A Case for Christian Growth

A Case for Christian Growth

Acts 17:24-28

Theme: God shows us Christian growth is within community of believers.

Introduction: We live in a very individualistic society. We have been schooled to believe every man is an individual and we handle our problems and difficulties ourselves. We don’t need anyone else; we are individuals and can make our own way. There is a certain pride about being the self made man.

However, the Bible says the opposite about our spiritual life. We are not self-made Christians, in fact, we cannot make ourselves at all. Men who try to make their lives fall into a deception

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)

God has designed us for life and growth through others. Others may be called a community. The family is a community. The church is a community.

The church community has a design for your spiritual growth. Connection Groups is designed for spiritual growth. There are three designs God teaches us about life and growth.

I. Designed for dependence

A. Dependent on God for physical life v.28

1. Since God created man, we are totally dependent on our creator to make and sustain us.

2. We are created in His image and taking a life is a very attack on God Himself.

3. God has made us dependent on oxygen, food, water, shelter, and coverings for physical protection.

4. We are dependent on God to give us the very life we breathe.

B. Dependent on God for spiritual life

1. God is the Giver of spiritual life also

“In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1:4–5)

“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matthew 16:25)

2. As we lose our life for Christ, we actually gain life.

3. Life is not in the physical but in the spiritual world.

4. We are totally dependent on God for both.

One main design is that we are totally dependent on God. Another very important design is we are interdependent on each other.

II. Designed for interdependence

A. God’s created order Gen 2:18; 21-24

1. In God created order, man needed a help meet.

2. This interdependence is not the result of the fall, this is God’s intended design.

3. Eve depended on Adam for leadership and he depended on her to complete him and to follow God’s will. We depend on doctors and nurses for health, we depend on police and fire for protection and help in trauma, we depend on governmental leaders to protect and defends us, we depend vehicle manufacturers and car repairmen, we depend on plumbers, electricians, and road workers. The List can go on and on.

4. Adam and Eve’s lives were so interwoven that in God’s eyes they were one

“Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.” (Genesis 5:2)

5. They were interdependent on each other to fulfill God’s will.

B. God’s spiritual program I Tim. 1:2; II Tim. 2:2

1. Paul credits Timothy’s mother Eunice and grandmother Lois in bringing Timothy up spiritually.

2. Families are small groups who are interdependent on each other.

3. It is sad when one spouse wants to serve the Lord and another hold them back or children want to serve the Lord and parents hold them back—never punish your children with not letting them go to church or teen activities.

4. Families have a MASSIVELY HUGE influence on their children’s spiritual upbringing and growth.

God designed man to be dependent on God, God designed man to be interdependent on others, and God designed man to be dependent on community. By community, I mean the church community.

III. Designed for community

“Your walk with God is a community project.” (Paul Tripp) This means because I cannot see myself objectively, I need others to help me see myself and help me to grow.

This is where the ministry pathway applies. As we move forward, we recognize where we are and who is going to help us accomplish God’s will in our lives.

Connection Groups does the following four things. Someone might be tempted to say, I don’t like sharing my life with others or sharing in the group. This is how God intended it for us. We are to live our Christian life in community. No we don’t share all the minute details of our life, but we share in helping others.

You may not need it for the time but others might need you!

A. Strength from others Ecc. 4:9-10

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10)

B. Wisdom from others Prov. 15:22

“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: But in the multitude of counsellers they are established.” (Proverbs 15:22)

C. Accountability to others I John 1:7

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)

D. Acceptance from others John 15:12-13

“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:12–13)

Conclusion: Remember you cannot live in isolation and grow spiritually. Those who disconnect from the small groups, from individuals, from the church community, will not grow spiritually. How can I say that? It is Biblical to be dependent on God, interdependent on others, and be connected into the church community.

Perhaps you need encouragement or strength. Not only do we need God but we need others to strengthen us. This is the absolute goal of the connection groups. May God help us to grow and help others.