Nature of the Goal

Matthew 5:48 ESV

48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Central Idea:

Having given spiritual life to his people, God expects them to grow to maturity.

Introduction:

Let’s consider this month’s theme...

Philippians 3:14–15 ESV

14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.

The goal is “Maturity”, “Spiritual Growth.

This is how we will achieve the, “Good Fight, Right Race, Steadfast Faith.”

Growing in spiritual maturity is a goal we should all strive for in our lives. Pursuing that goal brings honor and glory to the Lord Jesus Christ. In today's message, I will talk about the aspects of spiritual growth being essential in our walk with God and how it can help us become more like Him. Let’s seek spiritual renewal together by focusing on His Word's power that guides us daily.

God has blessed us with spiritual life through Jesus Christ and expects us to grow into spiritual maturity so that we may be better equipped to serve Him faithfully. That’s why we “Press on Toward the Goal.” We must not forget that His standards are high; He expects perfection(for us that’s maturity) from us just as He is perfect.

Pressing on toward the Goal we can find spiritual nourishment and guidance in His Word as He reveals His will for our lives. As we strive to be faithful, may we always remember that spiritual growth is not just something we should aim for; it is a goal that God expects us to reach.

Amen!

God desires the spiritual growth of his people

Mt 5:48; Heb 6:1

Hebrews 6:1 ESV

1 Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

See also 2 Co 13:9–11; Eph 1:4; Eph 2:10; Eph 3:17–19; Php 3:12; 1 Th 4:1; 1 Th 4:7; 2 Ti 1:9

Christlikeness is the goal of spiritual growth

Romans 8:29 ESV

29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

See also Eph 4:13–15; Php 2:5; 1 Jn 3:2–3

Aspects of spiritual growth

Growth in grace

2 Peter 3:18 ESV

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

See also Pr 4:18; 1 Pe 2:1–3

Growth in faith

2 Thessalonians 1:3 ESV

3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.

See also 2 Co 10:15

Growth in love

1 Thessalonians 3:12 ESV

12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you,

See also Ro 5:5; 1 Co 14:1; Php 1:9; 1 Th 4:9–10; Heb 10:24; 1 Jn 4:7–21; 1 Jn 5:1–3

Growth in understanding

Ps 119:27; 1 Co 14:20

1 Corinthians 14:20 ESV

20 Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.

See also Ps 119:97–99; Ro 12:2; Ro 16:19; 1 Co 13:11; Eph 1:17–19; Php 1:9–10; Col 1:9; Heb 5:14

Growth in holiness

2 Corinthians 7:1 ESV

1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

See also Eph 5:25–26; Heb 2:11; Heb 10:10–14; Heb 12:14; Heb 13:12; 1 Pe 1:15–16

Growth in fruitfulness

John 15:16 ESV

16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

See also Mt 13:23; Jn 15:2; Jn 15:8; Php 1:11; Col 1:10

Growth in contentment

Philippians 4:11–12 ESV

11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

See also 1 Ti 6:6; Heb 13:5

Conclusion:

We must have a goal of spiritual growth, for without it, we can never reach our full potential. We must fight with every strength and courage to achieve this goal. And as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said: "If you can't fly, then run; if you can't run, then walk, if you can't walk, then crawl but whatever you do, keep moving forward."

This is the same message we find in Philippians 3:14, which says, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." As Christians, we are called to strive towards spiritual growth; to continue pressing on until we reach the finish line and win the eternal prize. It can be a difficult journey, but with God's help, nothing is impossible. So take courage and fight for your spiritual growth!

The Nature of the Goal is Spiritual Growth

Be sure to Grow in...

grace

faith

love

understanding

holiness

fruitfulness

contentment

Remember that we don't have to do this fight alone- we have a loving Father who will always be there to guide us if we seek Him. Philippians 1:6 says, "Being confident that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." With God on our side, let us press toward the goal with confidence and joy!

As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase; take the first step." That is all we have to do in our journey of spiritual growth- take that first step in faith and trust God to guide us through the rest. Let us strive towards spiritual growth, trusting in His promises and leaning on Him for strength. He is faithful!

So fight the good fight of faith and press on towards the goal of spiritual growth that God has called us to! We can do this because Jesus won it all for us. "I press on toward the goal to win the prize…" – Philippians 3:14. Amen!