Know. Grow. Go. (back to school kickoff devo edition)

Introduction:

Q. Who had fun tonight?

Q. Why was vision/eyesight important for playing kickball?

Seeing the ball

Seeing the slip ‘n slide

Seeing the other players

Vision: important in sports, life, and youth ministry

Proverbs 29:18a (KJV 1900)

18 Where there is no vision, the people perish:

Needs purpose (what’s the point?)

Direction (clarity)

Without = chaos

Vision creates excitement and enthusiasm

New series about our vision: Know, Grow, Go

Body:

Our vision at EBC|YOUTH is to glorify God by helping students to authentically KNOW Jesus, GROW in their faith, and GO impact their world.

Tonight: Look at all of them briefly with corresponding verses

The following weeks: Focusing in on one word at a time

1. Know

John 17:3 ESV

3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

“Eternal life”

We all live forever and go somewhere...

But what is the purpose of eternal life?

“The implication of eternal life is that God and Christ may be known.”

[1]Donald Guthrie, “John,” in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 1059.

Eternal life exists so that Jesus can be known

Jesus wants people to know Him

Q. What does “know” mean?

More than information

Continuous relationship & fellowship

We want to see students come to know Christ

True in multiple ways:

Growing up in church

This can be the place

Mom and dad’s faith won’t save you!

Guests: responding to Gospel

Inviting

Wanting others to experience what you have

An invite to see Jesus

Let’s get excited!

2. Grow

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.

I love how all of this works together!

What things are we called to grow in?

The grace and KNOWLEDGE

Not just any knowledge; of Jesus!

KNOWing leads to GROWing

Rooted in Scripture

“This process of spiritual growth begins by knowing Christ initially in regeneration (cf. John 17:3) and it continues in one’s deepening relationship with Him (Eph. 4:15; Phil. 3:10; 1 Peter 2:2).”[1]

Kenneth O. Gangel, “2 Peter,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 878.

Gangel continues:

Both of these are necessary

Without knowledge, there is no opportunity for growth

But without growth, the new believer struggles

“Grow”

Continuous

Q. What is spiritual growth?

Learning more about Jesus and the Bible

Learning how to apply what you believe

Practicing spiritual disciplines

Spiritual growth is really important:

There is always room for growth:

“No true Christian believes, ‘I have arrived.’”

David Walls and Max Anders, I & II Peter, I, II & III John, Jude, vol. 11, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999), 144.

Nobody has it all together!

A life-long process

The perfect age

How prioritize?

MDWK and Sunday mornings

Small groups on Wednesdays

Spiritual disciplines

Bible reading

Prayer

Serving

Giving

Sharing

Let’s get excited!

3. Go

Matthew 28:19 (ESV)

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

How it all works together:

Jesus’ disciples have come to know Him

That have grown and are continuing to do so

Now it is time to GO!

Jesus’ last words

A principle: “Last words are lasting words.”

What does “going” mean?

Traveling geographically

Crossing social boundaries

Going out of your comfort zone

“Living life is ‘going’ with a purpose, every day.”

Stuart K. Weber, Matthew, vol. 1, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 485.

Going means making disciples (the main command)

Disciples who make disciples (multiplication)

“At the heart of our mission is the reproduction in others of what Jesus has produced in us: faith, obedience, growth, authority, compassion, love, and a bold, truthful message as his witnesses.”

Stuart K. Weber, Matthew, vol. 1, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 484.

How do we “go” as a youth group?

Frequent opportunities to serve at church

Terrabella

VBS

Esteban offering

Filter of Hope

Evangelism Conference (Sept 18-20)

Let’s get excited about helping students “go” and impact their generation for Christ!

Conclusion:

Live out KNOW GROW & GO

An awesome year!

Thank you

See you next week

PRAY