Intentional Spiritual Growth Through Bible Engagement

 

Summary

In this sixth week of our foundation series, we transition from understanding what we should know to exploring what we should do as followers of Christ. The focus is on developing spiritual habits and disciplines that will help us grow into mature disciples of Jesus. Spiritual growth is essential, as Ephesians 4:14-15 reminds us, to avoid being swayed by false teachings and to grow more like Christ. However, this growth is not automatic; it requires intentional effort, discipline, and the development of good habits.

Spiritual growth is a process that cannot be rushed. Just as physical fitness requires consistent effort, so does spiritual fitness. It involves training ourselves in godliness, as 1 Timothy 4:7 suggests. This training involves forming habits that align with the life of a disciple, such as understanding and applying the Bible. The Bible is not just a historical text but a living source of God's voice, offering guidance and wisdom for every situation we face.

Understanding the Bible is crucial for spiritual growth. It is God's voice to us, and engaging with it regularly can transform our lives. The Bible is more accessible today than ever before, yet many believers do not read it consistently. Making time for the Bible should be a priority, and a practical approach like the "first 15" can help establish a daily habit of engaging with Scripture, worship, and prayer.

The Bible is a collection of 66 books written over 1,600 years by more than 40 authors. It is divided into the Old and New Testaments, each with its own sections. Understanding the structure and history of the Bible can enhance our appreciation and study of it. Different translations exist to make the Bible accessible in contemporary language, and reading it in various translations can provide fresh insights.

Ultimately, the goal of reading the Bible is not just to gain knowledge but to apply its teachings to our lives. As James 1:22 emphasizes, we must be doers of the Word, not just hearers. The Bible is meant to change us, to mold us into the likeness of Christ. By allowing Scripture to speak into our lives, we can experience joy, peace, and purpose.

Key Takeaways:

1. Spiritual Growth Requires Intentional Effort: Spiritual growth is not automatic; it requires discipline and the development of habits that align with the life of a disciple. Just as physical fitness requires consistent effort, so does spiritual fitness. We must train ourselves in godliness, as 1 Timothy 4:7 suggests, by forming habits that help us grow more like Christ. [02:26]

2. The Bible as God's Living Voice: The Bible is not just a historical text but a living source of God's voice, offering guidance and wisdom for every situation we face. Engaging with it regularly can transform our lives, providing life-giving revelation and helping us grow spiritually. [07:37]

3. Making Time for the Bible: Despite its accessibility, many believers do not read the Bible consistently. Making time for the Bible should be a priority, and practical approaches like the "first 15" can help establish a daily habit of engaging with Scripture, worship, and prayer. [10:06]

4. Understanding the Structure of the Bible: The Bible is a collection of 66 books written over 1,600 years by more than 40 authors. Understanding its structure and history can enhance our appreciation and study of it. Different translations exist to make the Bible accessible in contemporary language, providing fresh insights. [14:15]

5. Applying the Bible to Our Lives: The ultimate goal of reading the Bible is not just to gain knowledge but to apply its teachings to our lives. As James 1:22 emphasizes, we must be doers of the Word, not just hearers. By allowing Scripture to speak into our lives, we can experience joy, peace, and purpose. [44:39]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:26] - Spiritual Growth is Not Automatic
- [05:34] - Discipline and Habits
- [06:42] - Understanding the Bible
- [07:37] - The Bible as God's Voice
- [10:06] - The First 15: A Practical Approach
- [11:30] - The Structure of the Bible
- [14:15] - The Evolution of Bible Translations
- [18:00] - Hearing God's Word
- [19:24] - Attitudes and Hearing
- [20:43] - Confessing Sin for Clarity
- [22:42] - Reading the Word
- [23:55] - Systematic Bible Reading
- [25:17] - Avoiding Random Reading
- [26:32] - Choosing a Reading Plan
- [27:54] - Reading the Entire Bible
- [29:13] - Applying God's Word

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 4:14-15
2. 1 Timothy 4:7
3. James 1:22

---

Observation Questions:

1. According to Ephesians 4:14-15, what is the purpose of spiritual growth, and how does it protect us from false teachings? [02:26]

2. In 1 Timothy 4:7, what does Paul instruct believers to do, and how does this relate to the concept of spiritual fitness? [05:34]

3. How does the sermon describe the Bible as more than just a historical text? What role does it play in our spiritual growth? [07:37]

4. What practical approach is suggested in the sermon to help establish a daily habit of engaging with Scripture, worship, and prayer? [10:06]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the analogy of physical fitness relate to spiritual growth, and why is discipline essential in both areas? [05:34]

2. The sermon mentions that the Bible is God's living voice. How can this understanding change the way believers approach reading Scripture? [07:37]

3. What are some challenges that might prevent believers from making time for the Bible, and how can these be overcome? [10:06]

4. How does understanding the structure and history of the Bible enhance our appreciation and study of it? [11:30]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current spiritual habits. What is one specific habit you can develop or improve to grow more like Christ? [02:26]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being doers of the Word. Identify a specific teaching from the Bible that you can apply to your life this week. How will you do it? [44:39]

3. Consider your daily routine. How can you incorporate the "first 15" approach to ensure you engage with Scripture, worship, and prayer each day? [10:06]

4. Think about the accessibility of the Bible today. What steps can you take to read the Bible more consistently, and how can different translations provide fresh insights? [14:15]

5. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel swayed by false teachings or external influences. How can spiritual growth help you stand firm in your faith? [02:26]

6. Reflect on a time when reading the Bible brought you joy, peace, or purpose. How can you create more opportunities for Scripture to speak into your life? [44:39]

7. What is one specific action you can take this week to prioritize your spiritual growth, and how will you hold yourself accountable? [05:34]

Devotional

Day 1: Intentional Spiritual Growth Requires Discipline
Spiritual growth is a journey that demands intentional effort and discipline. It is not something that happens automatically but requires the development of habits that align with the life of a disciple. Just as physical fitness requires consistent effort, so does spiritual fitness. Training oneself in godliness, as suggested in 1 Timothy 4:7, involves forming habits that help us grow more like Christ. This process is gradual and cannot be rushed, but with dedication and perseverance, it leads to maturity in faith. [02:26]

"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." (2 Peter 1:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: What specific spiritual habit can you commit to developing this week to enhance your spiritual growth?


Day 2: The Bible as a Living Source of Guidance
The Bible is not merely a historical text but a living source of God's voice, offering guidance and wisdom for every situation we face. Engaging with it regularly can transform our lives, providing life-giving revelation and helping us grow spiritually. Despite its accessibility, many believers do not read the Bible consistently. Making time for the Bible should be a priority, and practical approaches like the "first 15" can help establish a daily habit of engaging with Scripture, worship, and prayer. [07:37]

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate the "first 15" approach into your daily routine to ensure consistent engagement with God's Word?


Day 3: Prioritizing Time for Scripture
Despite the Bible's accessibility, many believers struggle to read it consistently. Making time for the Bible should be a priority, and practical approaches like the "first 15" can help establish a daily habit of engaging with Scripture, worship, and prayer. This intentional time spent with God can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of His will for our lives. By prioritizing Scripture, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's Word. [10:06]

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: What changes can you make in your daily schedule to prioritize time for reading and meditating on Scripture?


Day 4: Understanding the Bible's Structure
The Bible is a collection of 66 books written over 1,600 years by more than 40 authors. Understanding its structure and history can enhance our appreciation and study of it. Different translations exist to make the Bible accessible in contemporary language, providing fresh insights. By exploring various translations and understanding the context of each book, we can deepen our comprehension and application of God's Word in our lives. [14:15]

"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." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: How can exploring different translations and understanding the historical context of the Bible enhance your study and application of Scripture?


Day 5: Applying Scripture to Life
The ultimate goal of reading the Bible is not just to gain knowledge but to apply its teachings to our lives. As James 1:22 emphasizes, we must be doers of the Word, not just hearers. The Bible is meant to change us, to mold us into the likeness of Christ. By allowing Scripture to speak into our lives, we can experience joy, peace, and purpose. This transformation requires us to actively apply biblical principles in our daily actions and decisions. [44:39]

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror." (James 1:22-23, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific teaching from the Bible that you can actively apply to your life today, and how will you do it?

Quotes


Ephesians 4, verse 14 says, Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever that they sound like the truth. This sounds like 2025. Instead, verse 15, We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ. Look at that. That's the key. Growing in every way more and more like Christ. That's our objective. [00:01:05] (37 seconds)


Dusty Bibles always lead to dusty lives. Yeah, that's some good stuff. I wish I'd have thought of that. Amen. But it's true. Dusty Bibles lead to dusty lives. See, the Bible is God's voice to us throughout the generations, and it never changes. And you can't really be an effective disciple of Jesus if you never get into the Word. Amen. [00:07:37] (23 seconds)


We forget 90% of what we hear within 72 hours. We do. We forget it. So let's just look. I'm going to give you a couple practical ways that you can more effectively improve your hearing of the Word of God. Are you ready? Number one, be ready and eager to hear. When you come to church or when you turn on a sermon or when you're getting ready to hear the Word of God, you know what? Jesus said, he who has ears to hear, let him hear. [00:17:45] (30 seconds)


Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Feb 11, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?