Growing Together: Embracing God's Role in Our Spiritual Growth

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Collaboration in Growth

Growth in the Christian life is often compared to the cultivation of a garden. Just as a gardener prepares the soil, plants the seeds, and tends to the garden, believers are called to prepare their hearts through spiritual disciplines. However, it is crucial to recognize that the actual growth—the increase—is something only God can bring about. This divine collaboration involves a balance of human effort and divine intervention. Believers must be diligent in creating an environment conducive to spiritual growth, engaging in practices such as reading Scripture, praying, and participating in fellowship, but they must also humbly acknowledge that the transformation of the heart is the work of God's Spirit. This understanding fosters a dependence on God and a recognition of His sovereignty in the process of spiritual maturation. [41:29]

"For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13)

Reflection: How can you more actively prepare the soil of your heart for God's transformative work this week?

Day 2: Unity in God's Field

The body of Christ is often hindered by divisions and disputes over non-essential matters. These distractions can take the focus away from the primary goal of growing together in Christ. As members of God's field, it is imperative to cultivate unity and collective growth, which are far more significant than individual preferences or allegiances. This perspective encourages believers to look beyond personal opinions and to work together for the common good, fostering an environment where all can flourish in their faith. The emphasis on unity does not negate the value of diversity within the church; rather, it calls for a harmonious diversity that contributes to the overall health and growth of the body of Christ. [50:16]

"I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment." (1 Corinthians 1:10)

Reflection: What is one step you can take to promote unity within your church community this week?

Day 3: Embracing Adversity for Maturity

Trials and adversities are not merely obstacles to be avoided but are tools in the hands of God to shape and mature His people. When faced with difficulties, believers are encouraged to consider them as opportunities for growth. The testing of faith through various trials produces perseverance, which in turn leads to spiritual maturity and completeness. This perspective transforms the way one approaches hardships, viewing them as a means to develop character and deepen reliance on God. Embracing adversity with joy is a counterintuitive but powerful principle that can lead to significant spiritual development. [01:04:07]

"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:6-7)

Reflection: What trial are you currently facing, and how can you view it as an opportunity for growth in perseverance and faith?

Day 4: Cultivating the Right Spiritual Environment

Just as a plant requires the right environment to thrive, so too do believers need to be rooted in practices that foster spiritual growth. This involves a continuous commitment to the disciplines that were instrumental at the beginning of one's faith journey. Engaging with Scripture, participating in fellowship, committing to prayer, and worshiping with a sincere heart are all essential elements that create a fertile environment for spiritual development. By maintaining these practices, believers can ensure that their spiritual lives are well-nourished and positioned for growth. [59:33]

"As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7)

Reflection: Which spiritual discipline do you need to strengthen, and how can you intentionally incorporate it into your daily routine?

Day 5: Overcoming Spiritual Stagnation

Spiritual stagnation is a sign of immaturity and a lack of growth. It is a state where one becomes comfortable with their current spiritual condition, failing to pursue deeper maturity and understanding. Believers are called to be ever-growing, moving beyond their current spiritual state and seeking to mature in their faith. This involves a willingness to be challenged, to change, and to deepen one's understanding of God's Word. Overcoming spiritual stagnation requires intentionality and a desire to grow, which is essential for a vibrant and dynamic faith life. [54:02]

"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." (2 Peter 3:18)

Reflection: In what area of your spiritual life have you become complacent, and what practical step can you take to reignite growth in that area?

Sermon Summary

In my recent sermon at Bayside Chapel, I explored the complexities of Christian growth, emphasizing that while we play a role in preparing ourselves for growth, it is ultimately God who brings about the increase in our spiritual lives. I began by welcoming everyone and encouraging them to invite others to join us online for our service. I then transitioned into the second week of our series called "Rooted," focusing on growth.

I shared that growth as a Christian is not a simple process; it involves various change agents such as God's Word, fellowship with other believers, personal prayer, and worship. These elements help create fertile soil in our hearts, but it is God who exclusively works in our lives to bring about growth.

During the sermon, I addressed the tendency within the church to argue over trivial matters, such as which speaker or church is the best. I reminded the congregation that while these things have their place, it is God who is responsible for growth. We delved into 1 Corinthians 3:7-9, which teaches us that it's not important who does the planting or watering, but that God makes the seed grow. I emphasized that we are God's field and building, and we must act wisely to create the best potential for growth.

I also spoke about the role of adversity in our lives, referencing James 1:2-4, which encourages us to consider it pure joy when we face trials because they produce perseverance, leading to maturity and completeness. I shared personal anecdotes to illustrate how we can embrace adversity as an opportunity for growth.

I highlighted the importance of the right environment for growth, using the example of my lettuce plant and how it needs proper care to thrive. I connected this to our spiritual lives, explaining that we need to be rooted and built up in Christ, as stated in Colossians 2:6-7. This involves continuing the practices that were instrumental when we first believed, such as devotion to the Word, fellowship, prayer, and worship.

I addressed the issue of spiritual stagnation, urging the congregation to avoid becoming comfortable with their current relationship with God, as this reveals a level of immaturity. I used 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 to challenge the church to grow and mature in faith.

As we prepared for communion, I led the congregation in a time of self-examination, repentance, and reflection on the sacrifice of Jesus. I explained the significance of the bread and the cup, and we partook of the elements together, remembering Christ's death and resurrection.

In conclusion, I invited the congregation to stand and commit to allowing God to cultivate the soil of their hearts for growth. I prayed for God to help us be receptive to His work so that we might bring glory to Him.

Key Takeaways

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Bible Reading

1 Corinthians 3:5-9 (NIV) — > "What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building."

2. James 1:2-4 (NIV)
> "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

3. Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)
> "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

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Observation Questions

According to 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, who is ultimately responsible for spiritual growth? How do Paul and Apollos contribute to this process? ([47:05])
What does James 1:2-4 say about the role of trials in the life of a believer? How should we respond to adversity? ([01:04:07])
In Colossians 2:6-7, what practices are believers encouraged to continue in order to be rooted and built up in Christ? ([01:00:21])
What analogy did the pastor use to describe the importance of the right environment for growth? How does this relate to our spiritual lives? ([59:33])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize that it is God who makes things grow, despite the roles of those who plant and water? How does this perspective affect our view of ministry and service in the church? ([47:31])
How can trials and adversity lead to spiritual maturity and completeness, as described in James 1:2-4? Can you think of a personal experience where a trial led to growth? ([01:04:07])
What does it mean to be "rooted and built up in Christ" according to Colossians 2:6-7? How can continuing in the practices mentioned help us grow spiritually? ([01:00:21])
The pastor mentioned the issue of spiritual stagnation. What are some signs of spiritual stagnation, and why is it important to avoid becoming comfortable with our current relationship with God? ([54:02])

Application Questions

Reflect on your current spiritual practices. Are there any areas where you need to be more diligent in cultivating an environment conducive to growth, such as engaging with Scripture, fellowship, or prayer? ([41:29])
Think about a recent trial or adversity you faced. How did you respond to it? How can you shift your perspective to see such challenges as opportunities for growth and perseverance? ([01:04:07])
Are there any petty disputes or comparisons in your life that are hindering your spiritual growth or unity within the church? How can you refocus on the essential task of growing in Christ? ([50:16])
Identify one specific practice that was instrumental when you first believed (e.g., daily Bible reading, prayer, worship). How can you reintroduce or strengthen this practice in your current spiritual life? ([01:00:21])
Have you noticed any signs of spiritual stagnation in your life? What steps can you take to challenge yourself to grow and mature in your faith? ([54:02])
How can you create a spiritual environment that is conducive to growth in your home or community? What changes might be necessary to foster this environment? ([59:33])
As we prepare for communion, take a moment to self-examine and reflect on your relationship with God. Is there anything you need to repent of or make right before partaking in the elements? ([01:12:14])

Sermon Clips

1. "The growth of a Christian is complex and it involves many change agents like God's Word, like fellowship with other believers, personal prayer and worship. And these things are all very important, but they only serve to set up the fertile soil. Remember, like we talked about last week in A Christian's Heart. Growth comes from God and His exclusive work in our lives." [41:29]( | | )

2. "We all have seasons of life, friends, that can be filled with adversity. And if you hear nothing else, hear these words. We all need help from time to time. And it doesn't make you weak. It underlines the fact that you're human. We'll go through trials. We'll go through adversity. It'll help us to become stronger, a more mature believer. And friends, that's positive kingdom growth." [01:08:41]( | | )

3. "You and I have to trust the growth process. We have to understand that we're God's field. And God will work through the agents of transformation. Or bring growth in us. As a matter of fact, Philippians puts it like this. He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." [01:09:19]( | | )

4. "We have to understand that according to Paul, all of these things have a place, but ultimately it's up to God to bring us to a place where we can bring the increase. So you and I this morning, we have to understand that whether we're in the building or we're watching online, we have to understand that we are God's field." [50:16]( | | )

5. "Growth needs the right environment. I mean, it almost goes without saying. I can't tell you how many people got in touch with me during this last week to find out if the lettuce was still alive. Growth is happening. Only two more weeks. Come on, you can do it. But just like natural growth needs the right environment, we need to grow." [59:33]( | | )

6. "Paul's essentially saying, do the things that you used to do when the gospel seed was first plugged into your heart. I mean, think about it. You remember when someone gave their heart to Christ, they were all bubbly. They couldn't help. They just wanted to tell everybody. And then us old timers would be like, I just sent him over here. He'll get used to us." [01:00:51]( | | )

7. "He said, I had to give you milk because you couldn't eat solid food. Now, I don't know about you, but part of me would be kind of offended. Somebody got up, and said, you know, John, I think you just need to drink milk, you little Jesus baby. I think I need to take you outside the shed. But that's what he's saying. He's going, listen, there's an expectation that you and I will grow and mature in our faith." [55:32]( | | )

8. "Growing is not an option. We are to be mature and to grow in our faith, period. And Paul is clearly trying to tell the church, listen, I wish that I could give you a little bit stronger of a diet. But you're just not ready. And friends, can I tell you that some of us, now, not us, but the Lincoln City guys. But some of us are so comfortable with our current relationship with God, it reveals a level of immaturity." [58:03]( | | )

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