Intentional Spiritual Growth: A Personal Journey of Faith
Summary
In my recent sermon, I emphasized the importance of spiritual growth and the responsibility each believer has to actively pursue it. I shared my deep concern that as your pastor, my role is not only to introduce people to the gospel but also to help them mature in their faith. I want each member of our church to be like a deeply rooted tree, able to withstand life's storms without breaking.
I recounted a vision I had in 2017 about creating a personalized journey for each church member to help them grow in their faith. This vision has now become a reality with the introduction of a new tool within our church app. This tool is designed to guide each individual through their unique faith journey, providing steps for growth and personal development.
Drawing from 2 Peter 1, I highlighted that while Jesus provides everything we need to live a godly life, we have a responsibility to access and utilize these resources. Peter urges us to add to our faith qualities like goodness, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. These qualities ensure that we are productive and effective in our knowledge of Jesus Christ.
I challenged the notion of passivity in faith, where some may believe that spiritual growth happens by simply attending church or engaging in minimal religious activities. Instead, I stressed that growth requires personal initiative and effort. It's about adding to our faith and taking responsibility for our spiritual development.
I also introduced the concept of "growth rings" in our spiritual lives, akin to the rings inside a tree that indicate its age and growth. Each ring represents a new level of maturity and development in our faith journey. I asked the congregation to consider what their spiritual growth rings look like and whether they are actively adding to their faith.
Finally, I prayed for our church community, that we would embrace this new tool and take proactive steps in our spiritual growth. I encouraged everyone to download and engage with the church app, which is filled with resources to aid in this process.
Key Takeaways:
- Spiritual growth is not automatic; it requires intentional effort and engagement. Just as a tree needs to be planted and nurtured to grow, we must plant ourselves in the fertile soil of God's Word and community to flourish. [54:34 <4NI9xGBVenw>]
- The qualities Peter lists—goodness, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love—are not just virtues to admire but to actively incorporate into our lives. Each one represents a step in our spiritual development, and together they form a robust and resilient faith. [56:25 <4NI9xGBVenw>]
- Growth in faith is not solely the responsibility of church leaders or the community; it is a personal journey. While the church can provide tools and guidance, each individual must take ownership of their spiritual development. [58:18 <4NI9xGBVenw>]
- The new church app is not just a technological advancement but a spiritual resource. It represents our commitment to individual growth and provides a personalized path for each member to follow, reflecting the unique nature of their relationship with God. [01:08:05 <4NI9xGBVenw>]
- As we approach Easter and other church activities, let us be mindful of the opportunity to not only invite others to experience the gospel but also to engage them in a journey of growth that goes beyond a single event. Our faith is a living, dynamic process that continues to unfold throughout our lives. [01:23:51 <4NI9xGBVenw>]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Peter 1:3-8 (NIV)
> "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
2. Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)
> "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers."
3. Psalm 92:12-14 (NIV)
> "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Peter 1:3-8, what qualities should believers add to their faith to ensure they are productive and effective in their knowledge of Jesus Christ?
2. In Psalm 1:1-3, what is the person who delights in the law of the Lord compared to, and what are the characteristics of this comparison?
3. How does Psalm 92:12-14 describe the growth and flourishing of the righteous, especially in their old age?
4. What metaphor did the pastor use to describe spiritual growth, and how does it relate to the concept of "growth rings" in trees? [01:03:43 <4NI9xGBVenw>]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Peter emphasize the need to "add" qualities like goodness, knowledge, and self-control to our faith? How does this relate to the idea of personal responsibility in spiritual growth? [56:25 <4NI9xGBVenw>]
2. How does the imagery of a tree planted by streams of water in Psalm 1 help us understand the importance of being rooted in God's Word and community?
3. What does it mean for the righteous to "flourish like a palm tree" and "bear fruit in old age" as described in Psalm 92? How can this be an encouragement for believers at different stages of life?
4. The pastor mentioned that spiritual growth is not automatic and requires intentional effort. How does this challenge the notion of passivity in faith? [58:18 <4NI9xGBVenw>]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. What qualities from 2 Peter 1:3-8 do you feel you need to add to your faith right now? How can you take practical steps to incorporate these qualities into your daily life?
2. The pastor introduced the concept of "growth rings" in our spiritual lives. What do your spiritual growth rings look like? Are there specific areas where you see growth or areas where you feel stagnant? [01:03:43 <4NI9xGBVenw>]
3. Psalm 1 describes a person who delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night. How can you create a habit of meditating on God's Word regularly? What changes might you need to make in your daily routine to prioritize this?
4. The new church app was introduced as a tool for spiritual growth. Have you downloaded and engaged with it? If not, what is holding you back? If yes, how has it helped you in your faith journey so far? [01:08:05 <4NI9xGBVenw>]
5. The pastor emphasized the importance of being planted in a community. How can you become more rooted in your church community? Are there specific groups or activities you can join to deepen your connections?
6. As we approach Easter, how can you use this season as an opportunity to not only invite others to church but also to engage them in a journey of spiritual growth? [01:23:51 <4NI9xGBVenw>]
7. Think of a person in your life who might benefit from the new church app or other resources provided by the church. How can you introduce these tools to them and encourage their spiritual growth?
Devotional
Day 1: Intentionality in Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is a deliberate process, not a passive occurrence. Just as a tree requires intentional care to thrive, individuals must actively cultivate their faith through consistent engagement with God's Word and fellowship with other believers. This intentional approach to spiritual development is akin to planting oneself in fertile soil, ensuring that one's spiritual roots grow deep and strong. It is a conscious effort to not only receive the nourishment of the gospel but to also seek out ways to apply it in daily life, thereby producing the fruit of a mature faith. The journey of spiritual growth is ongoing and demands personal commitment to learning, praying, and practicing godliness. [54:34]
"Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good." (1 Peter 2:2-3 ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to actively nurture your spiritual growth?
Day 2: Incorporating Virtues into Our Lives
The virtues of goodness, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love are not merely to be admired but are to be actively woven into the fabric of one's life. Each virtue represents a step in the journey of spiritual maturity, and together they form a resilient and robust faith. These qualities are not innate but must be pursued and practiced. As one adds these virtues to their faith, they become more effective and productive in their knowledge of Jesus Christ, reflecting His character in their daily interactions and decisions. This pursuit of virtue is a proactive measure against spiritual stagnancy and ensures that one's faith remains vibrant and influential. [56:25]
"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love." (2 Peter 1:5-7 ESV)
Reflection: Which of the listed virtues do you need to focus on this week, and how can you actively cultivate it in your life?
Day 3: Personal Responsibility in Faith
While the church community and its leaders play a significant role in providing guidance and resources for spiritual growth, the ultimate responsibility lies with the individual. Each person must take ownership of their spiritual journey, recognizing that growth in faith is a personal endeavor. This means actively engaging with the tools and teachings provided by the church, but also seeking God through personal study, prayer, and reflection. It is a call to move beyond passive participation in religious activities and to embrace a dynamic, self-directed approach to deepening one's relationship with God. [58:18]
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV)
Reflection: How can you take greater ownership of your spiritual development this week?
Day 4: Embracing Technological Tools for Growth
The introduction of a church app as a spiritual resource signifies a commitment to individual growth and provides a personalized path for each member to follow. This technological advancement is not merely for convenience but serves as a catalyst for spiritual development, reflecting the unique nature of each person's relationship with God. By engaging with the app, members can access tailored content that aids in their spiritual journey, encouraging them to take proactive steps toward maturity. This tool is a modern means of accessing ancient truths, helping believers to integrate their faith into every aspect of their lives. [01:08:05]
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (Acts 2:42 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you utilize the church app this week to enhance your personal devotional time?
Day 5: Engaging Beyond Events
The faith journey does not culminate with a single event, such as Easter, but is a dynamic process that unfolds throughout one's life. It is important to not only invite others to experience the gospel but also to engage them in a journey of growth that extends beyond initial encounters. This living faith is characterized by continuous learning, application, and transformation. It is an invitation to a lifelong adventure with God, where each experience and challenge serves as an opportunity to deepen one's understanding and commitment to the gospel. [01:23:51]
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12 ESV)
Reflection: How can you encourage someone this week to see their faith as a journey rather than a one-time event?
Quotes
"Here's what Peter says right, he says because you have this blessing of a relationship with Jesus all you have to do is sit back and let God do it all. Oh wait a minute, that's not what he said. See, this is where I can't stand some cliches that we've thrown around in the church world. You know, all you have to do is just let go and let God. I don't really see that in scripture. In fact, what Peter really says is that because you have access to God through Jesus, now what you have to do is add to your faith." [57:38 <4NI9xGBVenw>]
"Your faith grows when you add to it. Now I know sometimes this language can be almost a little shocking to hear because most of us are spent our lives hearing the gospel over and over again. What's the gospel? The good news of Jesus. You know what that is? There is nothing that you can do or add to what God already thinks of you. That God loves you and has nothing to do with anything you can do. But he loved you enough to send Jesus to die for you." [01:00:17 <4NI9xGBVenw>]
"Here's the thing when it comes to growth, this is the hard part, is because you can't see it sometimes it's hard to know that it's happening. And I think sometimes in the church world, if I could be honest, we've gotten really good at knowing how to act, how to behave, how to look like we belong, how to walk in on Sunday acting like everything's great, acting like we're in the process and that we're moving. Sometimes we learn how to fake it, right?" [01:03:03 <4NI9xGBVenw>]
"Do you know how you know that a tree has been growing? One of the best ways that you know is when you look inside. This is from a tree that died next to our yard that fell down and I had to cut it up, and you guys probably have seen this before, but the inside of trees has something known as rings. You know what the rings represent? The rings represent the growth. It's the growth that every year, every season, spring comes, something initiates the tree to grow thicker." [01:03:43 <4NI9xGBVenw>]
"Here's my question, my simple question for you today: Do you have growth rings? Are you adding things in your spiritual life that will help you grow? Because I found that it can be really easy just to think because I start a relationship with Jesus and I show up at church and I pray every once in a while, that it's just going to magically happen. Let me tell you this, God brings the actual growth into your life." [01:05:07 <4NI9xGBVenw>]
"Trees have two types of growth, primary growth and secondary growth. Primary growth for a tree is when it grows up, it grows taller, it grows higher. Secondary growth is when the tree grows wider, it grows thicker, it goes bigger this way and broader. And I was thinking about how God designed trees to grow, there's primary growth and there's secondary growth, and then I thought to myself, isn't that true for us?" [46:35 <4NI9xGBVenw>]
"Here's the fascinating thing about growth because I'm thinking God created living things to grow, and so growth is such a natural part of life. In fact, when things are healthy they grow. Only when living things are not healthy, when they have malnutrition or disease, do they not grow. God designed living things to grow, but have you ever noticed that you can't see growth? You can't see it." [47:17 <4NI9xGBVenw>]
"Here's what you know, right? You can never see the grass grow. You can sit there, you can stare at it all day long, you can watch it, it's like, 'I don't see it moving, it's not moving, I don't see it moving.' But here's what you know, every spring, about every four days, you have to get out and mow that grass, otherwise, it's going to sprout, it makes your yard look terrible. It is growing, but you cannot see it." [48:54 <4NI9xGBVenw>]
"Can I just tell you I think it's the same for us spiritually? Maybe this has been your experience, but it has been mine, is that sometimes here's what it feels like spiritually: it feels like the moment we begin a relationship with Jesus, it's like things are exploding inside of us. Did you ever feel that? I did. Like the moment you say yes to God, the moment faith just comes alive inside of you, there is something so exciting and rich inside of you." [51:06 <4NI9xGBVenw>]
"The psalmist is pointing to the kind of life that I think we all want, is the life of someone who chooses to walk with God rather than who walk according to the pattern of the world around them. This is what the psalmist is talking about, the person who says, 'I want to choose to connect with God, I want to choose,' says, 'Blessed is the one who does not walk with the wicked, does not stand with sinners or sit with mockers.'" [39:52 <4NI9xGBVenw>]
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