display an “agape”   (i.e. sacrificial) love for “others”, especially those who are fellow Christians (John 13:34-35; 1John 4:19-21). A person’s normal (sinful) nature is focused on fulfilling the “lusts” of the flesh and will fight others in order to achieve their own desires and goals (1John 2:16; Galatians 5:19-22). Therefore, in order for a person to prove they are a mature disciple of Jesus Christ they must have a life that is dominated by a love for other people whether they be strangers or enemies (Luke 10:25-37; Romans 12:20-21).  So, do you have ARMS OF LOVE for others?
 
 

DISCIPLESHIP MATURITY SELF-EVALUATION FORM: click → Characteristic # 5: “Arms of Love”

Characteristic #4 – “The Mind Of Christ”

A careful study of the transformation of the Apostle Paul, from a brand new Christian (Acts 9) into a mature disciple of Jesus Christ (Acts 28), reveals that there were six key “Christ-like” characteristics he exhibited which were developed through his spiritual growth after his salvation.  The failure for a Christian to have and work on these characteristics will severely hinder his or her ability to display Christ-likeness as has been commanded by The Word of God (Luke 6:40; Matthew 16:24; 1Peter 2:21; 1John 2:3-6).

 

One characteristic of a disciple of Jesus Christ is that he or she will have a “mind” transformed by the Word of God (Romans 12:1-2). A person’s normal (sinful) mind can never submit to God’s will nor be pleasing to Him (Romans 8:7-8). Therefore, in order for a person to be a mature disciple of Jesus Christ they must have their “mind” changed to “think” like Christ, so they will be motivated to “live” like Christ (Colossians 3:15-17).  God doesn’t just pay attention to what you “do”…He also knows all of your “thoughts” (Mark 2:6-8; John 2:24-25). So, do you have THE MIND OF CHRIST?

 

DISCIPLESHIP MATURITY SELF-EVALUATION FORM: click → Characteristic #4: “Mind for Christ”

Characteristic #3 – “A Heart For Christ Alone”

A careful study of the transformation of the Apostle Paul, from a brand new Christian (Acts 9) into a mature disciple of Jesus Christ (Acts 28), reveals that there were six key “Christ-like” characteristics he exhibited which were developed through his spiritual growth after his salvation.  The failure for a Christian to have and work on these characteristics will severely hinder his or her ability to display Christ-likeness as has been commanded by The Word of God (Luke 6:40; Matthew 16:24; 1Peter 2:21; 1John 2:3-6).

 

The first characteristic to be considered regards your “HEART”.  Jesus said the greatest of all of God’s commandments was to “love the Lord your God with ALL YOUR HEART…” (Matthew 22:37). A mature disciple of Jesus Christ has such a heart for Christ that he values his relationship with the Lord above all other relationships on earth (Luke 14:26-27). When God looks to see if we truly love Him, he does not trust what we say with our “lips”; rather, He searches our HEART to see how much we value our relationship with Him (1Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 21:2). God knows that we cannot love Him and the things of the earth equally. We will always make priorities in our relationships (Matthew 6:24). God wants your love for Him to exceed your love for anyone or anything else. So, do you have a HEART FOR CHRIST ALONE?
 
 

DISCIPLESHIP MATURITY SELF-EVALUATION FORM: click → Characteristic # 3 : “A Heart for Christ Alone”

Relationship #2 – “Who Am I?”

A careful study of the transformation of the Apostle Paul, from a brand new Christian (Acts 9) into a mature disciple of Jesus Christ (Acts 28), reveals that there were six key relationships he maintained which contributed significantly to his spiritual growth.  The failure for a Christian to have and work on these relationships will severely hinder his or her ability to become Christ-like as has been commanded by The Word of God (Luke 6:40; Matthew 16:24; 1Peter 2:21; 1John 2:3-6).

 

The first and most important question for every human being concerns LORDSHIP. Who gets to be the “lord” (i.e. “captain”, “ruler”, “leader”, etc.) over your life? After a person has determined that Jesus Christ is the Lord of his or her life (and Not “themselves”!), the next question they need to ask themselves is “Who am I”?

 

Who “AM I” now that I have a personal relationship with My Lord who is in charge? The Apostle Paul, before he became a disciple of Jesus Christ, thought very highly of himself and his family upbringing (Philippians 3:4; Acts 22:3). After Paul became a disciple of Jesus Christ, he re-evaluated “who he was” in relationship to his “Lord” (Philippians 3:7-9). Have you re-evaluated who YOU are now as a disciple of Jesus Christ?
 

DISCIPLESHIP MATURITY SELF-EVALUATION FORM:

click → Relationship #2 – Who Am I?

Directions:  Please circle the number that currently best represents how you would honestly rate yourself in response to each of the 12 questions and corresponding Scripture provided. 

Relationship #1 – “Who is Your Lord?”

A careful study of the transformation of the Apostle Paul, from a brand-new Christian (Acts 9) into a mature disciple of Jesus Christ (Acts 28), reveals that there were six key relationships he maintained which contributed significantly to his spiritual growth.  The failure for a Christian to have and work on these relationships will severely hinder his or her ability to become Christ-like as has been commanded by The Word of God (Luke 6:40; Matthew 16:24; 1Peter 2:21; 1John 2:3-6).

 

The first and most important question for every human being concerns LORDSHIP. Who gets to be the “lord” (i.e. “captain”, “ruler”, “leader”, etc.) over your life? To what person or ideal have you given the authority to determine the agenda for the next 24 hours, much less the rest, of your life? Whoever is in charge of what your plans, goals, and decisions are throughout your daily life…is the “LORD” (i.e. “master”) of your life. Paul, in Acts 9:5, called Jesus “Lord” and allowed Jesus to change his plans, goals, and decisions from that moment on.  Who is YOUR Lord?
 

DISCIPLESHIP MATURITY SELF-EVALUATION FORM: click →  Relationship #1 – Who is Your Lord?

Directions:  Please circle the number that currently best represents how you would honestly rate yourself in response to each of the 12 questions and corresponding Scripture provided.