Embracing Continuous Growth in Our Spiritual Journey
Summary
### Summary
In our midweek service, we gathered to reflect on the importance of spiritual growth and maturity in our Christian walk. We began by acknowledging the respite and encouragement that fellowship provides, especially in a world that often feels overwhelming. Our primary scripture was 2 Peter 3:18, which calls us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This theme of growth was further explored through various scriptures, including Colossians 1:9-10 and Ephesians 4:15, emphasizing that our spiritual journey is a continuous process of learning and maturing.
We discussed how spiritual growth is not just about accumulating knowledge but about applying that knowledge to our lives in a way that transforms us. Paul’s prayer for the Colossians was that they would be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, leading to a life that is pleasing to the Lord and fruitful in every good work. This growth requires us to lay aside malice, guile, hypocrisies, envies, and evil speakings, as mentioned in 1 Peter 2:1, and to approach God’s Word with a childlike openness to learn something new every day.
We also touched on the dangers of spiritual stagnation, using the example of the Laodicean church in Revelation, which was neither hot nor cold but lukewarm. This lukewarm state is a warning against complacency and a call to be constantly seeking growth. The idea that if we are not growing, we are hurting our church and our fellowship with the Lord was emphasized. We must strive to move forward, even if it’s just a small step each day.
Finally, we engaged in a self-assessment exercise, asking ourselves to rate our spiritual maturity on a scale of one to ten. This introspection is meant to help us identify areas where we need to grow and to seek God’s guidance in making those improvements. The goal is not to achieve perfection overnight but to make consistent progress in our spiritual journey.
### Key Takeaways
1. Continuous Spiritual Growth: Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey that requires us to continually seek knowledge and understanding of God's will. It’s not enough to simply know the scriptures; we must apply them to our lives in a way that leads to transformation and maturity. [18:18]
2. Laying Aside Hindrances: To grow spiritually, we must lay aside malice, guile, hypocrisies, envies, and evil speakings. This involves a daily commitment to self-examination and repentance, approaching God’s Word with a childlike openness to learn and grow. [24:12]
3. Dangers of Spiritual Stagnation: Being lukewarm in our faith is a dangerous state that leads to spiritual stagnation. We must constantly seek growth and avoid complacency, understanding that if we are not moving forward, we are likely regressing. [26:52]
4. Impact on the Church: Our individual spiritual growth directly impacts the health of our church. If we are not growing, we are hurting our church community. Therefore, it is essential to strive for personal growth to contribute positively to the body of Christ. [29:59]
5. Self-Assessment and Accountability: Regular self-assessment helps us identify areas where we need to grow. By asking ourselves where we stand on a scale of one to ten in our spiritual maturity, we can seek God’s guidance to make improvements and hold ourselves accountable to continuous growth. [43:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[11:33] - Fellowship and Encouragement
[17:23] - Reflection on Aging and Growth
[18:18] - Growing in Grace and Knowledge
[19:27] - Misunderstandings and Clarifications
[20:40] - Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding
[22:19] - Paul's Prayer for the Colossians
[23:02] - Continual Growth in the Lord
[24:12] - Laying Aside Hindrances
[25:37] - Spiritual Maturity and Responsibility
[26:52] - Dangers of Being Lukewarm
[27:34] - Spiritual Application of Scripture
[29:13] - Speaking the Truth in Love
[29:59] - Impact on the Church
[31:07] - The Necessity of Growth
[33:03] - The 80-20 Rule in Church
[36:12] - Self-Assessment Exercise
[41:20] - Introspection and Spiritual Growth
[42:26] - The Importance of Small Churches
[43:50] - Personal Spiritual Scale
[45:24] - Seeking God's Guidance
[46:26] - Encouragement to Grow
[47:25] - Testimony and Guidance
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Peter 3:18 - "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."
2. Colossians 1:9-10 - "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God."
3. Ephesians 4:15 - "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Peter 3:18, what are we called to grow in?
2. In Colossians 1:9-10, what does Paul pray for the Colossians to be filled with, and what is the purpose of this filling?
3. What does Ephesians 4:15 say about how we should speak to one another and the result of doing so?
4. What are some of the hindrances to spiritual growth mentioned in the sermon? ([24:12])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18) impact our daily lives and decisions?
2. What does it mean to be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, as mentioned in Colossians 1:9-10? How can this knowledge lead to a life that is pleasing to the Lord? ([22:19])
3. Why is it important to speak the truth in love according to Ephesians 4:15, and how does this contribute to spiritual maturity?
4. The sermon mentioned the dangers of being lukewarm in our faith. What are the consequences of spiritual stagnation, and how can we avoid it? ([26:52])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current spiritual growth. On a scale of one to ten, where do you see yourself? What steps can you take to move closer to a ten? ([43:50])
2. Identify one area in your life where you need to lay aside malice, guile, hypocrisies, envies, or evil speakings. What practical steps can you take to overcome this hindrance? ([24:12])
3. How can you ensure that you are not becoming complacent in your faith? What daily practices can help you maintain a state of continuous growth? ([26:52])
4. Consider the impact of your spiritual growth on your church community. How can you contribute positively to the health of your church through your personal growth? ([29:59])
5. What does a spiritually mature version of yourself look like? Identify specific actions or habits you can adopt to move towards that vision.
6. How can you incorporate regular self-assessment into your spiritual routine to ensure continuous growth? What tools or methods can help you in this process? ([43:50])
7. Think of a time when you felt spiritually stagnant. What caused it, and how did you overcome it? How can you use that experience to help others in your small group who might be facing similar challenges?
Devotional
Day 1: Continuous Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey that requires us to continually seek knowledge and understanding of God's will. It’s not enough to simply know the scriptures; we must apply them to our lives in a way that leads to transformation and maturity. [18:18]
In our Christian walk, spiritual growth is not a destination but a continuous journey. The call to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as mentioned in 2 Peter 3:18, is a reminder that our faith should be dynamic and ever-evolving. This growth is not merely about accumulating biblical knowledge but about allowing that knowledge to transform our lives. As we delve deeper into the scriptures, we should seek to understand God's will and apply it in our daily actions and decisions.
Paul's prayer for the Colossians (Colossians 1:9-10) emphasizes the importance of being filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. This understanding should lead to a life that is pleasing to the Lord and fruitful in every good work. Our spiritual journey is marked by continuous learning and maturing, and we must strive to grow in our relationship with God every day.
2 Peter 3:18 (ESV): "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to deepen your understanding of God's will and apply it to your life?
Day 2: Laying Aside Hindrances
To grow spiritually, we must lay aside malice, guile, hypocrisies, envies, and evil speakings. This involves a daily commitment to self-examination and repentance, approaching God’s Word with a childlike openness to learn and grow. [24:12]
Spiritual growth requires us to remove the obstacles that hinder our progress. According to 1 Peter 2:1, we must lay aside malice, guile, hypocrisies, envies, and evil speakings. These negative traits can stifle our spiritual development and create barriers between us and God. By committing to daily self-examination and repentance, we can identify and address these hindrances in our lives.
Approaching God's Word with a childlike openness is crucial for spiritual growth. This means being willing to learn something new every day and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in understanding and applying the scriptures. As we lay aside these hindrances, we create space for God's transformative work in our lives, leading to greater spiritual maturity and a deeper relationship with Him.
1 Peter 2:1-2 (ESV): "So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation."
Reflection: What hindrances do you need to lay aside today to create space for spiritual growth?
Day 3: Dangers of Spiritual Stagnation
Being lukewarm in our faith is a dangerous state that leads to spiritual stagnation. We must constantly seek growth and avoid complacency, understanding that if we are not moving forward, we are likely regressing. [26:52]
Spiritual stagnation is a perilous condition that can creep into our lives if we become complacent in our faith. The example of the Laodicean church in Revelation, which was neither hot nor cold but lukewarm, serves as a stark warning against spiritual complacency. When we are lukewarm, we are not fully committed to our faith, and this lack of fervor can lead to stagnation and regression.
To avoid spiritual stagnation, we must be intentional about seeking growth. This involves regularly engaging with God's Word, participating in fellowship, and being open to the Holy Spirit's guidance. By constantly striving to move forward, even if it's just a small step each day, we can maintain a vibrant and dynamic faith that continues to grow and mature.
Revelation 3:15-16 (ESV): "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."
Reflection: In what areas of your faith have you become complacent, and how can you reignite your passion for spiritual growth?
Day 4: Impact on the Church
Our individual spiritual growth directly impacts the health of our church. If we are not growing, we are hurting our church community. Therefore, it is essential to strive for personal growth to contribute positively to the body of Christ. [29:59]
The health of our church community is closely tied to the spiritual growth of its individual members. When we neglect our personal spiritual development, we not only hinder our own relationship with God but also affect the overall vitality of the church. Each member's growth contributes to the strength and unity of the body of Christ, enabling the church to fulfill its mission effectively.
Ephesians 4:15 highlights the importance of speaking the truth in love and growing in every way into Christ, who is the head of the church. As we strive for personal growth, we become better equipped to support and edify one another, creating a thriving and spiritually vibrant community. Our commitment to growth is not just for our benefit but for the collective well-being of the church.
Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
Reflection: How can your personal spiritual growth positively impact your church community, and what steps can you take to contribute to its health and unity?
Day 5: Self-Assessment and Accountability
Regular self-assessment helps us identify areas where we need to grow. By asking ourselves where we stand on a scale of one to ten in our spiritual maturity, we can seek God’s guidance to make improvements and hold ourselves accountable to continuous growth. [43:50]
Self-assessment is a valuable tool for spiritual growth, allowing us to identify areas where we need to improve and seek God's guidance for transformation. By regularly evaluating our spiritual maturity on a scale of one to ten, we can gain a clearer understanding of our strengths and weaknesses. This introspection helps us set specific goals for growth and hold ourselves accountable to making consistent progress.
James 1:22-25 encourages us to be doers of the Word and not hearers only, emphasizing the importance of applying what we learn to our lives. As we engage in self-assessment, we should be honest with ourselves and open to the Holy Spirit's conviction. This process is not about achieving perfection overnight but about making steady, intentional steps toward greater spiritual maturity.
James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Reflection: On a scale of one to ten, where do you stand in your spiritual maturity? What specific steps can you take today to grow closer to God and become a doer of His Word?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We need to understand that our lives should be a continual growing in the Lord. None of us have ever arrived. We all want to be more perfect in the knowledge of God, more perfect in spiritual understanding. We tie those two things together. We must understand that knowledge of God is tied to spiritual understanding so we can grow spiritually before the Lord." [23:02] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If we don't grow, we're hurting our family, we're hurting our fellowship with the Lord. In fact, if you don't grow, that's a good indicator you don't have a fellowship with the Lord. Growth hurts our church, right? And you say, 'Oh, I'll go to another church.' Gonna hurt that one too. And you're probably gonna go to a church of less than 100, which means you're probably gonna destroy that church when you leave that one too." [42:26] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Are we to grow? Yes. Can we grow? Yes. Do we need to grow? I would be willing to bet that myself included, there are no tens in here. That if you looked at yesterday and today only, you would go, am I even a nine? An eight. And I think it's a great exercise to ask yourself on a weekly basis, where do I stand?" [46:26] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The prayer of Paul to the Colossian church at Colossi was that they would grow, wasn't it? That they would have spiritual knowledge and wisdom. And I like that. We need to understand that it's spiritual understanding, it's growing in the grace of the Lord, right? That we want to be spiritually wise." [22:19] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If we're not growing, the church is hurting. The logical fallacy would be if I'm not growing, I'm hurting the church, so I must leave the church so I no longer hurt the church. That's not growing hurts the church. So what's the only option? Okay, there you go, got a grow. Good job, you pick door number three. It was the right one." [30:31] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I feel very spiritual. I feel like God has confirmed me. I feel very spiritual right now. Doesn't mean you don't grow. That means I try not to understand what I'm saying. You're probably not at a ten. So good where you stand on that scale of one to ten as I am as spiritual as I can be with my current understanding of the Lord or what is spirituality." [43:50] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Do you understand that me saying read your Bible is not the answer? If you want to fix your marriage, read your Bible. That's not the answer. I mean, it is. But you need help navigating that. And I would say that we have teachers and preachers because the vast majority of us can't just do that. We can't just do that on our own. We need guidance." [47:25] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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