Embracing Our God-Given Purpose Through Holistic Growth
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we continue our series "Here on Purpose" by exploring the God-given purpose each of us has. I began with a story about a young au pair who, in her attempt to discipline children, asked, "What are you doing on Earth?" This question is profound and worth pondering. Many people feel their lives are accidental or purposeless, but the truth is, each of us is created in the image of God and has a significant purpose.
We delved into Acts 2:42-47, where the early church discovered five key purposes: connection, growth, service, worship, and evangelism. Last week, we discussed connection; today, we focus on growth. Growth is essential for fulfilling our purpose and involves intellectual, physical, spiritual, and emotional dimensions. Jesus Himself exemplified this holistic growth, as described in Luke 2:52, where He increased in wisdom, stature, favor with God, and favor with man.
We also examined 2 Peter 1:3-8, where Peter outlines a progression of growth: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. This growth journey ensures that we are neither ineffective nor unfruitful in our knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Jesus' parable of the sower in Matthew 13 further illustrates the importance of growth. Seeds that fall on good soil grow to maturity and bear fruit, symbolizing a life that is fully aligned with God's purpose.
Finally, we discussed the greatest commandments as taught by Jesus: to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. This holistic love is the ultimate expression of our growth and purpose.
### Key Takeaways
1. Holistic Growth: Jesus exemplified holistic growth, increasing in wisdom, stature, favor with God, and favor with man. This teaches us that true growth involves intellectual, physical, spiritual, and emotional dimensions. We should strive to grow in all these areas to fulfill our God-given purpose. [20:10]
2. Progression of Growth: Peter outlines a progression of growth in 2 Peter 1:3-8, starting with faith and culminating in love. Each step—faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love—builds upon the previous one, ensuring that we are neither ineffective nor unfruitful in our knowledge of Jesus Christ. [28:17]
3. Parable of the Sower: Jesus' parable of the sower in Matthew 13 illustrates different responses to God's word. Seeds that fall on good soil grow to maturity and bear fruit, symbolizing a life fully aligned with God's purpose. This challenges us to examine the soil of our hearts and ensure we are receptive to God's word. [42:30]
4. Greatest Commandments: Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. This holistic love is the ultimate expression of our growth and purpose, encompassing every aspect of our being. [49:43]
5. Healing Community: At Ascend Church, we aim to be a healing community where people can grow holistically. We offer various programs and ministries to help individuals heal from past hurts and grow in their faith, ensuring they can love God and others fully. [53:05]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [03:08] - Story of the Au Pair
3. [04:24] - Exploring God-Given Purpose
4. [05:46] - Jesus' Ascension and the Holy Spirit
5. [07:30] - Day of Pentecost
6. [09:09] - Early Church Practices
7. [10:41] - Five Purposes of the Church
8. [12:03] - Growth in the Early Church
9. [13:41] - Worship and Evangelism
10. [15:09] - Prayer for Growth
11. [16:40] - Slow and Explosive Growth
12. [18:14] - Jesus' Growth from Age 8 to 30
13. [20:10] - Four Dimensions of Growth
14. [23:47] - Are You Growing as a Person?
15. [25:19] - Growing with Purpose
16. [28:17] - Peter's Progression of Growth
17. [30:16] - Steps of Growth
18. [32:15] - Steadfastness and Godliness
19. [34:07] - Brotherly Affection and Love
20. [36:56] - Agape Love
21. [38:57] - Importance of Growth
22. [40:52] - Parable of the Sower
23. [42:30] - Different Types of Soil
24. [44:25] - Bearing Fruit
25. [46:16] - Jesus Explains the Parable
26. [48:15] - Growing in Love
27. [49:43] - Greatest Commandments
28. [51:15] - Holistic Love for God
29. [53:05] - Healing Community of Care
30. [54:33] - Different Types of Love
31. [56:09] - Four-Dimensional Faith
32. [57:35] - Opportunities for Growth
33. [59:03] - Spirit Empowered Living
34. [01:00:28] - How to Share Your Faith
35. [01:01:42] - Reboot Course
36. [01:03:21] - Invitation to Family Night
37. [01:04:46] - Call to Action
38. [01:06:11] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:42-47
2. Luke 2:52
3. 2 Peter 1:3-8
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the five key purposes discovered by the early church in Acts 2:42-47? ([10:41])
2. How did Jesus exemplify holistic growth according to Luke 2:52? ([20:10])
3. What is the progression of growth outlined by Peter in 2 Peter 1:3-8? ([28:17])
4. In the parable of the sower (Matthew 13), what are the different types of soil, and what do they represent? ([42:30])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the holistic growth of Jesus in Luke 2:52 serve as a model for our own growth? ([20:10])
2. Why is it important to follow the progression of growth outlined by Peter in 2 Peter 1:3-8? How does each step build upon the previous one? ([28:17])
3. What does the parable of the sower teach us about the conditions necessary for spiritual growth and bearing fruit? ([42:30])
4. How do the greatest commandments to love God and love our neighbor encapsulate the ultimate purpose of our growth? ([49:43])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. In which of the four dimensions of growth (intellectual, physical, spiritual, emotional) do you feel you are currently growing? In which areas do you feel stagnant? ([23:47])
2. Peter outlines a progression of growth starting with faith and culminating in love. Which step in this progression do you find most challenging, and why? ([28:17])
3. The parable of the sower challenges us to examine the soil of our hearts. What steps can you take to ensure your heart is good soil, receptive to God's word? ([42:30])
4. Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. How can you practically demonstrate this holistic love in your daily life? ([49:43])
5. At Ascend Church, we aim to be a healing community. How can you contribute to creating an environment where others can grow holistically and heal from past hurts? ([53:05])
6. Think of a specific person in your life who might be struggling with their purpose or growth. How can you support and encourage them in their journey? ([04:24])
7. Identify one area of your life where you feel "stuck" or stagnant. What practical steps can you take this week to move forward and grow in that area? ([16:40])
Devotional
Day 1: Holistic Growth in Christ
Description: Holistic growth is essential for fulfilling our God-given purpose. Jesus exemplified this by increasing in wisdom, stature, favor with God, and favor with man, as described in Luke 2:52. This teaches us that true growth involves intellectual, physical, spiritual, and emotional dimensions. We should strive to grow in all these areas to fulfill our God-given purpose. Holistic growth ensures that we are well-rounded individuals who can effectively serve God and others. [20:10]
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: In which area of your life—intellectual, physical, spiritual, or emotional—do you feel you need the most growth? What specific steps can you take this week to grow in that area?
Day 2: Progression of Spiritual Growth
Description: Peter outlines a progression of growth in 2 Peter 1:3-8, starting with faith and culminating in love. Each step—faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love—builds upon the previous one, ensuring that we are neither ineffective nor unfruitful in our knowledge of Jesus Christ. This progression of growth is a roadmap for our spiritual journey, guiding us to become more like Christ in every aspect of our lives. [28:17]
Colossians 1:10 (ESV): "So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."
Reflection: Which step in Peter's progression of growth do you find most challenging? How can you focus on developing this particular aspect of your spiritual life this week?
Day 3: Receptive Hearts for God's Word
Description: Jesus' parable of the sower in Matthew 13 illustrates different responses to God's word. Seeds that fall on good soil grow to maturity and bear fruit, symbolizing a life fully aligned with God's purpose. This parable challenges us to examine the soil of our hearts and ensure we are receptive to God's word. A receptive heart is one that is open, humble, and ready to be transformed by God's truth. [42:30]
James 1:21 (ESV): "Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."
Reflection: What distractions or obstacles are preventing you from fully receiving God's word? How can you create a more receptive environment in your heart and mind?
Day 4: The Greatest Commandments
Description: Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. This holistic love is the ultimate expression of our growth and purpose, encompassing every aspect of our being. Loving God and others fully requires us to grow in our capacity to love, which is a continuous journey of transformation and selflessness. [49:43]
1 John 4:20-21 (ESV): "If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate love for God and your neighbor in a tangible way today? What specific actions can you take to show this love?
Day 5: Healing Community of Care
Description: At Ascend Church, we aim to be a healing community where people can grow holistically. We offer various programs and ministries to help individuals heal from past hurts and grow in their faith, ensuring they can love God and others fully. Being part of a healing community means supporting one another in our growth journeys and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. [53:05]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: How can you contribute to creating a healing and supportive community within your church? What specific actions can you take to support someone in their growth journey this week?
Quotes
1. "You have been created with the image of God on your life. You matter. You're important. God has a purpose for you. And so we don't want you to just sit back and be lost in hopelessness. God wants you to uncover what that purpose is and to live it. Now, there are many ways that we can live out our purpose. But for this series, we're talking about five ways to express our purpose and to grow spiritually. And if you can unlock these five things. It will help you in your daily life. It will help you to discover a rich and vibrant self. And it will be fulfilling for you and your family." [04:24] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus is invested and interceding for you to know and find your purpose and to live it out. And so when Jesus left and he ascended to heaven, he told the disciples to wait. And they waited a few days. If we do our math correctly, we discover it's about 10 more days after Jesus left. And on the day of Pentecost, Penta meaning 50, which was 50 days after his resurrection. On the day of Pentecost, the believers were all gathered together waiting. They were waiting for this Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit came." [07:30] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "One of the things about spiritual growth and discipleship is sometimes we grow in slow, incremental baby steps. You know what I'm talking about? Just a little bit at a time. But there are other times in our spiritual journey where we experience explosive growth, where we make a rapid change in our heart. We have some kind of encounter, some sort of moment in our journey where Jesus looks at the blind man who's been blind 38 years and says, look around you, open your eyes and see. And it wasn't some slow, incremental change. It was 38 years of blindness and one moment with Jesus and he can finally see." [16:40] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus increased, say increased, in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. 22 years. What happened during the 22 years of Jesus from eight to 30? He grew as a person. Jesus grew as a person. And he grew in four dynamics. I know a lot of people like watching 3D movies. Jesus had a 4D growth. It's beyond three dimensions. Listen to the four dimensions. Number one, first of all, Jesus increased. He grew. He didn't take those 22 years to not grow. He didn't become stale and moldy, worn out and decrepit during those 22 years. The Bible says he increased. He progressed. He advanced." [20:10] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It might well be that the reason your life is ineffective and unfruitful is because you have stopped growing. You've become stale. You're like those saltines in the back of the pantry that you break out when the, when you open that can of New England clam chowder and you crack those saltines over that beautifully smelling, rich soup and you crack them and you drop them in and you take the first bite and you go, what? happened to my soup. And you have some friends, you have some coworkers, you have some family. They're taking you off the shelf into their life. And they're trying to eat of the fruit of your life. And what they're getting is stale and moldy." [40:52] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Growing as a person helps you grow on purpose, and finally, it helps you grow in love. It helps you grow in this love. How do you know if you're growing in faith? Are you growing in love? Are those people who irritated you so badly before becoming less irritating? That's a sure sign that God is working in your life. Number three, growing in love. I'm going to read this passage because there were some people who asked Jesus, what is the greatest thing? We want to be fully grown people in the kingdom of God. We want to be fully grown people in the kingdom of God." [48:15] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You are not any of those people. You are an authentic believer. You are a growing, sincere believer. You are not going to have a stagnant, one-dimensional faith that's just spiritual or just emotional. You are going to have a fully developed, four-dimensional faith, a love for God that is growing long and high and wide and deep. That's who you have been called to be." [56:09] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We want this congregation to be a place where people who can't love God in these ways are healed and restored so that they're free to love him with all of their heart and not just part of it. We want people to heal body, mind, soul, and spirit. How can they have a deep love for God if they have a depraved mind? How can a person love God with their spirit if it's broken? How can a battered body or a devastated soul wound love God with all? Our goal is to provide ministries and relationships where people can heal from broken hearts, where they can heal from soul wounds." [53:05] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "You see, number one, we have to grow with a purpose. Person, sorry, as a person. Number two, we have to grow with a purpose. Number one, we grow as a person. Number two, we grow on purpose. One of those 12 who saw Jesus raised from the dead was named Peter. Peter was a fisherman who followed Jesus most of his life. There was a couple of times in Peter's life where Jesus like gave him some amazing experiences. He got to be on the mountain at the transfiguration. Peter was the one who got to walk on water, but he also, got to get chastised for it when Jesus said, oh, you of little faith." [25:19] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Jesus didn't just tell the parable. He explained it. He told the disciples this parable about the seeds, but never explained what it was really about. And so they began to question him, and eventually he got convinced to tell them. And in Matthew chapter 13, down several verses later in verse 18, which is the on page 973, Jesus explains the parable. He says, hear this, the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, doesn't add knowledge to it, the evil one comes and snatches it away, what has been sown in his heart. This is what the seed sown along the path is." [46:16] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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