Intentional Growth Through Deep Study of Scripture
Summary
Intentionally studying God's Word is essential for spiritual growth as a disciple of Jesus. Growth doesn't happen automatically; it requires deliberate effort and commitment. The writer of Hebrews addresses this issue, lamenting the lack of spiritual maturity among his audience. He emphasizes that believers have the capacity to grow in their knowledge of God's Word, but many have become lazy and complacent, content with remaining spiritually immature. This complacency is likened to a child who never progresses beyond milk to solid food, highlighting the expectation that believers should mature and be able to teach others.
The sermon challenges the modern church's tendency to create a two-tiered system where some Christians engage deeply with the Word, while others remain passive. It criticizes the desire for "fast food Christianity," where believers seek quick, feel-good messages rather than investing in the deep study of Scripture. The sermon also addresses the misconception that intellect and being Spirit-led are in conflict, emphasizing the importance of studying the Bible diligently to accurately understand and teach God's truth.
The call to action is clear: invest in personal and corporate Bible study. This involves reading the Bible, using study tools, and engaging with others in small groups or Bible study classes. The sermon encourages believers to move beyond the basics and delve into the deeper truths of God's Word, recognizing the incredible blessing and opportunity for transformation that comes from studying Scripture. It challenges believers to prioritize their spiritual growth and not settle for superficial engagement with God's Word.
Key Takeaways:
1. Intentional Growth: Spiritual growth requires intentional effort and commitment. It doesn't happen automatically, and believers must actively choose to study God's Word to mature as disciples of Jesus. [00:55]
2. Complacency in Spiritual Maturity: Many believers have become complacent, content with spiritual immaturity. The writer of Hebrews challenges this mindset, urging believers to move beyond elementary teachings and grow in their understanding of God's Word. [23:43]
3. The Danger of Fast Food Christianity: The desire for quick, feel-good messages can lead to a shallow faith. True spiritual nourishment comes from engaging deeply with Scripture, not settling for superficial engagement. [22:33]
4. Balancing Intellect and Spirit: There is no conflict between intellect and being Spirit-led. Studying the Bible diligently is essential for accurately understanding and teaching God's truth, and it requires both intellectual engagement and spiritual discernment. [28:36]
5. Investing in Spiritual Growth: Personal and corporate Bible study are crucial for spiritual growth. Believers should invest in reading the Bible, using study tools, and engaging with others in small groups or Bible study classes to deepen their understanding of God's Word. [33:35]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:55] - The Importance of Intentional Study
[01:43] - Spiritual Growth Requires Effort
[02:38] - Understanding the Letter to the Hebrews
[05:18] - Provoking Spiritual Maturity
[08:11] - The Danger of Laziness
[09:46] - Overcoming Barriers to Bible Study
[12:03] - Resources for Understanding Scripture
[14:59] - The Distraction of Screen Time
[18:46] - Fast Food Christianity
[21:23] - The Need for Spiritual Nourishment
[23:43] - Moving Beyond Elementary Teachings
[28:36] - Intellect and Spirit in Harmony
[31:28] - Investing in Spiritual Growth
[33:35] - Personal and Corporate Bible Study
[39:03] - The Role of the Church in Discipleship
[41:59] - The Blessing of God's Word
[45:08] - The Consistency of Scripture
[49:58] - Encouragement to Engage with God's Word
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 5:11-14
2. 2 Timothy 2:15
3. Psalm 119:105
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the writer of Hebrews lament about his audience's spiritual growth in Hebrews 5:11-14? How does he describe their current state? [08:11]
2. According to the sermon, what is the danger of "fast food Christianity," and how does it affect believers' spiritual nourishment? [22:33]
3. How does the pastor describe the relationship between intellect and being Spirit-led in the context of studying the Bible? [28:36]
4. What are some barriers mentioned in the sermon that prevent believers from engaging in personal Bible study? [09:46]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In Hebrews 5:11-14, the writer uses the metaphor of milk and solid food. What does this metaphor suggest about the expectations for spiritual maturity among believers?
2. The sermon criticizes the modern church's tendency to create a two-tiered system of engagement with the Word. How might this system impact the overall spiritual health of a church community? [09:46]
3. How does the pastor's emphasis on intentionality in studying God's Word challenge common misconceptions about spiritual growth? [00:55]
4. What role does the balance between intellect and Spirit play in accurately understanding and teaching God's truth, according to the sermon? [28:36]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current habits of Bible study. Are there specific areas where you have become complacent or lazy? What steps can you take to become more intentional in your study of God's Word? [08:11]
2. The sermon mentions the distraction of screen time. How does your daily screen time compare to your time spent in God's Word? What changes can you make to prioritize spiritual growth? [14:59]
3. Consider the concept of "fast food Christianity." Are there ways in which you have sought quick, feel-good messages rather than deep engagement with Scripture? How can you shift your focus to seek true spiritual nourishment? [22:33]
4. How can you balance intellectual engagement with spiritual discernment in your Bible study? Are there specific resources or practices you can incorporate to enhance this balance? [28:36]
5. Identify a small group or Bible study class you can join to invest in corporate Bible study. How can participating in such a group help you grow in your understanding of God's Word? [33:35]
6. Think of someone in your life who might benefit from learning more about the Bible. How can you take steps to teach or mentor them in their spiritual journey? [23:43]
7. The sermon encourages believers to move beyond elementary teachings. What is one "solid food" topic or book of the Bible you feel called to study more deeply? How will you begin this study? [23:43]
Devotional
Day 1: Intentional Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is not an automatic process; it requires deliberate effort and commitment. Believers must actively choose to engage with God's Word to mature as disciples of Jesus. The writer of Hebrews addresses the issue of spiritual immaturity, urging believers to move beyond complacency and strive for deeper understanding. This intentional pursuit of growth is likened to progressing from milk to solid food, emphasizing the expectation that believers should mature and be able to teach others. [00:55]
Hebrews 5:12-14 (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, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to move from spiritual milk to solid food in your study of God's Word?
Day 2: Overcoming Complacency in Faith
Many believers have become complacent, content with spiritual immaturity. The writer of Hebrews challenges this mindset, urging believers to move beyond elementary teachings and grow in their understanding of God's Word. This call to action is a reminder that spiritual growth requires effort and intentionality. Believers are encouraged to recognize their capacity for growth and to actively pursue a deeper relationship with God through His Word. [23:43]
2 Peter 3:17-18 (ESV): "You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 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: Identify one area of your spiritual life where you have become complacent. What practical steps can you take to reignite your passion for growth in this area?
Day 3: The Dangers of Fast Food Christianity
The desire for quick, feel-good messages can lead to a shallow faith. True spiritual nourishment comes from engaging deeply with Scripture, not settling for superficial engagement. This challenge to the modern church highlights the importance of investing time and effort into understanding God's Word. Believers are encouraged to resist the temptation of "fast food Christianity" and instead seek the richness and depth that comes from a committed study of Scripture. [22:33]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, 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."
Reflection: How can you create a daily routine that prioritizes deep engagement with Scripture over quick, feel-good messages?
Day 4: Harmonizing Intellect and Spirit
There is no conflict between intellect and being Spirit-led. Studying the Bible diligently is essential for accurately understanding and teaching God's truth, and it requires both intellectual engagement and spiritual discernment. Believers are encouraged to embrace both aspects, recognizing that a well-rounded approach to Scripture study leads to a deeper understanding of God's Word and His will for their lives. [28:36]
1 Corinthians 2:12-14 (ESV): "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual."
Reflection: In what ways can you balance intellectual study and spiritual discernment in your approach to understanding Scripture?
Day 5: Investing in Spiritual Growth
Personal and corporate Bible study are crucial for spiritual growth. Believers are encouraged to invest in reading the Bible, using study tools, and engaging with others in small groups or Bible study classes to deepen their understanding of God's Word. This investment in spiritual growth is a recognition of the incredible blessing and opportunity for transformation that comes from studying Scripture. [33:35]
Acts 17:11 (ESV): "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."
Reflection: What specific resources or groups can you engage with this week to enhance your study of the Bible and foster spiritual growth?
Quotes
"A disciple of Jesus grows by intentionally studying God's Word. A disciple of Jesus grows by intentionally studying God's Word. I want to emphasize that word intentionally. Intentionally. If you wrote that definition down, I want you to circle that word, underline it. If you've got a highlighter, highlight it. Do everything you can to emphasize that word. Because if you are going to grow as a disciple of Jesus, you must intentionally." [00:00:04] (44 seconds)
"If you do not make a habit of studying God's Word, you will not grow. You will not grow as a disciple of Jesus. Period. We don't just grow automatically. Almost said automatically. We don't just grow. I wish we did. I've expressed this to you before. I really do wish that when we became followers of Jesus, that God would put this port in the top of our head, and He would just stick a cable down and download, all of Him into us so that immediately we're completely transformed, and we're completely just like Jesus, and we don't need to study." [00:01:17] (47 seconds)
"And he begins to lament the lack of spiritual growth in his audience. Apparently, he... is aware that these people, while they have come to know Christ, apparently, they've not grown a lot. And so he's talking about something fairly deep, Jesus being a high priest in the order of Melchizedek. And how many of you in here know exactly what he's talking about there? Jesus is a high priest in the order of Melchizedek. Yeah, some of you are acting just like those first hearers. I have no foggy idea what this guy's talking about." [00:04:04] (41 seconds)
"you are lazy you are not growing in your knowledge of the Word because you are lazy I should align this thing with Kevlar this week verse eleven Verse 7, concerning him, Jesus your high priest, we have much to say and it is hard to explain since you've become dull of hearing. Now what he's saying there is that you've suddenly lost your ability to hear. That's not what he means. You see, that word is only used twice in the entire New Testament. One time, it's rendered dull, and the other time, it's rendered slothful." [00:07:33] (52 seconds)
"every believer in Jesus Christ, every person who is named the name of Jesus, every person who is a disciple has within them a capacity to grow in their knowledge of the word of God. Do you understand that, church? But you see, what we've done, we've created a two -tiered system in the modern church. We have people that are... members of our church who have come and they've accepted Christ, who come, but then we have other people who are kind of the super -spiritual people who actually are studying the word of God." [00:08:43] (43 seconds)
"don't like to read. Especially when we're talking about the Bible, because I'll pick the Bible up every January 1st, because I'm going to do that... Bible reading plan that you always talk about, and I pick it up and I start reading, and I get about a paragraph in, and I have no clue what it's talking about and i get frustrated and so i put it down and and it's easier not to to read it because i just don't understand it i'm told me this week a story as i sat with him waiting for miss joanne to get out of surgery and he shared with me about a man who taught sunday school never heard that he taught sunday school for years but he couldn't read or write now you might be thinking how does a man who can't read or write how does he study the bible how does he prepare to teach a sunday school lesson you know what he did he got his wife to read" [00:10:31] (78 seconds)
"Friends, when we settle for fast food, oh yeah, it'll fill you up me a good old greasy cheeseburger, oh my goodness. Y 'all couldn't look at me and tell that, could Friends, I love my wife to death, but we have almost been divorced six times since December over that one question. We rarely argue, right? We rarely argue, but boy, we've had some fusses over what we're going to... I'm tired of fast food. I want a meal. I want Lisa to cook a meal because it's really good, and I miss it." [00:21:13] (150 seconds)
"You're not growing in your knowledge of the Word because you are happy being immature. You're not growing in your knowledge of the Word because you are happy being immature. Verses 12 and 13. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for somebody to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God. And you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant." [00:23:06] (34 seconds)
"You're not growing in your knowledge of the Word because you are not investing in your spiritual growth. You're not growing because you're not investing in your spiritual growth. Verse 14, But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. Solid food practice, the mature have their senses trained. Do you hear the language Paul or the writer of Hebrews is using right there? That's very intentional language pointing to an investment that is being made. Maturity requires investment." [00:32:30] (56 seconds)
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