GROWTH
How do I grow? What does a spiritually mature person even look like? Why does it seem so hard and go so slowly? Can I ever be different?
The message of Christianity is that transformation is really possible. Never easy - rarely quick - but possible.
If you have ever been frustrated with what you know of spirituality, and you’ve wondered if real change is possible,
if you are confused and stuck – there is Good News! You are just the kind of person God wants to change, if you will let Him! (John Ortberg)
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GROWTH
FACT 1: All healthy things grow
FACT 2: Growth doesn’t just “happen”
FACT 3: God wants & wills you to grow in your faith
Grow in spiritual strength and become better acquainted with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18 – Living Bible)
God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other.
His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love. (Ephesians 4:15-16 – The Message)
From the distant past, His eternal love reached into the future. You see, He knew those who would be His one day,
and He chose them to grow and be conformed to the image of His Son. (Romans 8:29 – The Voice)
FACT 4: Growing in our faith is something we must choose
Be like newborn babies, crying out for spiritual milk that will help you grow into salvation. (1 Peter 2:2 – The Voice)
And now just as you trusted Christ to save you, trust him, too, for each day’s problems; live in vital union with him. Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him.
See that you go on growing in the Lord, and become strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with joy and thanksgiving for all he has done. (Colossians 2:2-7 – Living Bible)
GROWTH IN
DESIRE
DECISION
DETERMINATION
This underscores the importance of discipleship
PRACTICAL
OBSERVABLE
INTENTIONAL
NORMAL
TRANSFORMATIVE
This is the P O I N T of our growth!
There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it
and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.
(Philippians 1:4-6 – The Message)
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO ABOUT GROWTH
. . . train yourself to be a Godly person. For physical training and discipline is of some value, but Godliness has value for all things . . . (1Timothy 4:7-8)
We must develop habits that will facilitate growth in our lives
. . . those who believed were baptized—about three thousand in all!
They joined with the other believers in regular attendance at the apostles’ teaching sessions and at the Communion services and prayer meetings . . .
Everyone was filled with awe, praising God . . . all the believers met together constantly and shared everything with each other . . .
They worshiped together regularly at the Temple each day, met in small groups in homes and shared their meals with great joy and thankfulness . . .
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.
And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
(Acts 2:41-47 – New Living Translation)
LifeConnect 1 – JOIN September
th 28
- After Church
LifeConnect 2 – GROW October
th 26
- After Church
LifeConnect 3 – SERVE November
rd 23
- After Church
HABIT 1: Get in the word and worship
HABIT 2: Get connected with other Christians
HABIT 3: Pray consistently about everything
HABIT 4: Sacrificially give and serve
HABIT 5: Share the gospel with others
HABIT 6: Celebrate all that God is doing in your life
Let’s Pray