4 Steps in Biblical Growth

Introduction

Pilgrims Progress is a good story...

The 4 steps can be prepared to

Growth in a Relationship - Dating, Engagement, Marriage, Children…Retirement (we don't’ retire)

Growth as a Person - Infant, Child, Adolescence/Youth, Adulthood

1. Delight

But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Never leave your first love!

Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

2. Devotion

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Studying is miserable is you are not interested in the subject! That is why it is important to first delight in the Word!

Study is compared to wanting to know more about the one you are dating (getting acquainted, know about their background, the likes and dislikes)

Devotion takes delight to the next level because it is more serious

3. Daily Walk

That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

True Faith is Doing

Real Christianity

At this step you know what the Bible says and You Do what the Bible says

4. Declaring

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

At this step, you know what the Bible says, you do what the Bible says, and you influence others too!

0. Dead

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Dont be a zero

Dont be DEAD

You have a choice!

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

A. Not Saved

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

B. Not Spiritual (carnal)

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.