Summary

Today, we continued our journey of exploring the essential “tools” needed for spiritual growth, using the analogy of a toolbox. Just as a builder needs the right tools to construct something strong and lasting, so too do we need the right beliefs—beliefs that become behaviors—to build a spiritually healthy life. These spiritual tools are not random; they are time-tested, universally effective, and necessary for every believer, regardless of background or ability. Without them, it is impossible to build the kind of life God desires for us.

We revisited the story of Moses, seeing how God used different seasons and experiences—education in Egypt, exile in Midian, and leadership in the wilderness—to shape him for his calling. This reminds us that our own lives are not a series of random events, but are guided by God’s hand, with each season preparing us for what’s next. There is a difference between simply being present in a spiritual setting and actually gaining experience by participating—true growth comes from engaging, not spectating.

A key focus today was on worship. Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman in John 4 reveals that true worship is not about ritual or self-importance, but about worshiping in Spirit and in truth. God seeks worshipers who are sincere, honest, and grounded in biblical truth, who worship from the heart and in relationship with the Holy Spirit. Worship is about humility, submission, and love, not about drawing attention to ourselves.

We also explored the concept of time in spiritual growth. There is “clock time”—the measurable progression of events—and “God’s appointed time”—moments divinely orchestrated for our transformation. Like the process of pickling a cucumber, spiritual growth is a process that takes time, specific ingredients, and the right environment. We must allow God to work in us through each season, trusting that He is using every circumstance to shape us into who He intends us to be.

Finally, we were challenged to embrace the process, to be patient with ourselves and others, and to recognize that God’s timing is perfect. Even uncomfortable or difficult seasons are used by God for our good, if we surrender to His work. Our role is to remain in the process, trusting that God is making something beautiful out of our lives.

Key Takeaways

- Spiritual growth requires the right “tools”—core beliefs that become behaviors. Just as a builder cannot construct a strong house without the proper instruments, we cannot build a strong spiritual life without foundational truths like faith, humility, and obedience. These tools are not optional; they are essential and proven to work in every believer’s life, regardless of circumstances. [56:22]

- True worship is not about ritual, performance, or self-importance, but about engaging with God in Spirit and in truth. God seeks worshipers who are sincere, honest, and grounded in biblical truth, who worship from the heart and in relationship with the Holy Spirit. Worship is an act of humility and submission, not a stage for personal recognition. [01:06:17]

- God uses both the ordinary progression of time and divinely appointed moments to shape us. Our lives are a blend of “clock time” (seasons with beginnings and ends) and “God’s time” (specific, purposeful interventions). Every season, whether comfortable or challenging, is an opportunity for growth and preparation for what God has next. [01:18:32]

- Transformation is a process that takes time, just like pickling a cucumber. We are being “seasoned” by God through various experiences, and each ingredient—joy, hardship, waiting, learning—contributes to our maturity. We must resist the urge to rush the process or escape uncomfortable seasons, trusting that God knows exactly what we need and when. [01:28:04]

- Our attitude in the process matters as much as our actions. It is possible to be “right” in a situation but have a wrong spirit, which can hinder our growth and relationships. God desires not just outward obedience, but inward transformation—humility, teachability, and a willingness to let Him shape our hearts, even when it’s uncomfortable. [01:36:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[54:19] - Toolbox Object Lesson Recap
[55:13] - Spiritual Tools vs. Physical Tools
[56:22] - Beliefs That Become Behaviors
[57:13] - The Effectiveness of Spiritual Tools
[58:14] - The Necessity of the Right Tools
[59:16] - Moses: Gaining Experience
[01:01:00] - Experience vs. Gaining Experience
[01:03:01] - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman: Worship
[01:06:17] - The Essence of True Worship
[01:10:26] - The Organist Story: Worship Gone Wrong
[01:15:27] - Understanding Time: Clock Time and God’s Time
[01:18:32] - God’s Appointed Time in Our Lives
[01:26:05] - The Pickle Analogy: Transformation Over Time
[01:31:27] - Growth Takes Time
[01:36:20] - Attitude in the Process
[01:39:36] - Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Spiritual Growth, Worship, and God’s Timing

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### Bible Reading

John 4:19-24 (ESV)
> The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (ESV)
> For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

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### Observation Questions

1. In John 4:23-24, what does Jesus say is required for true worship, and what does it mean to worship “in spirit and in truth”?
2. According to Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, what are some of the different “seasons” or times that people experience in life?
3. The sermon used the story of Moses to show how God used different seasons in his life to prepare him for leadership. What were the three main places or seasons Moses experienced? ([59:16])
4. The pastor shared a story about a church organist whose attitude affected the whole congregation’s worship. What was the main lesson from that story? ([01:14:41])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus emphasizes worshiping “in spirit and in truth” instead of focusing on a specific place or ritual? How does this challenge our usual ideas about worship? ([01:03:01])
2. The sermon compared spiritual growth to the process of pickling a cucumber. What does this analogy teach us about how God works in our lives over time? ([01:28:04])
3. The pastor said there is a difference between “having experience” and “gaining experience” in spiritual settings. What does it look like to move from just being present to actually participating and growing? ([01:01:00])
4. The sermon mentioned that our attitude during the process of growth matters as much as our actions. Why is it important to have the right spirit, not just the right behavior? ([01:36:20])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon said that spiritual growth requires the right “tools”—core beliefs that become behaviors. Which “tool” (like faith, humility, or obedience) do you feel is missing or needs strengthening in your life right now? What is one step you could take this week to develop it? ([56:22])
2. Jesus said God is looking for worshipers who are sincere and honest, not just following rituals. When you think about your own worship—at church or at home—are there ways you could make it more genuine and heartfelt? What would that look like for you? ([01:06:17])
3. The story of Moses shows that God uses every season—good or bad—to prepare us for what’s next. Can you think of a season in your life that felt random or difficult, but now you see how God used it to shape you? How does that change the way you view your current season? ([59:16])
4. The “pickle” analogy reminds us that transformation takes time and the right “ingredients.” Are you in a season where you feel like you’re “waiting” or “being seasoned”? What are some of the “ingredients” God might be using in your life right now? ([01:28:04])
5. The pastor shared about being “right” in a situation but having the wrong attitude. Is there a relationship or situation in your life where you might be “right” but your attitude needs to change? What would it look like to let God shape your heart in that area? ([01:36:20])
6. The sermon challenged us to be patient with ourselves and others during the process of growth. Who is someone in your life that you need to show more patience or grace to as they grow? How can you support them this week? ([01:32:44])
7. The pastor said, “Let God do his work in you at whatever timeline you’re in and say, God, I submit to you.” Is there an area of your life where you are struggling to trust God’s timing? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him this week? ([01:38:34])

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Devotional

Day 1: True Worship: Worshiping in Spirit and in Truth
True worship is not about ritual or performance, but about engaging with God sincerely, from the heart, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and grounded in biblical truth. It is a relationship, not a routine, and God seeks those who will worship Him authentically, with honesty about themselves and a clear understanding of who He is. Worship that pleases God is marked by humility, love, and a focus on Him rather than ourselves, transforming our gatherings from mere settings into genuine encounters with the living God. [01:07:38]

John 4:23-24 (ESV)
"But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally shift your focus from yourself to God during worship this week, making your worship more about Him and less about your preferences or routines?


Day 2: God’s Timing: Embracing Both Clock Time and Divine Appointments
Life unfolds within the boundaries of clock time—beginnings and endings—but God also works through divinely appointed moments that are often unpredictable and perfectly timed for our growth. These God-ordered events intersect with our daily routines, shaping us in ways we may not immediately understand, and every season, whether comfortable or challenging, is used by God to advance our spiritual maturity. Trusting in God’s timing means recognizing that He is at work in every stage of our lives, orchestrating events for our good and His purposes. [01:18:32]

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (ESV)
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are struggling to trust God’s timing, and how can you surrender that area to Him today, believing He is working for your growth?


Day 3: Life Transformation is a Process: Becoming Who God Intends Over Time
Spiritual growth is much like the process of pickling—a transformation that takes time, the right ingredients, and patience as God seasons us with Christlike character. Each season of life brings unique challenges and lessons, and God uses every experience, whether joyful or difficult, to shape us into the people He has called us to be. Rather than rushing the process or comparing ourselves to others, we are invited to remain in God’s hands, trusting that He knows exactly what we need and when we need it, so that we can become a blessing in His timing. [01:30:04]

Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Where do you see God “seasoning” your character right now, and how can you cooperate with His process instead of resisting or rushing it?


Day 4: Attitude Matters: Being Right Isn’t Enough Without the Right Spirit
It is possible to be correct in our actions or beliefs but completely wrong in our attitude, and God desires that we reflect Christ not only in what we do but in how we do it. Holding onto pride, stubbornness, or unforgiveness can hinder our spiritual growth, even if we are technically “right,” but humility and a willingness to change our attitude open the door for God’s transforming work. True maturity is seen when we allow God to shape our hearts, making us more gracious, loving, and receptive to His correction. [01:36:20]

Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV)
"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Reflection: Is there a situation where you have been holding onto being “right” but your attitude has not reflected Christ? What step can you take today to make your attitude right before God and others?


Day 5: Participating in Spiritual Growth: Gaining Experience by Engaging, Not Spectating
Spiritual growth does not happen by simply being present in spiritual settings; it comes from actively participating and engaging in the practices of faith—worship, prayer, learning, and serving. Just as skills are developed by doing, not just observing, so too our spiritual lives are strengthened as we step out and practice what we believe, gaining experience and competency in the process. God calls us to move from being spectators to being family members who contribute, learn, and grow together in the life of the church. [01:02:05]

James 1:22 (ESV)
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can move from being a spectator to an active participant in your church or spiritual community this week?

Quotes

How the tools are used will affect the Christian's life on planet earth and beyond into heaven. It will have that kind of effect. So what you're doing in building a spiritual life is going to have this life focus and next life focus. So it's a big deal. And finally without these tools or beliefs that I'm sharing with you it is absolutely impossible to build a strong healthy space.spiritual life. No matter what kind of effort you put out and whatever other things you try to make it work with, it's not going to happen. There's only certain ways to build what God wants us to build when it comes to our spiritual life. [00:57:50] (60 seconds)  #EternalImpactOfBelief Edit Clip

We exist as created by God for the purpose of worshiping, glorifying Him through everything we are. That's it. That's the bottom line. And that excites me. Jesus said, worship, true worship, is not a ritual. It's about having a genuine relationship with a living God. And so the challenge is this. As we experience the setting of worship, we're to experience God in the setting of worship. And as we do, we learn how to be true worship. Now that's worth your time being here. [01:07:09] (62 seconds)  #WorshipIsRelationship Edit Clip

Life teaches us that to become successful in anything, it will take time. T -I -M -E -I. It takes time to build a strong marriage, to become educated, to learn how to develop healthy relationships, to raise a family and biblical values. It takes time to learn a new job, to establish a good career, to become who God wants us to be. It takes time to learn the skills we need to live successfully in this life and live out God's purpose. It takes time. [01:31:22] (44 seconds)  #GodsPerfectTiming Edit Clip

Spiritual growth is a timing process, and everyone has their own timeline. And throughout life, God is making something beautiful out of us. [01:34:56] (16 seconds)  #GodUsesEverySeason Edit Clip

I'm saying all this to say this. As life is unfolding for all of us, we're going to be moving into different times, times that have beginning and end. Some of them are going to be very uncomfortable, and we're going to want to get out of them. I'm not saying all of them are God -designed. I'm saying God will use all of them for his design. And no matter who or what is taking place in your life, understand this, that God has an amazing ability under his sovereignty to take whatever's going on and bring good out of it. If we will let it. [01:37:41] (57 seconds)  #TrustTheProcess Edit Clip

I don't want to get in there and take this pickle, cucumber being a pickle, out of there, because if I do, it won't become what it's supposed to be. It's not going to have the seasoning. It's not going to be, it's not going to end up the way it's supposed to be. I don't know what's going on in your life today, but let time do its work. Let God do his work in you at whatever timeline timeline you're in and say, God, I submit to you. I surrender to you. This is not my deal. This is your deal. Daniel in the lion's den, Paul and Silas in the prison, whatever. God knows. And God will use his appointed time to do great things in our lives. [01:38:39] (66 seconds) Edit Clip