Grow

Intro – Truth in Review

3G Napkin Version

Gather (1st G)

• Jesus said, “I will build my church…” (Mt. 16:18)

• “Church” from ‘ekklesia’ meaning to assemble or gather

• Followers of Jesus Gather together in community, worship, as friends…

As we Gather, the Lord is working, building His church… and the Gathering propels us to the other two Gs.

Today: GROW

Text: Colossians 1:9-14

How important is ‘GROW?” Very!! If you don’t pursue Christ and grow in your relationship with Him… If you don’t grow in wisdom and understanding…

You will NOT be able to

• Live a life that is worthy of Jesus or be pleasing to Him.

• Bear good fruit…

• Understand the fullness of who God is…

You’ll find yourself weak, failing and impatient.

I’ve talked with plenty of people who live in frustration because, while they know the basic truth of the Gospel… they know enough to know that God has abundant life for us – but they are not pursuing Christ and GROWING in their relationship with Him… Their understanding and wisdom has not progressed and there’s frustration!

What’s the solution? Pursue Christ and GROW in Him!

Listen to what Paul wrote to the ‘ekklesia’ in Colosse.

Read TEXT

Paul’s Prayer:

That God would fill them with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

The increase of spiritual wisdom and understanding is what we are talking about with this “G” – Grow. When this increase is accomplished in the context of relationship with the Lord… this is spiritual growth for the Christian!

When this spiritual growth happens in the life of a disciple, notice what Paul says will be the result:

1. A life that is worthy of the Lord and is pleasing to Him in every way.

2. Good fruit happens in every good work.

3. Growth in the knowledge of God

4. Strengthened with all power

a. According to God’s glorious might

b. So that you have great endurance and patience

c. Worship – ‘joyfully giving thanks to god who has qualified you…’ (Worship from an understanding of the Gospel! Verses 13-14)

This is what Paul prayed for the church. Spiritual Growth is what God wants for all of us. It’s what we do as disciples… we GROW in our relationship with Jesus Christ. We GROW in wisdom and understanding.

The result is a Christ-like life. This is God’s agenda for you and me… to make us into the very image of His Son.

Paul knew the importance of growing spiritually. He knew what was at stake!

Colossians 1:24-29

24Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

28We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.

For several years these verses (28-29) have been a theme passage for me when it comes to preaching. Paul’s passion and conviction is convicting to me… and it is again this morning.

My preaching would

1. Proclaim Jesus (nothing else)

2. Admonish and teach everyone (a catalyst in your life for spiritual growth…

3. With all wisdom (I must be one who is growing in spiritual wisdom and understanding…)

4. Presenting everyone perfect in Christ (accepting as my agenda God’s agenda – to conform us into the image of Jesus.)

Vs 29 – labor, struggle… yes! But depending on the energy that Jesus supplies…

So, this is God’s agenda for you – to make you like Jesus.

This is the purpose of my ministry is to be used by God, if even in a small way, to spur you on to Christlikeness.

This happens as you GROW in spiritual wisdom and understanding.

The question this morning is – will you make it your intention too?

Will you take ‘Next Steps’ in your relationship with Jesus and GROW in spiritual wisdom and understanding?

If yes, listen to the Holy Spirit – He will lead you in the steps He would have you take next.

As we think about this G; Grow – I want to suggest that your spiritual growth will be in one of these three areas.

1. Heart – this is a love relationship