Embracing Growth: Taking Your Next Step in Faith
Summary
In a message delivered by Pastor Anthony Milas at Granite United Church, the focus is on the importance of not settling for a stagnant life but rather pursuing a "Happy NEW Year" instead of a "Happy SAME Year." The message emphasizes the significance of continuous growth and the pursuit of a life that aligns with God's will, ensuring that when one stands before God, they can be commended as a good and faithful servant.
The message begins by acknowledging the challenges and criticisms that come with leading a church, as illustrated by the contrasting piles of hate mail and letters of gratitude found in Pastor Milas's office. Despite the negativity, the positive impact on individuals' lives—such as transformed lives, restored marriages, and children finding faith—provides the motivation to persevere. The church is described as imperfect, yet perfect for those who are part of it, and it serves as a place where both the weak and the lame can find strength and guidance.
Pastor Milas discusses the Biblical principle of reaping what one sows, highlighting that choices have consequences. He points out the frustration when people blame God for the outcomes of their own decisions, despite clear warnings. The message offers hope, however, in the promise that living to please the Holy Spirit will result in harvesting everlasting life.
The message also touches on the importance of discipline in the Christian life. Discipline may not be pleasant, but it is necessary for growth and produces a harvest of righteousness and peace. The idea is that one should not give up but continue taking the next step in their faith journey. The message encourages the congregation to focus on the progress they have made rather than dwelling on past failures or trying to fix everything at once.
Pastor Milas emphasizes the significance of taking the next step, whatever that may be, and not being overwhelmed by trying to plan out every aspect of the future. He reassures the congregation that God has a purpose for each person's life and that the first step for some may be starting a relationship with Jesus Christ. He explains the Biblical path to salvation and invites individuals to make a commitment to follow Jesus.
In conclusion, the message is a call to action for individuals to take their next step in faith, trusting in God's grace and kindness. Pastor Milas expresses his love and pride for the church and its members, encouraging them to celebrate the good things God is doing in their lives and to continue moving forward, one step at a time.
Key Takeaways:
- The journey of faith is not about achieving perfection but about continuous growth and taking the next step toward God's purpose for our lives. This process involves discipline, which, although challenging, leads to a harvest of righteousness and peace. The focus should be on progress, not perfection, as we are all works in progress. [15:46]
- The concept of reaping what one sows is a powerful reminder of personal responsibility in our spiritual lives. Decisions have consequences, and while it's easy to blame God for negative outcomes, it is our choices that shape our destiny. Choosing to live by the Spirit promises a harvest of everlasting life, a choice that is ours to make. [19:54]
- The church is a community where both the strong and the vulnerable can find support and encouragement. It's a place where the weak are strengthened and the lost can find direction. This community aspect of faith is crucial for personal growth and for helping others along their spiritual journey. [28:02]
- God's grace and kindness are central themes in the Christian life. They are not only the means by which we are saved but also the way we are to interact with the world. As recipients of this grace, we become examples to others, showcasing the transformative power of God's love. [30:14]
- Starting a relationship with Jesus Christ is presented as the most critical step one can take. It is the foundation upon which a life of faith is built. This decision marks the beginning of a new journey and a transformation that affects not only the individual but also those around them. [34:49]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 12:11-13 (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. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 'Make level paths for your feet,' so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed."
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. Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
> "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 12:11 say about the nature of discipline and its long-term effects?
2. According to Galatians 6:7-9, what are the consequences of sowing to please the flesh versus sowing to please the Spirit?
3. In Matthew 6:33, what are we instructed to seek first, and what is promised as a result?
4. How does Pastor Milas describe the role of discipline in our spiritual journey? ([10:28])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of reaping what one sows in Galatians 6:7-9 apply to our daily decisions and actions?
2. What does it mean to "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness" in the context of our everyday lives? How can this focus change our priorities?
3. Pastor Milas mentions that discipline is not pleasant but necessary for growth. How can this understanding help us persevere through difficult times? ([15:46])
4. How does the idea of taking the next step, rather than focusing on perfection, align with the message in Hebrews 12:11-13? ([12:25])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced the benefits of discipline in your spiritual life. How did it produce a "harvest of righteousness and peace"? ([15:46])
2. What are some practical ways you can sow to please the Spirit in your daily life? Identify one specific action you can take this week. ([19:54])
3. Pastor Milas encourages us to focus on the progress we've made rather than our past failures. What is one area of your life where you can celebrate progress instead of dwelling on mistakes? ([11:43])
4. How can you make seeking God's kingdom and righteousness a priority in your daily routine? What changes might you need to make to align your life with this principle? ([16:29])
5. Think about your next step in your faith journey. What is one specific step you can take this week to grow closer to God? ([12:25])
6. Pastor Milas talks about the importance of community in the church. How can you support and encourage someone who is struggling in their faith? ([28:02])
7. If you haven't yet started a relationship with Jesus, what is holding you back? What steps can you take to explore this decision further? ([34:49])
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of continuous growth, discipline, and personal responsibility in the Christian life, as highlighted in Pastor Milas's sermon.
Devotional
Day 1: Growth Through Discipline
Embracing discipline is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. It may be uncomfortable, but it shapes character, leading to a life of righteousness and peace. This process is about progress, not perfection, and each step forward is a victory. [15:46]
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 is one area in your life where you need more discipline? How can you invite God to help you in this area starting today?
Day 2: Personal Responsibility in Faith
One's spiritual journey is marked by the choices they make. It is crucial to acknowledge that actions have consequences and to take responsibility for them. Blaming God for our decisions only hinders our growth. Choosing to live by the Spirit leads to life everlasting. [19:54]
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: Can you identify a recent decision that had a negative outcome? How can you take responsibility for that choice and seek God's guidance to make better decisions in the future?
Day 3: The Church as a Refuge
The church is a sanctuary for all, a place where strength and guidance are found. It is a community that supports the strong and the vulnerable alike, fostering growth and direction for everyone. [28:02]
1 Thessalonians 5:14 - "And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone."
Reflection: How can you contribute to making your church a stronger community for both the strong and the vulnerable?
Day 4: Living in God's Grace
God's grace and kindness are not only the foundation of salvation but also the way to live and interact with the world. As recipients of this grace, it is our calling to be examples of God's transformative love. [30:14]
Titus 3:4-5 - "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: How can you show God's grace to someone who may not expect it from you today?
Day 5: The First Step of Faith
Beginning a relationship with Jesus Christ is the most crucial step in one's faith journey. It is the starting point for a transformative life that impacts both the individual and their community. [34:49]
Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
Reflection: What does taking the first step in your relationship with Jesus look like today? If you have already taken that step, how can you deepen your relationship with Him?
Quotes
"When I face things that are bigger than me, I run to my father and when I get knocked back a step or two, I'm going to lean into God's grace, I'm going to lean into God's kindness." [31:29] (Download)
"Celebrate the good and great things God is doing, celebrate his faithfulness, celebrate his grace, celebrate his kindness, celebrate the awesome stuff the steps you have taken and don't get weary in well doing." [32:12] (Download)
"God saved you on purpose for a purpose because he's got a great purpose for your life." [32:48] (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." [22:53] (Download)
"God says, 'Take a new grip with those tired hands and strengthen those weak knees.' It's okay, I know they're tired, and sometimes you just need to shake it out and regrip, to mark out a straight path for your feet." [24:45] (Download)
"One of the reasons that Christ is giving you a clean heart and a brand new start is so God can point to you and to point to me in all future Generations as examples of the incredible wealth of his Grace and kindness." [30:14] (Download)
"We are trophies of God's grace and God's kindness and God says it's not about perfection, you just keep taking that next step and you're not going to knock the ball out of the park every time, but never forget this: I am a god of Grace, I am a god of kindness." [30:47] (Download)
"None of us are where we should be, but thank God we're not where we used to be, and we keep pressing toward the mark." [12:25] (Download)
"Discipline isn't easy... it 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." [15:00] (Download)
"God says if we sow seeds of the sinful nature we will harvest decay and death because of that sinful nature... why are you mad at God for the decision you made because what God said was true." [19:12] (Download)
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