The Christian and Our Growth

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Hebrews 5:11–14

Christian growth is necessary. Being a Christian is more than making a decision. It is more than accepting Christ. There must be daily growth. Those who do not grow in the Lord will find themselves drifting from the Lord and spiritual things. Peter tells us to grow in the Lord (2 Peter 3:18). Once we become a Christian there is no stopping place. We must go forward, or we will go backward.

I. Careless People (v. 11)

The people didn’t seem to listen. Why were they careless? Today I have a list of a few things that result in not being “all in.”

A. We as humans are not always all in if it’s not our idea when it comes to being “Spiritual or Nonspiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:14 “14 But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.” The natural man or woman does not understand spiritual things and sometimes do not really want to!

B. How many times do we get into a conversation with someone who acts really “Noninterested?”

Matthew 13:13 “13 That is why I use these parables, For they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand. Jesus spoke simply in parables, and they couldn’t understand.” Why? The people had No interest, they only believed in their way, their want, their needs.

C. When we are not “all in” or not committed, our efforts and results usually amount to nothing. Just like life, are we a dedicated church attendee? Are we a dedicated spouse, friend, Christian? Or are we on the fence being “Noncommital?” Jesus said the truth would set man free.John 8:32 “32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Unless we know Him and seek Him, the truth, we won’t understand spiritual things, like the Bible, like some prayers, The Holy Spirit.........

D. Nonacceptance, do we open our day with prayers asking God to show us how to accept His guidance, His plan, His taking of our day? Probably not do we?

Psalm 82:5 “5 But these oppressors know nothing; they are so ignorant! They wander about in darkness, while the whole world is shaken to the core.”

These people walk in darkness. They refuse truth. Jesus said man would love darkness rather than light. Is it any wonder that some people we know wander, stumble, stagger physically, emotionally, spiritually? They do not know Jesus so life is gonna be tough. AMEN?????

II. Do we know any Childish People? I mean adults that still act like children? (vv. 12, 13)

A. Do any of you Lack Spiritual development in your lives? We read in verse:

“12 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.” Paul says...“By now you should be teachers. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the first things you need to know from God’s Word” (NLT). Lack of development means:

1) Are we Lacking of control of our Spiritual lives?.

1 Corinthians 9:27 “27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified..”

2)Do We have a Lack of consecration? Paul tells us:

Romans 12:1–2 “1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

3) We have a lack or interest of communion;

Psalm 119:11 “11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

B. We have a Lack of desire so you will not ever learn. Ever have a parent that wanted you to play a sport or instrument? BUT YOU DIDN’T WANT TO! It doesn't work real great does it? It is By choice, our choice that we begin to grow in the Lord.

C. Anyone here except me get aggravated when we see such a need for Jesus but the people who need Jesus “just don’t get it?” They have such a Lack of determination, they have such a lack of desire, lazy I will call it for no better word. Let’s take a look at OT determination:

Daniel 1:8 “8 But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods.” (v. 13). They had no determination to grow and be stronger Christians. Daniel purposed, or determined, in his heart to live for God.

III. Consecrated People (v. 14)

A. When do we realize that we are “settling” into the category of being refereed to as “Stable people?”—“Solid food, more scriptural knowledge is for full grown men and women.” (NLT). Carnal people, ignorant people don’t want God’s Word because they believe they know everything. Note the words of Paul: “The time will come when people will not listen to the truth. They will look for teachers who will tell them only what they want to hear” (NLT).

B. Would you like to be referred to as “Steady people?”—Someone who has taken the hearts desire to read God’s Holy Word. To take it in, to begin the process of craving “meat and potatoes” for life’s trials and tribulations? “They have learned to use their minds and hearts to tell the difference between good and bad” . This came by study. Paul tells Timothy:

2 Timothy 2:15–16 “15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.”

Consecrated people achieves this dedication, commitment and desire through the Holy Spirit.

John 16:13 “3 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.”

Many accept Christ as Savior, but not as Lord and Master. They wish to escape hell, but are not willing to pay the price to be a Christian. To grow in the Lord one must learn to put God first. As we grow in Him we will obey His commands.

AMEN

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