What is a spiritual person? He is God-oriented. He endeavors to learn how Jehovah thinks so that he can bring all his ways into harmony with those of his Creator. The Bible speaks highly of such a person—one who follows God’s ways, is in accord with the spirit, and has “the mind of Christ.”—1 Cor. 2:12-16.

What is needed to become a spiritual person and to continue to make progress as one? It is vital that we know the answer, for the course we choose is more than just a matter of personal inclination.—Rom. 7:21-23; 8:6; 1 Cor. 3:1; w07 8/1 pp. 4-5.

What Is Needed to Become a Spiritual Person?

Why is Bible reading essential in developing spirituality? (Ps. 119:105; John 17:17)

In order to view things as God does, what should we watch for when we read the Bible? (Ps. 139:17; Mark 8:33; Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:23, 24)

According to 1 Corinthians 2:14-16, how does a spiritual man contrast with a physical man? (it-2 p. 305)

How can our giving attention to Jesus’ words, thoughts, and actions help us to deepen our understanding of Jehovah and His thoughts? (John 5:19, 30; 14:9, 10)

What is the mind, or attitude, of Christ toward his Father and the doing of his Father’s will? (John 4:34)

What does Philippians 2:5-8 indicate will be necessary if we are to develop the mind of Christ? (w12 11/15 pp. 10-14)

Why does it take humility to apply Romans 12:2?

Examining Our Spiritual Progress

According to James 1:22-25, what tendency hinders spiritual progress?

How will the following assist us in evaluating ourselves spiritually?

Ask yourself: What motivates me? What are my weaknesses?

Why is meditation needed?

How can meditation help us to avoid repeating past mistakes?

How can observing the speech and conduct of spiritually strong brothers and sisters help us to develop as spiritual people?

How can our paying close attention to what is said at meetings help us to grow as spiritual people?

A Spiritual Person or a Physical Person—What Does the Fruitage Reveal?

As we develop our spirituality, what will be the result? (Gal. 5:16; w11 12/15 p. 16)

What does the expression “the fruitage of the spirit” imply? (Gal. 5:22, 23)

How is this fruitage cultivated? (w01 8/1 pp. 15-16)

What is involved in opening our hearts to the influence of God’s spirit?

What will be the result?

According to Galatians 5:19-21, what would hinder our spiritual development?

What effect would envy have on our spiritual progress? (Gal. 6:3, 4)

Contrast the attitude of the physical man and the spiritual man in the following instances.

Prayer

How might a person’s prayers reveal whether he is a spiritual man or a physical man?

Why is Jehovah—his greatness, name, and honor—of primary concern to a spiritual man? (Dan. 9:4; John 17:4, 6)

What are some subjects that a spiritual man might pray about? (Ps. 51:10-12; 122:6, 8; Luke 11:4, 13; Jas. 1:5)

Why is it proper to pray for our physical needs? (Matt. 6:11)

Other than at mealtimes and at meetings, when does a spiritual person pray? (1 Thess. 5:17)

Study Habits

When it comes to study habits, how does a physical man show that he is dominated by the flesh?

How can sticking to a good schedule for study help us to control fleshly desires?

Field Ministry

With regard to the field ministry, what are some things that concern a spiritual person? (Ezek. 33:11; John 17:6; 1 Tim. 4:16)

What does a spiritual person think and talk about while engaging in field service? (Phil. 4:8)

Christian Meetings

What conduct or attitude at Christian meetings might reveal the traits of a physical man?

How does a spiritual person view participation at the meetings?

Dress and Grooming

Why are dress and grooming important to a spiritual person at all times, whether engaged in spiritual activities or not? (1 Cor. 10:31; Titus 2:10)

What Bible principles can help you decide what is appropriate dress and grooming for field service? (be pp. 131-133)

What is the meaning of (a) “appropriate dress”? (b) “modesty”? (c) “soundness of mind”? (1 Tim. 2:9, 10)

Why should the equipment that we use in the field ministry be neat and clean? (1 Cor. 14:33; be p. 134 pars. 1-4)

Family

How can a spiritual person show that he is thinking God’s thoughts when it comes to his dealings with members of his family? (Eph. 5:21, 24, 25, 28; 6:1, 4; 1 Tim. 5:8; 1 Pet. 3:1, 2)

How can pioneers show that they honor the headship arrangement within the family?

Conversation

What kind of conversation marks a spiritual person? (Eph. 4:29)

What is a subject that you like to discuss with others?

How could you turn the conversation to spiritual things if such a change should become necessary?

How can you maintain a balanced view of matters when conversing with others? (Eccl. 7:16)

Disputes

When disputes arise over personal or other matters, how will the reaction of a spiritual person differ from that of a physical person? (Prov. 29:11; Gal. 5:19, 20, 22, 23)

What is God’s counsel to a spiritual person on such matters? (Rom. 12:14, 17-21)

Counsel

How will a spiritual person respond when given counsel? (Eccl. 7:9; Rom. 12:16)

What if you feel that the counsel does not apply?

Immoral Temptations

When exposed to immoral temptations, how would a physical person react? How would a spiritual person react?

Read and discuss Proverbs 7:6-10, 21, 22.

What did the young man do that showed he was a physical man? What warnings are given here so that a spiritual person can avoid immorality?

Continue to Examine Your Spiritual Progress (1 Cor. 9:24)

How do the following scriptures show that the apostles needed to continue growing as spiritual men?

Matthew 20:20, 21, 24-28

Luke 22:24-27

How does Matthew 16:16, 17 show that the apostle Peter was a spiritual man? (ia p. 191 par. 13)

How do we know that Peter needed to continue to make progress? Why is this reassuring? (ia pp. 188-194)

How can we maintain the joy that characterizes a spiritual person? (1 Pet. 1:6, 7; 3:14; 4:13, 14)