THE BUILDING BLOCKS FOR CHRISTIAN GROWTH

Tonight I wanted to take a brief pause before we resume our study of the book of Genesis with a look at the ordinary means of growth. I mentioned it in our Homecoming service on Sunday so I wanted to elaborate on it.

If we are to grow individually and corporately, we must do so in the way that God has instructed us. There are no shortcuts and there are no secrets as we grow in our Christlikeness. I enjoy working out particularly after the bodybuilders. I have always wanted to be like Arnold Schwarzenegger. But, as I grew up, I realized that there was a genetic limit to my desires. I cannot get huge like Arnold. Now, there are others like me who are smaller who still get much bigger than I can. Why? They take steroids. They are a “short cut” if you will.

The steroids negatively affect the brain and moods, they produce problems with the kidneys and liver, and the heart. They may increase muscle-size, temporarily. But ultimately they do nothing to help the physique (at least long-term). The reason I bring this up is because if we are not careful, we can think of growing in the faith in this way.

We may falsely assume that going to seminary, or enrolling in a Bible institute, or anything besides the ordinary means of grace will help us grow. Those things are steroids, they cannot help and they only hurt.

Paul, in his last sermon to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:32 tells them, “And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”

Notice Paul’s words, because they give us such an important reminder. He commends them to God and to His Word because it “is able to build you up” and “to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” In other words, God’s Word tells how to grow.

I want to grow as a Christian. I want to know the Lord better, live a holier life, and love people more. But I cannot do this on my own. You cannot do this on your own. We must have the means that God has provided the means by which we grow. The 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith that I have referenced several times over the past year and a half reminds us that these means come directly from the Word of God.

“The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man’s salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down or necessarily contained in the Holy Scripture...”—2LCF 1:6

So, the Word of God contains what is necessary for growth, and we are commended to God and His Word to grow. Our time tonight will be spent on looking at the main means by which we grow.

I. We grow through the Word of God- Acts 20:32

The first means, and the one identified by Paul, is the Word of God. We just covered 1 Peter 2:2 not too long ago, but Peter gives us insight into how it the Word of God helps us grow. As we desire the Word, we grow. Like an infant that is nourished by her mother’s milk, we grow and mature.

There are many ways that we grow through the Word of God. In order to cover a few other ordinary means for our growth, we will highlight them.

A. We grow through the preaching of the Word of God- 1 Pet. 5:1-2

We know that the preaching of the Word is one of the means, and the primary means in the church, for our growth. Pastors/elders take the Word of God, explain it, and then help the congregation apply it. That is about as basic as it gets.

Now, how can we utilize the preaching of the Word? By actively listening to the Word, taking notes, and applying the truths to our lives. This can be accomplished easily if the pastor provides applicational thoughts. But sometimes we do not have those, and we need to learn how to apply the specific truths to our lives.

B. We grow through the individual and corporate study of God’s Word- Acts 18:24-28

Apollos is a perfect example of someone who studied the Word on his own and with other believers. It is important that we do both. One of the dangers of focusing exclusively on individual study (or, to put it into modern vernacular, “this passage means this to me”) is that this creates an atmosphere for heresy.

But the overemphasis on corporate study can also inhibit individual growth. The needs of Reid are different than the needs of Bobby. Each person is in a position that is unique to them, their personalities, their strengths, and their weaknesses. Therefore, it is important that we maintain both individual and corporate study of God’s Word.

C. We grow through memorizing and applying God’s Word- Psalm 119:9-11

We will not belabor this point, but it always astounds me when Christians ask for help or counsel on issues they are facing when they only need to read and apply the Scriptures.

II. We grow through prayer to God- Acts

I cite the book of Acts because the amount of prayer committed by the Church is wonderful. They were always praying, as if they knew what Paul would tell them in 1 Thess. 5:17. They devoted themselves to prayer (Acts 2:42). How can we grow, both individually and corporately?

A. We dedicate time to prayer when we gather corporately

Corporate prayer should be a time where the Church prays together. An individual may lead in prayer, but all present should be active in prayer. This does not mean we can mentally check out for a brief time. You should be echoing the prayers offered by the one leading. Be engaged, mentally and spiritually.

B. We dedicate time to prayer when we are alone (or, in family worship)

We need to be individuals of prayer. That is, we need to be prayer warriors, every one of us. Let’s look for an example of the benefits of individual prayer warriors from Phil. 4:6-8. When we pray we have peace. We transmit our problems and concerns from our shoulders to the infinitely powerful God of heaven.

C. We dedicate special times of prayer to special seasons of life and church- Acts 12:5

III. We grow the ordinances of the Church- Rom. 6:1-4, 1 Cor. 10:16-17, 11:23-26

A. We identify with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection in baptism

Baptism is the visible Word (borrowed from Augustine, Davidson) where we see Christ in union with His son or daughter. We are reminded of Christ’s redemption and its purpose for our lives.

B. We fellowship with Christ in the Supper

IV. We grow by practicing the other means of grace

Worship

Evangelism

Serving

Stewardship

Fasting

Silence and Solitude

See Donald Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life