Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.
Colossians 2:6-8 NLT
Alan Neel taught this lesson. You might want to take a few minutes to read the summation of it. These 7 Truths regarding spiritual growth are compelling; both an encouragement and a reality check. Without further ado...
#1
Spiritual Growth is challenging.
James 1:2-3 NLT Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
I don't know too many people who consider troubles of life as opportunities for great joy. We must understand that the joy is in the opportunity for a chance to grow our endurance (patience) because as we continue in the text, we find this encouragement, So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
#2
Spiritual Growth is personal.
Paul writes in Philippians 2:12b-13 NLT Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. In the King James Bible, 12b reads, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
The pastor can teach the Word, but it's up to us to search it out and apply it in our lives.
#3
Spiritual Growth is relational.
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other.
Romans 12:9-16 NLT
#4
Spiritual Growth is meant to be daily.
Then he [Jesus] said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23 NLT
#5
Spiritual Growth is planned. It takes preparation for growth to occur. Soldiers, athletes and farmers all have to prepare and plan for success in their line of work. So do we.
You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.
2nd Timothy 2:2-7 NLT
#6
Spiritual Growth is confrontational.
#1
Spiritual Growth is challenging.
James 1:2-3 NLT Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
I don't know too many people who consider troubles of life as opportunities for great joy. We must understand that the joy is in the opportunity for a chance to grow our endurance (patience) because as we continue in the text, we find this encouragement, So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
#2
Spiritual Growth is personal.
Paul writes in Philippians 2:12b-13 NLT Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. In the King James Bible, 12b reads, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
The pastor can teach the Word, but it's up to us to search it out and apply it in our lives.
#3
Spiritual Growth is relational.
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other.
Romans 12:9-16 NLT
#4
Spiritual Growth is meant to be daily.
Then he [Jesus] said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23 NLT
#5
Spiritual Growth is planned. It takes preparation for growth to occur. Soldiers, athletes and farmers all have to prepare and plan for success in their line of work. So do we.
You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.
2nd Timothy 2:2-7 NLT
#6
Spiritual Growth is confrontational.
I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
2nd Timothy 4:1-5 NLT
#7
Spiritual Growth is ALWAYS worthwhile.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
2nd Timothy 4:7-8 NLT
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to keep our hearts pure before You and remain always and ever teachable by Your Word. We want to grow in wisdom, Father, but only by Your Truth. Give us wisdom according to Your promise. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment