Embracing Growth: Stepping Off the Spiritual Merry-Go-Round
Summary
Summer is here, and with it comes a fresh opportunity to reflect on what it means to be gathered together as the church. Gathering isn’t just about being in the same room; it’s about pursuing a lifestyle shaped by values that move us forward in our walk with God. Too often, we find ourselves stuck on a spiritual merry-go-round—going through the motions, seeing the same scenery, but not truly moving forward. God’s desire is for each of us to step off that ride and embark on a journey of growth, discovery, and transformation.
No one sets out hoping their best days are behind them. Deep down, we all long for our best days to be ahead, regardless of our age or stage of life. But spiritual stagnation can sneak in, leaving us feeling like we’re just spinning our wheels. The good news is that God calls us to more. Hebrews 5:12 reminds us that we’re meant to grow, to move from needing the basics to teaching and leading others. Growth requires intentionality, and today, three practical steps can help us break free from spiritual monotony.
First, we must be willing to do something new. Our routines can be comforting, but they can also keep us from experiencing the fresh things God wants to do in our lives. Like Peter stepping out of the boat, sometimes faith means taking a risk, trying something we’ve never done before, and trusting God to meet us there. Whether it’s serving, deepening our prayer life, studying Scripture more intentionally, or even going on a missions trip, new steps of faith can lead to unforgettable encounters with God.
Second, we need to do life with others who will push us. The early church thrived because believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, and prayer—even in the face of hardship. Growth happens best in community, where others can encourage, challenge, and walk alongside us. Being open and honest with others about where we are and what we’re struggling with is key to moving forward.
Finally, we must invest in our journey. Just as we invest in vacations or hobbies, our spiritual journey deserves our best resources—our time, energy, and even our finances. Jesus taught that where our treasure is, our heart will be also. When we invest in God’s kingdom, our hearts follow, and we find ourselves more deeply connected to what truly matters.
God’s best for us is found in a life of continual growth—becoming more like Christ, living with purpose, and bringing Him glory. Let’s get off the merry-go-round and step into the journey He has for us.
Key Takeaways
- Break Free from Spiritual Stagnation
It’s easy to fall into routines that leave us spiritually stagnant, mistaking activity for progress. True growth requires honest self-reflection and a willingness to admit when we’re just going in circles. God’s desire is for us to move forward, not just maintain the status quo, and that begins with recognizing where we’ve settled for less than His best. [20:50]
- Embrace the Risk of Doing Something New
Growth often demands that we step out of our comfort zones and try something unfamiliar. Like Peter walking on water, saying “yes” to God’s promptings—even when they seem risky—can lead to life-changing experiences and deeper faith. The moments we remember most are often those when we dared to trust God in new ways. [32:40]
- Pursue Growth in Community
Isolation breeds stagnation, but community fosters transformation. The early church modeled a commitment to doing life together, pushing one another toward spiritual maturity even in difficult times. Being open and honest with others, allowing them to challenge and encourage us, is essential for breaking free from spiritual ruts. [40:41]
- Invest Where You Want Your Heart to Be
Our hearts follow our investments. When we prioritize God’s kingdom with our resources—time, energy, and finances—we find our passion for Him growing. Jesus’ teaching on treasure and heart reminds us that generosity isn’t about God needing our money, but about God wanting our hearts fully engaged in His purposes. [46:30]
- Continual Growth Leads to a Life that Honors God
God’s call is not just to know more, but to become more—growing in knowledge and understanding so that our lives reflect His purity and purpose. As we keep growing, our desires align more with Christ’s, and we live lives that bring Him glory. The journey of growth is lifelong, and it’s the path to experiencing God’s best. [49:26]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - Summer Service Changes and Introductions
[03:45] - The Playground Merry-Go-Round Analogy
[08:20] - Spiritual Merry-Go-Round: Going in Circles
[19:38] - Wanting Our Best Days Ahead
[21:38] - Breaking Free: Three Steps to Growth
[25:42] - The Power of Doing Something New
[28:30] - Saying Yes to God’s Promptings
[30:17] - Peter Walks on Water: Faith in Action
[32:40] - The Impact of Risk and New Experiences
[36:44] - The Importance of Community and Accountability
[40:41] - Openness, Honesty, and Gathered Groups
[44:28] - Investing in Your Spiritual Journey
[46:30] - Where Your Treasure Is, Your Heart Will Be
[49:26] - Growing in Knowledge and Living for What Matters
[51:18] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Getting Off the Spiritual Merry-Go-Round”
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### Bible Reading
- Hebrews 5:12 (NLT)
“You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.”
- Matthew 14:23-31 (NLT)
(Peter walks on water to Jesus)
- Matthew 6:19-21, 24 (NLT)
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be... No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Hebrews 5:12, what does the writer say should be happening in the lives of believers who have followed Jesus for a long time?
2. According to the story in Matthew 14, what did Peter do that none of the other disciples did? What was the result? [30:17]
3. In Matthew 6:19-21, what does Jesus say about the connection between our treasure and our heart?
4. The sermon compared spiritual stagnation to being stuck on a merry-go-round. What are some signs the pastor gave that someone might be “going in circles” spiritually? [20:50]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the writer of Hebrews is concerned that some believers still need to be taught the basics, instead of teaching others? What does this say about spiritual growth? [21:38]
2. What does Peter’s willingness to step out of the boat teach us about faith and risk in our own spiritual journey? [30:17]
3. How does investing our time, energy, and finances in God’s kingdom affect our hearts and our spiritual growth, according to Jesus and the sermon? [46:30]
4. The early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship.” Why is community so important for spiritual growth, especially when facing hard times? [36:44]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor said it’s easy to fall into routines that leave us spiritually stagnant. Looking at your own life, are there any spiritual routines that have become more about habit than about growth? What’s one area where you feel like you’re just “going in circles”? [20:50]
2. Peter experienced something unforgettable when he stepped out of the boat. What is one “new thing” you sense God might be prompting you to try in your faith right now? (Serving, deeper prayer, joining a group, etc.) What’s holding you back? [32:40]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of doing life with others who will push us. Who in your life encourages you to grow spiritually? Is there someone you need to invite into your journey, or a group you need to join or start? [40:41]
4. The pastor talked about being open and honest with others about where we are and what we’re struggling with. Is there something you need to share with someone this week to help you move forward? What’s stopping you? [40:41]
5. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Looking at your calendar and your bank statement, what do they say about what you value most? Is there a change you feel led to make in how you invest your time, energy, or finances? [46:30]
6. The sermon challenged us to invest in our spiritual journey like we would a vacation or hobby. What is one practical way you can “invest” in your walk with God this month? (For example: sign up for a mission trip, commit to regular giving, set aside time for Bible study, etc.) [45:31]
7. The pastor closed by saying that continual growth leads to a life that honors God. What does “growth” look like for you in this season? How can the group pray for you as you take your next step? [49:26]
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Closing Prayer:
Invite group members to pray for courage to step off the spiritual merry-go-round, to try something new, to invest in their journey, and to grow together in community.
Devotional
Day 1: Avoiding Spiritual Stagnation
Many believers find themselves stuck in a cycle of spiritual sameness, much like being on a merry-go-round—seeing the same view, feeling the same stagnation, and lacking a fresh sense of God’s presence. This is not where God wants you to stay. Recognizing spiritual stagnation is the first step to breaking free and moving forward into the vibrant, growing life God has for you. If you feel like your best days are behind you, remember that God desires for your best days to be ahead, no matter your age or stage of life. He calls you to step off the merry-go-round and onto a journey of continual growth and transformation. [20:50]
Hebrews 5:12 (ESV)
"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food."
Reflection: Where in your spiritual life do you feel stuck in a repetitive cycle, and what is one honest step you can take today to acknowledge it before God?
Day 2: Stepping Out in Faith—Try Something New
Growth often requires us to break out of our routines and take risks, even when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain. Like Peter stepping out of the boat to walk on water, trying something new in your faith can be transformative. Whether it’s serving in a new ministry, deepening your prayer life, or worshiping in a new way, God honors your willingness to say “yes” to His promptings. These moments of risk and obedience become milestones in your spiritual journey, shaping your faith and drawing you closer to Jesus. [32:40]
Matthew 14:23-31 (ESV)
"And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, 'It is a ghost!' and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.' And Peter answered him, 'Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.' He said, 'Come.' So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.' Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?'"
Reflection: What is one new step of faith you sense God prompting you to take this week, and how can you courageously say “yes” to Him?
Day 3: Growing Together—Let Others Push You Forward
Spiritual growth flourishes in community. The early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, and prayer, even in the face of trials, because they knew that doing life together would push them to become all God intended. Letting others into your life—being open, honest, and accountable—can help you break free from stagnation and move forward. Sometimes, you need others to encourage, challenge, or even prod you to reach new heights in your faith. Don’t journey alone; gather with others who will help you grow. [36:44]
Acts 2:42 (ESV)
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."
Reflection: Who in your life can you invite to walk alongside you in your spiritual journey, and what is one way you can intentionally connect with them this week for mutual encouragement?
Day 4: Investing in Your Spiritual Journey
Where you invest your resources—time, energy, and finances—reveals where your heart truly is. Jesus taught that storing up treasures in heaven, rather than on earth, aligns your heart with God’s purposes. Investing in your spiritual journey, such as through tithing, generosity, or supporting God’s mission, not only honors God but also deepens your passion for Him. When you prioritize God with your resources, your heart follows, and you step off the merry-go-round into a life of purpose and impact. [46:30]
Matthew 6:19-21, 24 (ESV)
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also... No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."
Reflection: What is one tangible way you can invest in your spiritual journey this week—whether through giving, serving, or prioritizing time with God?
Day 5: Keep Growing in Love and Understanding
God’s desire is for you to keep growing in love, knowledge, and understanding so that you can discern what truly matters and live a pure, blameless life. Growth is not just about gaining knowledge but about letting your heart be transformed to honor God in every area. As you continue to grow, your Christ-centered desires increase, and you become more aligned with God’s best for your life. Stay hungry for growth, and let God shape you into the person He created you to be. [49:26]
Philippians 1:9-10 (ESV)
"And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to grow in love and understanding, and what is one step you can take today to pursue that growth?
Quotes
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