Spiritual Formation - [ Growth ]

SPIRITUAL FORMATION

PRINCIPLES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

“It’s time for ME to do better “

Question: Do better in WHAT? In every area of our life

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SPIRITUAL FORMATION

PRINCIPLES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Formation – the action of forming or process of being formed.

Introduction: Life is designed to be a progression of growth from one level to the next. If this is true about our physical lives, then the same must be true about our spiritual lives. [ WHY DO YOU KEEP COMING TO CHURCH] If we are going to live for the Kingdom, we must therefore, embrace this idea of spiritual growth for two reasons:

1. God commands us to grow.

2 Peter 3:18 But GROW in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

2. The alternative to growth is stagnation.

This lesson is designed therefore, to provide us with principles for growing in Christ in order that we may become better adapted to kingdom living and better equipped for kingdom building.

NOTE: WE AS BELIEVER’S HAVE A TENDENCY to gravitate to lessons where we are the VICTIM/VICTIMIZED in other words those pity pat party lessons and not gravitate to the lessons that challenges us grow.

Note: When you talk about GROWTH, that also means ACCOUNTABILITY. And ACCOUNTABILITY sometimes look like an ATTACK when you’re not ready and willing to own your behavior.

ACCOUNTABILITY sometimes look like an ATTACK when you’re not ready and willing to own your behavior.

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With Influence comes Responsibility

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Growth Hinders:

1st. Your feels

Note: I believe that when our feelings get in the way God is sitting on His throne with His hands lifted up saying “ what about me though “

Note: It’s funny how our feelings ONLY get in the way of God’s will and not your will

2nd. Comparing yourself to others/ that at least I don’t do what they do

Note: You’re not on crack-cocaine and on the streets dirty, stink and open with it but you have a great but on pain killers

3rd. Your tradition hinders your growth

Note: You know the word of God says but this is how you have been doing it

Mark 7:13 NKJV

”making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.

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Quote: “Success can not come through DISOBEDIENCE “

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Note: You know a good way to see your growth is to evaluate your walk up against the fruit of the SPIRIT

Galatians 5:22-23 KJV

”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.“

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Note: Your growth is predicated on

1st Your love for God

2nd Your love for the word

3rd How Hungry & Thirsty you are for TRUTH

4th You are RESPONSIBLE for your GROWTH

168 hours in a week, 10% of that is 16.8 hours. Do you give God at least 10% of you to Him in Church service, Bible study, Sunday school, Ministry, personal prayer, Devotion etc.

Let's dive in and be transformed!

I. A DEFINITION OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH.

Spiritual growth can be defined as "that transformational process by which we allow the indwelling Christ to increasingly express Himself in and through us, resulting in a greater capacity on our part to bring God greater glory, be a blessing to others, and advance his kingdom." - Tony Evans

John 3:22-26After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized.

23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized. 24 For John had not yet been thrown into prison. 25 Then there arose a dispute between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!"

John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

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One of the MAJOR REASONS for lack of growth

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Isaiah 30:9–11 (ESV)

9 For they are a rebellious people, lying children, children unwilling to hear the instruction of the Lord;

10 who say to the seers, “Do not see,” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions,

11 leave the way, turn aside from the path, let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel.”

30:8–11. The people did not want to listen to God’s instructions through Isaiah. So God told him to write down his message so that they could not claim they had never heard it. In the future, the scroll on which the message was written would witness against them. They were like rebellious … children (cf. v. 1), unwilling to listen to the Lord, to receive messages from His prophets. They did not want to be confronted with the truth from God, the Holy One of Israel (cf. v. 12 and see comments on 1:4).

30:12–17. Immediately after they said they did not want to be confronted by the Holy One of Israel (v. 11) ironically Isaiah did confront them with more words from the Holy One of Israel (cf. v. 15). Rejecting Isaiah’s message (vv. 9–11) and relying on oppression (i.e., fraud, or plans to avoid God’s counsel) and deceit (which Egypt would practice on them), they would undergo judgment.

That judgment would come suddenly-like a cracked wall that would collapse on them (v. 13). And it would be severe-like a pot so shattered that the pieces cannot be used for anything (v. 14). Though the Lord had called for repentance and trust so that the Judahites might have salvation and strength (v. 15) they did not want any of it. Instead they depended on military might (v. 16). But if they were to rely on horses (cf. 31:1), God said they would be forced to flee (30:16–17), being easily alarmed by the enemy. They would stand alone like a banner on a hill as a warning to others not to count on military strength.

Martin, J. A. (1985). Isaiah. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 1080). Victor Books.

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II. REQUIREMENTS FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

There are two requirements to spiritual growth:

A. SPIRITUAL GROWTH REQUIRES NOURISHMENT

1 Peter 2:2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,

1. The Purity of the Word.

2. The Feeding of the Word.

Job 23:12 I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth. More than my necessary food.

3. The Content of the Word.

Hebrews 5:12-13 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.

Hebrews 6:1-2 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

Ephesians 4:15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—

B. SPIRITUAL GROWTH REQUIRES RELATIONSHIP

John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Luke 10:1 After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.

John 13:23-26 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke. 25 Then, leaning back on Jesus' breast, he said to Him, "Lord, who is it?" 26 Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it." And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.

Spiritual Growth is progressively learning to let Christ live His life through us!

III. TWO NECESSARY INGREDIENTS FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH.

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

There are two necessary ingredients for spiritual growth: grace and knowledge. These two ingredients work in partnership to enhance our growth.

Note: Growth is also predicated on healthy Relationship & Fellowship

A. GRACE

Grace can be defined as God's inexhaustible supply of goodness whereby He does for you what you could never do for yourself. — Tony Evans

Colossians 2:6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,

Romans 7:12Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.

Romans 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.

B. KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST

Philippians 3:10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

IV. THE PURPOSE OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Isaiah 43:7Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him."

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

Romans 1:21because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Romans 1:23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

1 Corinthians 10:31Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

V.THE BENEFITS OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Luke 18:28 Then Peter said, "See, we have left all and followed You."

Luke 18:29-30 So He said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life."

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

2 Corinthians 3:13 unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away.

Romans 8:28-29 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

VI. THE HINDRANCES TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH

For us to grow and develop as believers the way God intended, we must remove a blocker called SIN so that the flow of Grace can be unrestricted.

Sin's impact on our lives is not by accident, since we have three formidable enemies arrayed against us:

1.THE WORLD

1 John 5:19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.

2.THE FLESH Romans 7:14-15 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.

3.THE DEVIL Revelation 12:9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

”For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.“

I John 2:16 NKJV

Thanks be to God who gives us the victory, we are not alone.

John 16:33These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you [a] will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Romans 7:25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

Hebrews 2:14Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, How does SIN hinder our spiritual growth?

A. SIN SEPERATES US FROM GOD

1. Our Relationship with God is Eternal

Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Romans 5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

2. Our Fellowship with God Must Be Maintained

1 John 3:9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

Romans 6:6knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be [a]done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.

Romans 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not!

On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law.

For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, "You shall not covet."

Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

B. WE MUST RECOGNIZE OUR SIN BEFORE GOD

1. God Cannot Tolerate Sin

1 John 1:5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.

Exodus 19:21-24 And the Lord said to Moses, "Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to gaze at the Lord, and many of them perish. 22 Also let the priests who come near the Lord consecrate themselves, lest the Lord break out against them." 23 But Moses said to the Lord, "The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai; for You warned us, saying, 'Set bounds around the mountain and consecrate it.' " 24 Then the Lord said to him, "Away! Get down and then come up, you and Aaron with you. But do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to the Lord, lest He break out against them."

2. Sin Is a Contradiction in Our Lifestyle

1 John 1:5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.

1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

3. We Need to Come into the Light

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Isaiah 6:1-7 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. 2 Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!” 4 And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 So I said: "Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts." 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. 7 And he touched my mouth with it, and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; Your iniquity is taken away, And your sin purged."

C. WE MUST CONFESS OUR SIN TO GOD

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1:9 Continual confession of sin is an indication of genuine salvation. While the false teachers would not admit their sin, the genuine Christian admitted and forsook it (Ps. 32:3–5; Prov. 28:13). The term confess means to say the same thing about sin as God does; to acknowledge His perspective about sin. While verse 7 is from God’s perspective, verse 9 is from the Christian’s perspective. Confession of sin characterizes genuine Christians, and God continually cleanses those who are confessing ( v. 7). Rather than focusing on confession for every single sin as necessary, John has especially in mind here a settled recognition and acknowledgment that one is a sinner in need of cleansing and forgiveness (Eph. 4:32; Col. 2:13).

For us to grow and develop as believers the way God intended, we must tame another blocker called TEMPTATION so that the flow of Grace can be unrestricted.