Christian Essentials: Grow

Christian Essentials: Grow Matthew 22:36-37 January 10`, 2021 LOVE GOD AND PEOPLE GROW IN CHRIST-LIKENESS SERVE CHRIST So, spiritual growth includes: 1. Increasing in your knowledge and understanding of Jesus found in God's Word 2. Decreasing in your frequency and severity of sin 3. Increasing in your practice of Christ-like qualities 4. Increasing in your faith and trust in God. DEFINITION of SPIRITUAL GROWTH: Romans 8:29 says that we are to be conformed to the image of Christ. Through the inward work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the external spiritual disciplines we participate in, becoming more like Jesus is our goal. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29 (ESV) 29 GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES Key Verse: 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in 29 Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. Colossians 1:28–29 (ESV) Spiritual Growth Principle #1: It Never Occurs Apart from the Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV) 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. The Big Idea: The Christian life is centered in Christ and should move towards maturity in Christ. Christian maturity is not automatic. It takes a serious commitment to be spiritually disciplined in a way that leans on the energy and transformation of our lives that only Christ can give. Psalm 119:9-10 Spiritual Growth Principle #2: It Flows Out of an Inward Walk With and Work of the Holy Spirit Galatians 5:22–23 (ESV) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. What is Spiritual Growth? His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 3 John 15:5 (ESV) 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. Accept the GROW Challenge 1. 2. 3. 4. Ask God to help you grow up – to change you. [1 Peter 2:2] Feed on God’s Word. [1 Peter 2:1-2; Job 23:12] Forsake known sin. [1 Peter 2:1] Taste the goodness of God. [1 Peter2:3; Psalm 34:8]