Embracing Growth: A Call to Change in 2025
Summary
As we embark on the first weekend of 2025, I want to challenge the notion of "Quitter's Day" and the belief that change is impossible. This mindset, often masked by phrases like "you be you" or "live your truth," suggests that growth is unattainable. However, God has blessed us with life to grow and change. Everything in creation grows until it dies, and we can learn from this natural order. If we don't regularly evaluate and strive for growth, we risk spiritual stagnation or death. The winter season, with its dormancy, is an apt metaphor for this time of reflection and goal-setting.
In Luke 5, Jesus instructs Simon Peter to cast his nets into the deep, resulting in an abundant catch. This story illustrates the importance of noticing our frustrations and listening to Jesus. Growth requires us to step into the deep, uncomfortable waters of change. It involves trying different things and doing multiple things to achieve our goals. Our lives are perfectly designed to produce the results we currently experience, so to change, we must alter our systems and habits.
We must fight for growth, whether it's spiritual, relational, financial, or physical. This fight involves setting goals born out of genuine frustration and a desire for change. It's not about setting resolutions for the sake of it but about identifying areas where God is calling us to grow. As we pursue these changes, we will experience the satisfaction of a life well-lived, aligned with God's purpose.
In John 21, Jesus again instructs the disciples to cast their nets differently, leading to another miraculous catch. This year, let's embrace the call to try something new, to fight for growth, and to enjoy the fullness of life that comes from aligning with God's will. Let's not quit but instead strive to become all that God has destined us to be.
Key Takeaways:
1. Embrace Change and Growth: The belief that we cannot change is a limiting mindset. God has given us life to grow and change, and if we don't regularly evaluate and strive for growth, we risk spiritual stagnation. Embrace the seasons of life as opportunities for reflection and transformation. [02:16]
2. Notice Your Frustrations: Growth begins with recognizing areas of frustration in our lives. These frustrations can be indicators of where God is calling us to change. By acknowledging them, we can set meaningful goals that align with God's purpose for us. [06:31]
3. Listen to Jesus and Step into the Deep: Spiritual growth requires us to step into uncomfortable and unfamiliar territories. Listening to Jesus and following His guidance can lead us to deeper waters where true transformation occurs. [14:26]
4. Try Different and Multiple Things: Our current systems and habits produce the results we experience. To achieve different outcomes, we must try new approaches and implement multiple strategies. This requires intentionality and a willingness to change. [20:23]
5. Fight for Growth and Enjoy the Journey: Growth is a fight that requires perseverance and commitment. As we pursue change, we will experience the satisfaction of a life aligned with God's purpose. Enjoy the journey and the transformation that comes with it. [31:36]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:16] - The Problem with Quitter's Day
- [03:37] - The Importance of Growth
- [04:23] - Jesus and the Fishing Story
- [06:31] - Notice Your Frustrations
- [08:35] - Building Discipline
- [12:15] - Stewarding God's Gifts
- [14:26] - Listen to Jesus
- [15:39] - The Challenge of Change
- [19:03] - Fight for Growth
- [20:23] - Try Different Things
- [22:14] - Implementing New Strategies
- [23:40] - Bible Reading Plans
- [25:34] - Spiritual Growth Insights
- [27:49] - Multiple Strategies for Growth
- [30:36] - Financial and Relational Growth
- [31:36] - The Fight for Spiritual Growth
- [32:56] - Enjoy Being Full
- [35:44] - Encouragement to Try Something New
- [37:27] - Vision for Growth in 2025
- [38:27] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 5:1-6 - The story of Jesus instructing Simon Peter to cast his nets into the deep, resulting in an abundant catch.
2. John 21:4-6 - Jesus instructs the disciples to cast their nets on the right side of the boat, leading to another miraculous catch.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Simon Peter's initial reaction to Jesus' instruction to cast the nets again in Luke 5, and what was the outcome? [04:23]
2. In John 21, how did the disciples respond to Jesus' instruction to cast their nets on the right side of the boat, and what was the result? [32:56]
3. How does the sermon describe the concept of "Quitter's Day," and what mindset does it challenge? [02:16]
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of areas where people might experience frustration that could lead to growth? [06:31]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Simon Peter casting his nets into the deep relate to the idea of stepping into uncomfortable and unfamiliar territories for spiritual growth? [14:26]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between frustration and setting meaningful goals for growth? [06:31]
3. How does the sermon interpret the act of casting nets on the right side of the boat in John 21 as a metaphor for trying new approaches in life? [32:56]
4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of listening to Jesus and how it can lead to transformation in our lives? [14:26]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt frustrated in a particular area of your life. How might this frustration be an indicator of where God is calling you to grow? [06:31]
2. What are some "deep waters" in your life that you feel God might be calling you to step into? How can you prepare yourself to take that step? [14:26]
3. Identify a habit or system in your life that is producing results you are not satisfied with. What new approach can you try to achieve different outcomes? [20:23]
4. Consider an area in your life where you have been hesitant to change. How can listening to Jesus' guidance help you overcome this hesitation? [14:26]
5. The sermon encourages fighting for growth in various aspects of life. What is one specific area where you feel called to fight for growth this year, and what steps will you take to pursue it? [31:36]
6. How can you embrace the journey of growth and transformation, even when it feels challenging or uncomfortable? What mindset shifts might be necessary? [31:36]
7. Reflect on the idea of enjoying the fullness of life that comes from aligning with God's will. What changes can you make to experience more of this fullness in your daily life? [32:56]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Possibility of Change
Description: The belief that change is impossible is a limiting mindset that can hinder spiritual growth. God has given us life to grow and change, and if we don't regularly evaluate and strive for growth, we risk spiritual stagnation. Embracing the seasons of life as opportunities for reflection and transformation is essential. Just as everything in creation grows until it dies, we too are called to grow and evolve. This mindset shift allows us to see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. [02:16]
Bible Passage: "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel stuck or stagnant? How can you invite God into this area to help you embrace change and growth?
Day 2: Recognize and Respond to Frustrations
Description: Growth often begins with recognizing areas of frustration in our lives. These frustrations can be indicators of where God is calling us to change. By acknowledging them, we can set meaningful goals that align with God's purpose for us. Instead of ignoring or suppressing these feelings, we should see them as divine nudges towards transformation. This process involves introspection and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves, leading to genuine and lasting change. [06:31]
Bible Passage: "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." (Psalm 42:11, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a recent frustration you have experienced. How might this frustration be pointing you towards an area where God is calling you to grow or change?
Day 3: Step into the Deep with Jesus
Description: Spiritual growth requires us to step into uncomfortable and unfamiliar territories. Listening to Jesus and following His guidance can lead us to deeper waters where true transformation occurs. This involves trusting in His plan and being willing to leave our comfort zones. Just as Simon Peter experienced an abundant catch by obeying Jesus' instruction, we too can experience abundance and growth by stepping into the deep with faith and obedience. [14:26]
Bible Passage: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you." (Isaiah 43:2, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? What steps can you take today to move towards this calling?
Day 4: Experiment with New Approaches
Description: Our current systems and habits produce the results we experience. To achieve different outcomes, we must try new approaches and implement multiple strategies. This requires intentionality and a willingness to change. By experimenting with different methods, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and growth. This process involves trial and error, but it is through these experiences that we learn and develop. [20:23]
Bible Passage: "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:19, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a habit or routine that is not serving you well. What is one new approach you can try this week to create a positive change in this area?
Day 5: Persevere in the Journey of Growth
Description: Growth is a fight that requires perseverance and commitment. As we pursue change, we will experience the satisfaction of a life aligned with God's purpose. Enjoying the journey and the transformation that comes with it is crucial. This involves embracing both the challenges and the victories, knowing that each step brings us closer to becoming who God has destined us to be. [31:36]
Bible Passage: "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced in your journey of growth. How can you find joy and satisfaction in the process, even when the outcome is not yet visible?
Quotes
God has blessed us with a life to grow our life. And growing our life means changing our life. I don't know if you do New Year's resolutions or not. You don't have to do New Year's resolutions. Fine if you do or don't. If you believe in the Bible, the Bible never says, thou shalt haveth a neweth yearth resolution. It never says that anywhere. [00:02:30] (26 seconds)
If in the course of your life, you don't have a regular pattern where you evaluate your life and you grow, you are stagnant. You are spiritually dying or dead. Let me say that again. If in the course of your life, your year. You don't have a regular season when you look at your life holistically and you notice and reflect and set goals to grow and change. If that doesn't happen, you are spiritually dying or dead. [00:03:44] (29 seconds)
Notice your frustrations. Notice your frustrations. Notice your frustrations. I historically have not been a great goal achiever. When I say historically, I mean when I was a younger man. God never gave me the gift of discipline because there is no such gift of discipline. That's not a spiritual gift that's listed in the Bible. That's not a strand of DNA. [00:06:31] (29 seconds)
You have discipline because you build your tolerance for discomfort. And you grow increasingly comfortable with telling yourself no. No, I'm not going to do this. and increasingly telling yourself, yes. And as you build trust in yourself, as you do these things, you get more and more discipline. And that's how you grow. [00:07:42] (25 seconds)
God has given you a life to steward, to take advantage of. And that means it needs to be grown. One time, well, it gives a story two times of people who are given something by a landowner. They're stewarded certain amounts of assets. And the third person just buries it. He doesn't try to grow it. He buries it. And Jesus calls him wicked and lazy. [00:12:15] (24 seconds)
When you take what God has given you and all you do is bury it and you try to just keep it or stay static, we are wicked and lazy because people who are growing are trying to grow the thing that God has given us, whatever it is. But you just got to notice what you're frustrated and say, I'm frustrated here. So this is probably this year's something that I should grow. [00:12:39] (21 seconds)
You need some different disciplines. We have to do some different things. We can't just talk awakening and not change anything about how we operate or put money any differently. We have to have different things. I offered a guy a job who I would have never offered a job to any other time than now. He and his wife, unique, rare gifts, but just not the kind of gifts we would have built crosses on, but the kind of gifts you'd want in terms of an awakening. [00:21:40] (33 seconds)
And what will never be different is that there's a system in this world that wants to keep us spiritually distracted, relationally disconnected, physically depleted, and emotionally thwarted. This world is grinding us down because it's under the influence of the evil one and designed to do that. To walk in the refreshing and empowering grace of Jesus means I have to intake things into my system that are not, unfortunately, of the world. [00:24:37] (30 seconds)
If you want to see an awakening, the Spirit of God go across our region, and people have full hearts, towards God, and get away from their destructive patterns, and positive change come to our culture. Let me tell you something. It doesn't happen because this big church crossroads does this perfect program. This happens. It happens because you and I become 10X closer to God than we were before. [00:26:01] (21 seconds)
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