Growing in Faith: Embracing Hope and Purpose
Summary
Today, we gathered around the Lord’s table, not just to remember a ritual, but to deeply connect with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. This act of communion is a proclamation of our faith in what Christ has done, but it also anchors us in the hope of His promised return. No matter what we face—be it financial, relational, or health challenges—our hope in Christ’s future reign gives us strength to endure the present. We are a people marked by hope, living in the tension between what Jesus has accomplished and what He will yet do.
As we continue our journey in “The Mission,” we are reminded that every believer is called not only to connect but to grow. Connection is just the beginning; like a grafted branch, we are meant to flourish and bear fruit in the house of the Lord. Growth is essential—healthy things grow, and so must we, not just in knowledge, but in faith, character, and purpose. Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1 urges us to know God intimately, to have the eyes of our hearts enlightened, to find freedom from what holds us back, and to discover the hope and riches of our calling.
Growth happens in several key areas. First, we must grow in the knowledge of God—not just knowing about Him, but knowing Him personally, through time, attention, and trust. This relationship deepens our love, faith, and obedience. Second, we grow through the Word, which is our daily bread and lifeline, shaping our values and equipping us for every good work. Third, we grow in prayer and worship, bringing every situation to God with thanksgiving, and learning to live a lifestyle of worship in all we do. Prayer is honest conversation with God, and worship is surrendering our will to His.
Fourth, we must grow in self-awareness and calling. Each of us is uniquely gifted and called for a purpose. Spiritual growth is not about comparison, but about discovering and embracing our God-given role in His kingdom. Growth is not automatic; it requires intentionality, effort, and community. It is a journey, not a destination, and though it may involve pain, the results are lasting and joyful. Let us commit to taking the next step—whether it’s deepening our knowledge of God, engaging with Scripture, joining community, or serving others—knowing that God is shaping us into the people He created us to be.
Key Takeaways
- Communion is a profound act that connects us not only to Christ’s sacrifice in the past but also to our future hope in His return. This hope is not wishful thinking but a living reality that empowers us to face present difficulties with courage and perspective, knowing that our story is not finished and eternity is secure. [33:44]
- Growth in the Christian life is not automatic; it requires intentional engagement and a willingness to embrace the process, even when it is uncomfortable. Spiritual maturity is a journey marked by progress, not perfection, and God desires that we move from infancy to maturity, taking responsibility for our own growth. [01:20:39]
- Knowing God is more than accumulating facts; it is about cultivating intimacy through time, trust, and honest relationship. As we grow in knowing Him, our love deepens, our faith is strengthened, and our obedience becomes a joyful response rather than a burdensome duty. [50:16]
- The Word of God is not just a source of information but a means of transformation. Daily engagement with Scripture confronts the lies of the world, shapes our values, and equips us for every good work. It is meant to be our daily bread, not a treat for special occasions, and should be read with expectation, reflection, and application. [01:02:12]
- Each believer is uniquely gifted and called for a purpose, and true spiritual growth involves discovering and embracing that calling. Comparison blinds us to our own gifts, but self-awareness and obedience open the door to making a real difference in the world. Our reward in eternity is connected to how faithfully we steward our gifts and calling here and now. [01:15:12]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[33:44] - Communion: Remembering and Proclaiming Hope
[44:50] - The Mission: Every Believer on Mission
[50:16] - Growing in the Knowledge of God
[52:08] - Healing the Heart and Finding Freedom
[53:46] - Discovering Purpose and Eternal Riches
[57:34] - Intimacy with God vs. Knowing About God
[01:00:14] - Growth in Love, Faith, and Obedience
[01:02:12] - Growing Through the Word
[01:06:23] - Growing in Prayer and Worship
[01:08:40] - Prayer as Honest Relationship
[01:10:11] - Worship as a Lifestyle
[01:11:31] - The Role of the Holy Spirit in Growth
[01:14:09] - Growing in Self-Awareness and Calling
[01:15:12] - Stewarding Gifts and the Call to Make a Difference
[01:20:39] - Growth is Not Automatic: Embracing the Journey
[01:22:52] - Growing Pains and Lasting Results
[01:24:41] - Action Points for Growth
[01:27:21] - Prayer and Blessing for the Week
[01:29:26] - Closing and Farewell
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
---
### Bible Reading
Ephesians 1:17-18 (ESV)
> "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,"
Psalm 92:13 (ESV)
> "They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God."
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
> "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 1:17-18, what does Paul pray for believers to receive, and what is the purpose of this prayer?
2. In Psalm 92:13, what is the result of being “planted in the house of the Lord”?
3. Based on 2 Timothy 3:16-17, what are some of the ways Scripture is described as being useful for believers?
4. The sermon compared being connected to Christ to a branch being grafted into a tree. What is expected to happen after the grafting takes place? [[44:50]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need for the “eyes of your heart” to be enlightened? What does this mean for someone’s spiritual journey? [[50:16]]
2. The sermon says that “healthy things grow.” What does it look like for a Christian to move from just being connected to actually growing and flourishing? [[44:50]]
3. The pastor mentioned that knowing God is more than just knowing about Him. How does this difference impact the way someone lives out their faith? [[57:34]]
4. Why is it important to discover and embrace your unique calling and gifts, rather than comparing yourself to others? [[01:14:09]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon said that communion is not just about remembering the past, but also about anchoring our hope in Christ’s return. How does this future hope help you face your current challenges? Can you share a specific situation where this hope made a difference? [[33:44]]
2. Growth is described as a journey, not a destination, and it often involves discomfort or “growing pains.” What is one area in your spiritual life where you have experienced growing pains? How did you respond, and what was the result? [[01:22:52]]
3. The pastor challenged us to move beyond just connecting to actually growing—especially in knowledge, faith, character, and purpose. Which of these areas do you feel God is prompting you to focus on right now? What is one step you can take this week? [[44:50]]
4. The sermon emphasized daily engagement with Scripture as “bread for daily use, not cake for special occasions.” What is your current habit with reading the Bible? What would it look like to make it a daily priority, even if just for a few minutes? [[01:02:12]]
5. Honest prayer and a lifestyle of worship were highlighted as keys to growth. Is there an area of your life where you struggle to be honest with God or to surrender your will? What would it look like to take a small step toward greater honesty or surrender this week? [[01:08:40]]
6. The pastor said that each believer is uniquely gifted and called for a purpose, and that comparison can blind us to our own gifts. What is one gift or strength you believe God has given you? How could you use it to serve others in your church or community this month? [[01:14:09]]
7. The message ended with a simple prayer: “Lord, help me to grow today in love, in knowledge, in obedience.” How could you incorporate this prayer into your daily routine? What difference do you think it might make if you prayed this each morning? [[01:24:41]]
---
Devotional
Day 1: Grow Where You Are Planted
Being planted in the house of the Lord means committing to a local church, investing in relationships, and allowing God to use your presence and gifts to bless others and help you flourish. Just as a plant thrives when rooted in good soil, believers are called to find a spiritual home where they can grow, serve, and make a difference, no matter how long they stay in one place. This growth is not just for personal benefit but also to influence and encourage others in their faith journey, ensuring that wherever you go, you leave a legacy of spiritual progress and blessing. [44:50]
Psalm 92:13 (ESV)
"Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God."
Reflection: Where are you currently “planted” in your faith community, and what is one intentional step you can take this week to invest more deeply in that place—whether by serving, building relationships, or encouraging someone else?
Day 2: Grow in the Knowledge of God
Knowing God goes beyond head knowledge or religious rituals; it is about developing a deep, intimate relationship with Him through time, attention, and trust. As you spend time with God—just as you would with a close friend—you begin to understand His heart, His will, and His desires for your life, which leads to greater love, faith, and joyful obedience. This relationship is the foundation for all spiritual growth, transforming your motivations from fear or duty to delight and trust, and equipping you to face every season of life with confidence in who God is. [57:34]
Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV)
"And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 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: What is one practical way you can intentionally spend time with God this week to deepen your relationship with Him—perhaps through prayer, worship, or simply being still in His presence?
Day 3: Grow by Feeding on God’s Word
The Bible is not just a religious book or a checklist for special occasions; it is God’s voice in print, meant to be your daily bread that nourishes, shapes, and equips you for every good work. Regularly reading, meditating on, and applying Scripture will confront lies, shape your values, and help you discern God’s truth amidst the competing voices of the world. Even a few minutes each day can transform your heart and mind, keeping you aligned with God’s purposes and ready for whatever comes your way. [01:02:12]
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Reflection: What specific time and place can you set aside each day this week to read and reflect on God’s Word, and how will you ensure you follow through?
Day 4: Grow in Prayer and Worship
Prayer and worship are not just spiritual disciplines but the language and lifestyle of relationship with God, inviting you to bring every situation—joyful or difficult—to Him with honesty, gratitude, and faith. Through prayer, you talk with God, not just to Him, and through worship, you honor Him in every aspect of your life, whether at work, school, or home. This daily connection realigns your heart, replaces worry with wonder, and empowers you to surrender control, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, and strengthen you in all things. [01:08:40]
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to be more honest with God in prayer or more intentional in worship, and how can you express that to Him today?
Day 5: Grow in Self-Awareness and Calling
God has uniquely gifted each person for a purpose, and spiritual growth involves discovering your strengths, embracing your calling, and using your gifts to serve others rather than comparing yourself to those around you. You are not an accident; God has a plan for your life, and your reward in eternity is connected to how faithfully you steward what He has entrusted to you. By stepping out in obedience—even when it feels uncomfortable—you allow God to work through you, making a difference in the lives of others and reflecting Christ to a world that may never read a Bible but will read your life. [01:14:09]
Romans 12:6 (ESV)
"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;"
Reflection: What is one gift, talent, or passion God has given you that you have not fully embraced or used for His glory, and what is one step you can take this week to begin using it to serve others?
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Aug 08, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?