ABCS of Spiritual Growth
06/30/08 AM
Text: Various, 2 Peter 3:18
Reading: Hebrews 10:19-25
Introduction
It’s not uncommon to speak of the “ABC’s” of a topic when talking about the basics of that topic. When we see a book titled “The ABC’s of Child Development” we can pretty much guess that the contents will tell us the expected milestones for the growth and development of our child. “The ABC’s of Nuclear Science” gives us a brief introduction to the basics of Nuclear Science.
Our lesson this morning is the “ABC’S of Spiritual Growth” and we are going to cover some things that are foundational to our growth as followers of Jesus. Growth is expected in our spiritual lives but unlike physical growth, our spiritual growth does not just happen, we need to give effort and consideration if we are to move from milk to solid food in our spiritual growth. With that in mind, let’s examine these necessary building blocks for spiritual growth and determine to put then in effect in our lives.
I.Assembling Together
A.“…not forsaking our own assembling together but encouraging one another”
1.Simply put, God has commanded that we gather together and encourage each other. We cannot do that if we do not gather together.
a.Going to services faithfully allows us to build others up in Christ while we build ourselves up in Christ, too.
b.We get fed God’s Word when attend Bible class. We get fed God’s Word when we hear sermons preached in church, even the songs we sing feed our spirits as we praise the Lord.
c.Observing the Lord’s Supper helps to bring our hearts closer to Jesus
Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”
d.And the collection of offerings teach us to be obedient to the Lord’s command.
e.Everything in assembly provides for our spiritual growth. Forsaking the assembly can leave us spiritual malnourished, easy targets for temptation and sin.
[Our next building block to consider]
II.Bible Study
A.Why study the Bible?
1.To have direction and know God’s will
Psalms:119:105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
2.Bible study provides example and instruction 1 Corinthians 10:11.
a.And these examples provide us the comfort of the Psalms, the wisdom of the Proverbs, the proof of the faithfulness of our God in the history of His dealings with His people.
3.Bible study will strengthen you are when tempted. (Jesus tempted Matthew 4, responded with word of God.)
4.Equip us for good works
2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”
5.You will know the truth of God’s word (Bereans Acts 17:11)
6.Bible study provides us the milk and the meat we need to feed our spiritual growth.
[Which takes us to our next topic]
III.Continuous Prayer
A.In All Things…
1.1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
2.Colossians 4:2 “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving”
B.Confirming God’s will
1.Ephesians 5:17-Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is
2.Jesus said: Matthew 26:42 (in the garden) “Your will”
3.With the right motives “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives…” James 4:3a
4.Phillipians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
IV.Service
A.We are to give ourselves to His good works
1.Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”
2.Romans 12:1-9
3.Luke 19 Parable of the Servants and the Minas makes clear that the Master expects us to make us of the talents we are given.
4.Time, Talent and Treasure
Conclusion: ABC’S of Spiritual Growth
Invitation
