Journey of Spiritual Growth: Embracing Community and Discipleship
Summary
### Summary
Today, we reflected on the importance of spiritual growth and the role of the church in fostering that growth. We began with a personal story about Colby and Macy, illustrating how the support of loved ones and the church community can help us navigate life's challenges. This led us to consider the foundational role of Jesus' sacrifice, which gives the church its purpose and power to offer hope and support to its members.
We then explored the five stages of spiritual growth as outlined by Jim Putman in his book "Discipleshift": dead, infant, child, young adult, and parent. Each stage represents a different level of spiritual maturity, from unbelief to actively making disciples. The goal is to continually progress through these stages, growing in our faith and relationship with God.
We examined two key scriptures: 1 Peter 2:2-3 and Hebrews 5:12-14. Peter encourages new believers to crave pure spiritual milk to grow in their salvation, while Hebrews warns against stagnation and urges believers to mature in their faith. These passages remind us that spiritual growth is essential and requires intentional effort.
We also discussed practical ways to assess and encourage our spiritual growth. This includes increasing our zeal for holiness, sharing the gospel, engaging in spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible study, and participating in church activities. We emphasized the importance of being sensitive to sin and maintaining accountability through Christian relationships.
Finally, we announced an upcoming event on September 5th at the Civic Center, featuring keynote speaker Mark Goodman. This event aims to support the Dare Challenge ministry, which helps individuals overcome substance abuse and mental health issues through a foundation in Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Role of the Church in Spiritual Growth: The church is vital in providing support and fostering spiritual growth among its members. Just as Macy supported Colby through his difficult times, the church community helps us navigate life's challenges by offering love, support, and a foundation in Christ. [24:20]
2. Stages of Spiritual Growth: Spiritual growth is a journey that involves progressing through different stages, from unbelief to actively making disciples. Understanding these stages helps us identify where we are and what steps we need to take to grow in our faith. [37:18]
3. Craving Spiritual Nourishment: Just as newborns crave milk, new believers should crave pure spiritual nourishment to grow in their salvation. This craving for spiritual growth should be a continuous process, driving us to seek deeper understanding and a closer relationship with God. [40:37]
4. The Importance of Holiness: Pursuing holiness is essential for seeing the Lord. Our zeal for holiness should increase as we grow spiritually, making us more sensitive to sin and more committed to living a life that reflects God's character. [47:33]
5. Engaging in Spiritual Disciplines: Regular engagement in spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and worship attendance is crucial for spiritual growth. These practices help us build a stronger relationship with God and keep us accountable in our faith journey. [50:48]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[24:20] - Colby's Story and the Role of the Church
[25:29] - The Foundation of Jesus' Sacrifice
[26:14] - Communion and Its Significance
[33:15] - Upcoming Event: Mark Goodman at the Civic Center
[34:19] - Supporting Dare Challenge Ministry
[36:10] - Introduction to Spiritual Growth
[37:18] - Stages of Spiritual Growth
[39:30] - Goal of Spiritual Advancement
[40:37] - Craving Spiritual Milk
[43:07] - Warning Against Stagnation
[45:17] - Importance of Spiritual Growth
[47:33] - Zeal for Holiness
[50:48] - Engaging in Spiritual Disciplines
[54:12] - Overcoming Excuses for Spiritual Growth
[01:03:18] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 2:2-3
2. Hebrews 5:12-14
3. Hebrews 12:14
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 2:2-3, what are new believers encouraged to crave, and why?
2. In Hebrews 5:12-14, what does the writer say about the spiritual maturity of the audience?
3. How does Hebrews 12:14 describe the importance of holiness in our spiritual journey?
4. What role did Macy play in Colby's life during his difficult times, and how does this illustrate the church's role in supporting its members? [24:20]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "crave pure spiritual milk" as described in 1 Peter 2:2-3, and how can this craving impact a believer's spiritual growth?
2. How does the warning against stagnation in Hebrews 5:12-14 apply to modern-day believers, and what are the consequences of not maturing in faith?
3. Hebrews 12:14 emphasizes the pursuit of holiness. How can this pursuit affect our daily lives and relationships with others?
4. Reflecting on Colby's story, how can the support of a church community help individuals navigate personal challenges and grow spiritually? [24:20]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current stage of spiritual growth (dead, infant, child, young adult, parent). What steps can you take to progress to the next stage? [37:18]
2. How can you increase your craving for spiritual nourishment, such as prayer and Bible study, in your daily routine? [40:37]
3. What practical steps can you take to pursue holiness in your life, and how can you become more sensitive to sin? [47:33]
4. Identify one spiritual discipline (e.g., prayer, Bible study, worship attendance) that you want to improve. What specific actions will you take this week to engage more deeply in this discipline? [50:48]
5. Think about a time when you felt supported by your church community. How can you offer similar support to someone else in need within your church?
6. How can you actively participate in church activities and build accountability relationships to encourage your spiritual growth?
7. Reflect on the upcoming event featuring Mark Goodman. How can attending this event or supporting the Dare Challenge ministry help you and others in your spiritual journey? [33:15]
Devotional
Day 1: The Church as a Support System
The church plays a crucial role in fostering spiritual growth among its members. Just as Macy supported Colby through his difficult times, the church community helps us navigate life's challenges by offering love, support, and a foundation in Christ. This support system is essential for our spiritual well-being, providing a safe space where we can grow, learn, and be held accountable. The church is not just a building; it is a community of believers who come together to encourage one another and to grow in their faith.
In times of difficulty, the church can be a source of comfort and strength. It is through the church that we experience the love of Christ in tangible ways, whether through acts of service, words of encouragement, or simply being present for one another. The church helps us to see that we are not alone in our struggles and that we have a community that cares for us deeply. This communal support is vital for our spiritual growth and helps us to stay grounded in our faith. [24:20]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV): "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Reflection: Think of a time when the church community supported you through a difficult period. How can you extend that same support to someone in your church this week?
Day 2: Understanding the Stages of Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is a journey that involves progressing through different stages, from unbelief to actively making disciples. Understanding these stages helps us identify where we are and what steps we need to take to grow in our faith. Jim Putman outlines five stages of spiritual growth in his book "Discipleshift": dead, infant, child, young adult, and parent. Each stage represents a different level of spiritual maturity, and the goal is to continually progress through these stages, growing in our faith and relationship with God.
Recognizing which stage we are in can help us to focus on the areas where we need to grow. For example, if we are in the "infant" stage, we may need to focus on learning the basics of the faith and developing a regular habit of prayer and Bible study. If we are in the "young adult" stage, we may need to focus on serving others and sharing the gospel. Understanding these stages helps us to set realistic goals for our spiritual growth and to seek out the resources and support we need to continue growing. [37:18]
Ephesians 4:14-15 (ESV): "So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
Reflection: Identify which stage of spiritual growth you are currently in. What specific steps can you take this week to move to the next stage?
Day 3: Craving Spiritual Nourishment
Just as newborns crave milk, new believers should crave pure spiritual nourishment to grow in their salvation. This craving for spiritual growth should be a continuous process, driving us to seek a deeper understanding and a closer relationship with God. Spiritual nourishment comes from engaging with God's Word, spending time in prayer, and participating in the life of the church. It is through these practices that we grow in our faith and become more like Christ.
The desire for spiritual nourishment is a sign of a healthy spiritual life. Just as our physical bodies need food to grow and thrive, our spirits need spiritual nourishment to grow and thrive. This means making time for regular Bible study, prayer, and worship, and seeking out opportunities to learn and grow in our faith. By prioritizing our spiritual nourishment, we ensure that we are continually growing and maturing in our relationship with God. [40:37]
1 Peter 2:2-3 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can increase your spiritual nourishment this week? How can you make time for these practices in your daily routine?
Day 4: Pursuing Holiness
Pursuing holiness is essential for seeing the Lord. Our zeal for holiness should increase as we grow spiritually, making us more sensitive to sin and more committed to living a life that reflects God's character. Holiness is not about being perfect, but about being set apart for God's purposes and striving to live in a way that honors Him. As we grow in our faith, our desire to live a holy life should become stronger, and we should become more aware of the areas in our lives that need to change.
Holiness involves both our actions and our attitudes. It means avoiding sin and striving to live in a way that is pleasing to God, but it also means having a heart that is fully devoted to Him. This requires regular self-examination and a willingness to repent and seek God's forgiveness when we fall short. By pursuing holiness, we become more like Christ and are better able to reflect His love and character to the world around us. [47:33]
Hebrews 12:14 (ESV): "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to pursue greater holiness? What steps can you take this week to grow in holiness and reflect God's character more fully?
Day 5: Engaging in Spiritual Disciplines
Regular engagement in spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and worship attendance is crucial for spiritual growth. These practices help us build a stronger relationship with God and keep us accountable in our faith journey. Spiritual disciplines are not just tasks to be checked off a list, but vital practices that help us to grow in our faith and become more like Christ. By making these disciplines a regular part of our lives, we ensure that we are continually growing and maturing in our relationship with God.
Spiritual disciplines help us to stay focused on God and to keep our priorities in line with His will. They provide a framework for our spiritual growth and help us to stay grounded in our faith. By committing to regular prayer, Bible study, and worship, we create space for God to work in our lives and to transform us from the inside out. These disciplines also help us to stay connected to the church community and to be held accountable in our faith journey. [50:48]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: What spiritual disciplines are you currently practicing regularly? How can you deepen your engagement with these disciplines this week to grow closer to God?
Quotes
1. "The church is supposed to strengthen people, so in turn, they can help out other people as they are going through this life that we all live here on earth. But the reason we can do that, is because of Jesus. What he did on that cross is something we should never forget. That's why we do this every first day of the week. We remember the blood that was shed, we remember the body that was beaten, so that you, so that myself, we can have the opportunity for eternal life." [25:29] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Dare Challenge does an excellent job of letting these men and now women know that yes, this is a tough road. But first and foremost. You need to go. You need to understand. Your relationship to Jesus is first and foremost. Your relationship to Him because you have got to have that foundation. Because there's going to be times in your life where you're going to be hit in the mouth. And you're going to be knocked down. And if you don't have that great foundation of Jesus, it's going to be a lost cause." [35:17] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So you have the dead. You have the infants. You have children. You have young adults. And then you have the parents. And that's what our goal is for us. Is for us to advance out of each of those stages. We don't want to stay in one. We don't want to stay in the infancy. We want to grow up to children. We want to grow up to young adults. And then we want to grow up into parents." [39:30] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Peter here is telling the church, he's telling us as Christians, crave that pure spiritual milk. Why? So that by it you may grow up in your salvation. There was a reason. He said crave that pure spiritual milk so that you can grow up in your salvation, so that you won't stay where you are, so that you can grow. There was a reason. God all wants us all not just to grow up, excuse me, physically, but he wants first and foremost for us to grow spiritually." [42:27] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If your kids did not grow physically as they should, you would be doing any and everything that you possibly could to correct that. You would get all kinds of opinions. You would talk. It doesn't matter how long the distance would be for you to drive to the hospital or to the doctor's office or to the specialist. You would do it. The money that you would have to spend, you wouldn't care. You would want to do it because your child is not growing physically and maybe sometimes maybe mentally as they should. And so you're going to try and get the best help that you possibly can." [45:54] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "So if I'm not holy, if I'm not pursuing holiness and I am not holy, am I going to see the Lord? No. Those are the words within God's word in black and white. It might decipher a little bit upon which different, maybe different translation you may be reading, but that is what it's saying. Without holiness, none of us are going to see the Lord. In fact, maybe your sensitivity to the Spirit's conviction over your sin seems to be growing. Or maybe it doesn't seem to be growing. And so because of that, maybe you haven't been growing as you should." [48:06] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "When we desire to hear more about him, when we desire to pray, pray more with him and to him, that is a sign that we are growing in our spiritual walk. Growing up, and I think I've told this before, I'm sure, when I was growing up in Charlotte and maybe even around here, we went to church on Wednesday night. You know, I was raised, when we were there, church on Sunday morning, Sunday school, Sunday evening, or Sunday, you know, for worship. Sunday night we came back to church and I had to miss those four o'clock kickoff football games. It drove me crazy." [51:13] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Prayer emphasizes relationship and dependence. That's what it does. See, the communication between your, uh, between husband and wife, parents and kids – that emphasizes relationship and dependence. Our conversation, prayer with God, does the exact same thing. It emphasizes a relationship there and it emphasizes the dependence that we have upon him you see both that matter more to us when our spiritual walk is growing prayer emphasizes relationship and it emphasizes a dependence that we have upon God." [53:08] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Maybe you're becoming increasingly sensitized to sin around you. We see sin all the time. And because we see it all the time now, we, I believe, as a church and as a country and as a people, we have become desensitized to sin because it is so readily in front of our face. Now, I don't know if sin has increased over time. I don't know. I think now it's more readily available and it's more seen. Alright? Through TV, radio, social media, all those kinds of things. I think it's more seen by us. I don't know if it's increasing anymore." [01:02:18] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Growth is important physically. Growth is important spiritually more so. And so for us here at the church at Hall Branch, I want us to take on the objective and make it a goal of ours to be stronger on Monday than we were on Sunday. Be stronger on Tuesday than we were on Monday and vice versa on down the line so that we, as we have stated from Hebrews chapter 12 verse 14, we will not see the Lord if we are not whole." [01:03:18] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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