Celebrating Progress: Embracing Growth in Faith
Summary
The message delivered at Granite United Church for the New Year emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating the progress individuals and the community have made, rather than focusing on shortcomings or the need for numerous resolutions. It begins with an affirmation of God's love and welcome for everyone, highlighting that through Jesus, an open door has been provided for all to enter. The message underscores that individuals are not a disappointment to God, but rather, they are deeply loved by Him.
The congregation is encouraged to reflect on the faithfulness of God and to be grateful for the growth and positive developments within their lives and their church community. The message acknowledges that while it is easy to become preoccupied with what needs to be fixed or improved, it is more beneficial to focus on taking the next step in one's spiritual journey. The church is commended for its achievements, including the number of services held, people baptized, and individuals who have decided to follow Jesus.
The message also touches on the biblical principle of reaping what one sows, explaining that choices have consequences and that individuals should not blame God for the outcomes of their decisions. Instead, they are encouraged to sow seeds that please the Holy Spirit, which will lead to a harvest of everlasting life. The congregation is reminded not to grow weary in doing good, as in due time, they will reap a harvest of blessings if they do not give up.
The message further encourages the congregation to take the next step in their faith, whatever that may be. For some, it may be the first step of starting a relationship with Jesus Christ. The message outlines the gospel, emphasizing that everyone is a sinner in need of a savior, and that salvation is available through Jesus Christ, who died for humanity's sins and offers a way to restore a relationship with God.
The message concludes with a call to discipline and perseverance. It acknowledges that discipline is not always pleasant but is necessary for growth and progress. The congregation is reminded that they are doing better than they realize and that they should not be discouraged by the daily grind but rather focus on the 'why' behind their actions. The message ends with an encouragement to continue moving forward, taking one step at a time, and to rely on God's grace and kindness throughout the journey.
Key Takeaways:
- Recognizing and celebrating progress is more beneficial than dwelling on what needs to be fixed. It's important to acknowledge the faithfulness of God and the growth that has occurred, both personally and within the community. This perspective helps maintain a positive outlook and encourages further development. [43:05]
- The principle of reaping what one sows is a powerful reminder of personal responsibility. Decisions have consequences, and it is up to each individual to choose actions that align with the Holy Spirit, leading to a life of everlasting joy and peace. Blaming God for negative outcomes is a misdirection of accountability. [58:06]
- Taking the next step in one's faith journey is crucial. Whether it's the first step towards accepting Jesus Christ or another step forward in spiritual growth, each movement is significant. It's not about having everything figured out but about moving purposefully in the right direction. [01:11:56]
- Discipline is essential for sustained progress and achieving long-term goals. While it may not be enjoyable in the moment, the discipline of daily actions and decisions leads to a harvest of righteousness and peace. This requires a focus on the 'why' behind the effort, which is rooted in a relationship with God. [54:35]
- The church community is a place for imperfect people to pursue a perfect God together. It's not about setting unrealistic standards of perfection but about showing grace and kindness to oneself and others while striving to grow closer to God. This approach fosters an environment of support and encouragement. [01:10:13]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)
"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
2. Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV)
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
3. Ephesians 2:6-7 (NIV)
"And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the immediate and long-term outcomes of discipline as described in Hebrews 12:11?
2. According to Galatians 6:7-9, what are the contrasting results of sowing to please the flesh versus sowing to please the Spirit?
3. In Ephesians 2:6-7, what is the purpose of God raising us up with Christ and seating us with him in the heavenly realms?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How might the harvest of righteousness and peace be evident in someone's life after they have undergone a period of discipline?
2. What are some examples of actions that sow to please the Spirit, and how might these actions affect one's future?
3. Reflect on the concept of God's grace and kindness mentioned in Ephesians. How does this understanding of grace influence the way one views their own progress and growth?
### Application Questions
1. Identify a specific area in your life that requires discipline. What is one step you can take this week to cultivate discipline in that area?
2. Think of a decision you're facing that has potential long-term consequences. What choice can you make that aligns with sowing to please the Spirit?
3. Recall a time when you felt weary in doing good. What is one scripture or truth you can remind yourself of to persevere in those moments?
4. Consider the grace and kindness you have experienced in your life. How can you extend a similar grace or act of kindness to someone else this week?
5. Reflect on your spiritual journey. What is the next step you feel called to take, and what is one action you can commit to in order to move forward with that step?
Devotional
Day 1: Progress Over Perfection
Celebrating progress nurtures a heart of gratitude and reinforces the positive steps taken in one's faith journey. It's essential to recognize the faithfulness of God and the growth that has occurred, both personally and within the community. This focus on progress rather than perfection provides motivation and a sense of accomplishment that can inspire continued growth and development. [43:05]
Haggai 2:9 - "The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,' says the Lord Almighty. 'And in this place, I will grant peace,' declares the Lord Almighty."
Reflection: Can you identify a recent area of growth in your spiritual life? How can you celebrate this progress and use it as a stepping stone for future growth?
Day 2: Sowing and Reaping Responsibility
Understanding the principle of sowing and reaping empowers individuals to take responsibility for their actions. Decisions have consequences, and it is up to each person to sow seeds that align with the Holy Spirit, leading to a life of everlasting joy and peace. This principle teaches that blaming God for negative outcomes is a misdirection of accountability. [58:06]
Galatians 6:7-8 - "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."
Reflection: What kind of seeds are you sowing in your daily life? Are they seeds that please the Holy Spirit, and how can you be more intentional about this?
Day 3: Embracing the Next Step
Taking the next step in one's faith journey is a personal and significant act of spiritual progression. Whether it's the first step towards a relationship with Jesus or another step forward, each movement is a testament to one's commitment to grow closer to God. It's not about having everything figured out but about moving purposefully in the right direction. [01:11:56]
Psalm 37:23-24 - "The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand."
Reflection: What is the next step in your faith journey, and what practical action can you take today to move towards it?
Day 4: The Discipline of Growth
Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment, especially in spiritual matters. While it may not always be pleasant, discipline in daily actions and decisions leads to a harvest of righteousness and peace. This requires understanding the 'why' behind the effort, which is rooted in a relationship with God. [54:35]
Hebrews 12:11 - "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
Reflection: What area of your spiritual life needs more discipline, and how can you implement a daily practice to strengthen this area?
Day 5: Imperfect Pursuit of a Perfect God
The church community is a place where imperfect people come together to pursue a perfect God. It's not about setting unrealistic standards of perfection but about showing grace and kindness to oneself and others while striving to grow closer to God. This approach creates a supportive and encouraging environment for spiritual growth. [01:10:13]
James 3:2 - "We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check."
Reflection: How can you show more grace to yourself and others in your community as you pursue growth in your relationship with God?
Quotes
"He's not mad at you. He's mad about you. He's got great plans for you and I want you to know you are not a disappointment to God. He's crazy in love with you." [41:07] (Download)
"Numbers remind us that man God really does have a great plan and purpose for all of our lives." [44:29] (Download)
"Let's just take the next step because some stinking awesome stuff is going on in our church right now amen. I mean I'm just telling you you say well how do I know what's going on in our church I'm about to tell you." [43:05] (Download)
"Discipline doesn't seem pleasant at the time, but we're not doing it for the moment; we're doing it for the why we actually decided to get involved and press toward that mark." [54:35] (Download)
"God says keep on keeping on and you keep chasing after the things of God, you take that next step, you keep moving forward... it will produce a harvest of righteousness, it will produce a harvest of peace for those who have been trained by it." [56:25] (Download)
"Peace comes in knowing what's bigger than me isn't bigger than my God... there's a peace that comes with that, that God literally says don't you give up, you just take that next step." [56:25] (Download)
"God's like listen I'm giving you the seed I'm giving you the choice you get to choose but whatever's harvested please don't blame me." [58:06] (Download)
"Let's not get tired of doing what is good at just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if you want to harvest a blessing put your hand together come on somebody." [01:01:46] (Download)
"The church is a perfect place for imperfect people to chase after an amazing God that's all we're doing one step one foot in front of the other." [01:01:46] (Download)
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