How Christians Grow (Part 2) - Hearing God's Words

How Christians Grow - Session 2 “But he [Jesus] answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by … “But he [Jesus] answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by … every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”” (Matthew 4:4 ESV) How Christians Grow - Session 2 … by Hearing God’s Words God’s Word is the primary means by which the Holy Spirit brings spiritual life and growth. God’s Word is the primary means by which the Holy Spirit brings spiritual life and growth. “Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;” (1 Peter 1:23 ESV) “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—” (see also James 1:18-21) (1 Peter 2:2 ESV) 1. The biblical process “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17 ESV) 1. The biblical process “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17 ESV) ✦ We receive the Word (by hearing, reading) ✦ We respond to the Word (in trust & obedience) (see also Romans 10:16; James 1:22-25) 1. The biblical process “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17 ESV) ✦ We receive the Word (by hearing, reading) ✦ We respond to the Word (in trust & obedience) (see also Romans 10:16; James 1:22-25) “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17 ESV) 2. A suggested practice Frequently (Psalm 1:2, Deut. 6:6-9, Psalm 119:97) 2. A suggested practice Frequently (Psalm 1:2, Deut. 6:6-9, Psalm 119:97) Personally (engage directly) 2. A suggested practice Frequently (Psalm 1:2, Deut. 6:6-9, Psalm 119:97) Personally (engage directly) Actively a. What is true? (about God, people, life, etc.) b. So what does this mean? c. Now what should I do? (thank, confess, believe, obey, etc.) 2. A suggested practice Frequently (Psalm 1:2, Deut. 6:6-9, Psalm 119:97) Personally (engage directly) Actively a. What is true? (about God, people, life, etc.) b. So what does this mean? c. Now what should I do? (thank, confess, believe, obey, etc.) Expectantly How Christians Grow - Session 2 … by Hearing God’s Words God’s Word is the primary means by which the Holy Spirit brings spiritual life and growth.