Growing In Jesus

The Four Step Process

So let’s dive in today and review the four steps we are walking through.

We began this journey last week with Step One - KNOWING JESUS.

If we want to grow in Jesus and to serve Jesus, we first must know Jesus! Christ has given us the opportunity to be in relationship with Him. It is through the blood of the Lamb that our fellowship with God is restored and our sins are forgiven. When you come to know Christ through salvation… you also come to know His freedom and forgiveness!

Step Two: KNOWING JESUS’ CHURCH

The church is identified in Scripture as the body of Christ. We, the body of Christ, are to be the extension of Jesus’ ministry until He returns.

In order for that to happen, we must first know Jesus, and we must also know His church - His mission, His, ministry, His compassion… and we must operate in His empowerment that comes through the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Step Three: GROWING IN JESUS

Knowing Jesus leads to growing in Jesus. God desires for all of us to grow in Him.

That growth means our hearts are opened and enlightened by His truth and wisdom. That growth means our hope is fully placed in the Lord. That growth means that we come alive in the new identity given to us by Jesus and give praise for the inheritance that awaits those who place their faith in Him.

That growth means… we become LESS LIKE the world… and MORE LIKE Jesus!

Step Four: SERVING JESUS

This may be the final step in the process… but it is NOT a concluding step or the ending to the process. Serving Jesus becomes a daily thing. Serving Jesus is NOT something we do per se… it becomes who we are - servants of Christ.

As we bear fruit for the kingdom, we demonstrate our identity as disciples of Jesus. How? BECAUSE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST MAKE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST.

It’s who we are. It’s what we do. It’s who we live for. It’s the mission the Holy Spirit empowers us to fulfill.

These are the four steps… the four INTENTIONAL ACTION steps that I want every person in this room to know very well. Prayerfully, by the end of this series, you will be able to quote these steps AND be engaged in the process.

Here’s the deal… This is an ongoing… lifelong process that ALL believers should be actively engaged in.

There’s always more to know about Jesus. There’s always room for growth in our walk with Him, and there will always be opportunities to serve Jesus!

As long as we have breath in our lungs, we are to BE disciples who are MAKING disciples!

This morning, we are going to look at what it means to grow in Jesus… we are going to talk about why it is important for us to grow in Him and how we can be actively growing in Him.

Here is something important that I want you to consider: ALL LIVING THINGS GROW. That growth happens when all the right “ingredients” are present to make growth happen.

Quick side note: in NO WAY am I suggesting that we adopt a form of natural theology - a type of theological thinking that fosters the illusion that we can perceive and understand God on our own… without Christ, without the cross, and without revelation.

What I am talking about are the basic principles of growth. As believers, now alive in Jesus, we should be growing in Him daily.

Consider Paul’s words in Galatians 2:20

Galatians 2:20 NIV

20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Sin was done away with in Paul’s life because of what? because of what Christ did for him… for all of us… on the cross. With the impurity of sin now removed, we come alive through Jesus’ Resurrection from the grave as Jesus moves into our lives! WE ARE NO LONGER DEAD IN SIN BUT MADE ALIVE IN JESUS!

Jesus Himself frequently used stories and parables from nature and agriculture to illustrate the nature of the kingdom of God. For example, He spoke of the lilies of the field, the seed that grows by itself, the growth of the mustard seed, the four different types of soils, the tree and its fruit, the laws of sowing and reaping.

If Jesus lives within, we should be GROWING IN HIM!

Growing in Jesus Means we Become Less Like the WORLD and More Like JESUS.

The first step to growing is understanding our new REALITY. We Must Understand our New REALITY. Just like Paul declared in Galatians 2:20, if a person knows Jesus as their Lord and Savior, that person is NO LONGER WHO THEY USED TO BE!

2 Corinthians 5:17 speaks of this truth regarding believers.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

I ABSOLUTELY love this verse. Why? Because it talks about the complete overhaul… it talks about the enormity of the real transformation that takes place when we come to know Christ. The old is gone… PASSED AWAY… meaning it is NEVER coming back!

Think about that truth… your sins, your past, all of the wrong doings and transgressions are NO MORE. Those things were impurities to your soul… things that were robbing you of both spiritual and physical life. God did NOT create us for sin… we were not designed for sin… so the moment sin entered the picture, our entire being began to suffer.

I’m a car guy so I think of it this way… What happens if you pour windshield wiper fluid in your engine block and antifreeze in your differential? What happens if you put gasoline in your transmission and brake fluid in your radiator?

Your car might run for a moment, but it won’t go very far. Why? Because it was not designed for that kind use just as God did not create you for sin! The moment we invited sin in was the moment we invited death and destruction to our souls and bodies.

But… the moment we call on the name of the Lord, all of that sin is no more. Death no longer has mastery over us! We move from a position of certain spiritual death… to a position of eternal life!

John 3:16 NIV

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

And that eternal life is the NEW that has come! Paul says BEHOLD! The new has come!

Why say behold? Behold is a call for your attention… it is a call to observe the changed reality. It is a call to understand that once was… is no more!

If you are in Christ, you entire spiritual reality has changed! the sin impurities have been completely washed away. That which was slowly robbing you of life is no more and it has been replaced with the giver of eternal life who is Jesus our Lord!!! Can someone PLEASE get excited in this place today?

The second step to growing in Jesus is We Must Accept our New PURSUIT.

In light of our new reality, our life will experience a dramatic course correction meaning… we no longer pursue what we used to. Our lives are dedicated to following Christ.

The “old” that is now gone was leading us away from the truth and life that is Jesus. The ‘old” that is now gone was molding us and shaping us to look more like the world, and less like Jesus. Therefore, as we embrace in new reality, we must also accept a new direction in life.

If we desire to be disciples… to be followers of Jesus… to grow in our walk with Him, then me must follow the instruction that Jesus gave to us in Luke 9:23-24

Luke 9:23–24 NIV

23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.

This is an if-then statement. This is a statement that requires intentional action on our part.

Think of it… IF I want to get in better physical shape, THEN I must be willing to choose a better diet and exercise routine.

The IF states the intention, and the THEN states the action that must be accepted in order for the IF to become reality.

Jesus makes it clear. IF we want to be His disciples, THEN these things must take place:

We MUST deny ourselves - this means our “self” is no longer in control. This means we do not give into the desires of our flesh and instead choose the ways of Christ by faith.

We MUST Take up our Cross daily - this means we must go the way of the cross. This means we must endure whatever suffering may come and be faithful. This means… we must be willing to go the distance… no matter how far and long that might be.

We MUST follow Him - this means we drop personal agenda and opinion. This means we don’t do what is trendy and we concern ourselves with what is holy. This means Jesus is in the lead… no one and nothing else can take His place.

Church, danger awaits the “believer” who does not accept the pursuit that Christ lays out for us. He gives a very clear warning in Matthew 7:13-14

Matthew 7:13–14 NIV

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

There is only one way, one truth, and one life - and that is Jesus. The world may try to present different ideas but the Word is clear. You cannot remain in the secular mainstream and claim to be following Jesus. A choice must be made… who or what will you follow?

And in making that choice, there is one more step we need to look at today.

The Third step is this: We Must Receive Our New MINDSET.

As devoted followers of Christ, it is essential that we understand our new reality, that we accept our new pursuit, AND that we allow for our minds to be transformed.

I call it the reprogramming of the old grey matter between the ears. Although the “old” has gone, we need to flush out all of the old junk that might still be residing within our minds. This can include a WIDE variety of things.

This will include the way we view the world, the way we view ourselves, the way we live and operate, what we take in and apply to our lives. This is ALL ABOUT our choosing to grow and mature in our walk and understanding of God.

Disciples of Christ take on a WHOLE NEW look on life. They are no longer governed by the same things nor are they influenced by the same thoughts. Church, if we want to grow in the Lord, we must give God FULL ACCESS to our minds and our way of thinking.

Paul gives some incredible information regarding this in Romans 8:5-8

Romans 8:5–8 NIV

5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

If a person who “believes” in the Lord continues to live by the flesh - if they continue to have a mind that is set on what the flesh desires - then all they will find is the death and destruction that comes with fleshly living.

If a person who believes in the Lord receives a new mindset given by the Spirit - they receive governance and guidance from the Spirit and Word of God - their mind will know LIFE and PEACE!

How many different things are trying to govern your mind today?

Politicians want you to think and vote a certain way. The word on the street wants you to believe and operate in a certain way. Trends and societal pressures try to steer you to walk in a certain way. Personal feelings and emotions can try to push you a certain way. Church… there is so much out there that is competing to own your mindset today! and NONE OF THEM LEAD TO LIFE AND PEACE. The Spirit of God is the ONLY source that can deliver that!

So the answer to receiving this new mindset also comes from Romans 12:1-2

Romans 12:1–2 NIV

1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

So the answer is to stop conforming and be transformed! That transformation comes as we allow the Spirit of God and the Word of God to RENEW OUR MINDS!!!

If we want to grow in our walk with Jesus, we must we must we must give Him full access and governance of our minds! This is how we become less like the world and more like Jesus!

And.. as we become more like Him, we begin to better understand the plan He has for our lives.

Romans 12:2 stated that as our minds are renewed, we “will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

God has a plan for you! The more you grow in Him, the more you will understand His plan! but there are three quick things I want you to realize right out the box regarding His plan for you. You need to know these three points as you grow in the Lord.

One - He made you - PERSONALITY. He made you who you are!

You are no accident, you were made with purpose, on purpose by our heavenly Father! A key part of understanding God’s plan for you is realizing God created you for His purpose and glory!

Two - He Gifts You - SPIRITUAL GIFTS. He gives not only talent, but also supernatural gifts of the Spirit!

God give us giftings to be utilized in our walk and ministry. We will talk more about that in a moment, but as you come to know His plan, you also need to come to know the giftings He has bestowed upon you.

Three - He Places You - OPPORTUNITIES. He sets up divine appointments according to His will and calling on your life.

His plan for you is all about doing the will of the Father. Just as Jesus came to carry out His Father’s business, so are all believers commissioned to be about the Father’s will. God will make opportunities for your faith in Him to shine!

God has a plan for you! We better understand His plan as we choose to grow in Him daily. These three points are universal to all of us today regarding His plan. He MADE you, He GIFTED you, and He PLACES you for His cause and for His glory!

Truly there is nothing else that I would rather be doing than the plan that God has for my life!

Join Us In The Journey!

We want to invite you to join us in this journey! Remember Jesus’ if-then statement regarding being His disciple? Today I offer you this if-then statement… IF you desire to grow in your walk with Christ, THEN we invite you join us in the journey by being a part of one of our many discipleship groups!

Your growth in the Lord should happen in two ways - in personal time spent with Him and in corporate time spent with brothers and sisters in the Lord. That is why we offer ministry groups at HWC.

God designed us for relationships: we were never intended to do life alone. We believe that it is through the intentional connections made in a discipleship group that we grow in our walk with Christ. HWC has several ministry opportunities to choose from meeting weekly or monthly. These groups gather to encourage one another, discuss what is being taught, pray together, and encourage each other to go deeper in their walk with Christ. With so many amazing groups to choose from, we know that there is a group for you to do life with!

So I invite you today to consider being a part of one of our many groups! Be it Women’s ministry or Stronger Men’s Ministry, be it one of our three adult Sunday School classes or one of our classes for kids and students. Be it Ranger,s Girls Ministry, Reality Youth, Adult Bible Study, or Bible Engagement on Sunday nights… WHATEVER THE GROUP… WE HOPE IT WILL HELP YOU IN YOUR GROWTH IN THE LORD!

These groups are deigned to help in your growth in three ways.

One, they are A Place to CONNECT with others.

Ministry groups give us the opportunity to grow together in the Lord. We get to hear from one another’s experiences, glean from their wisdom and experience, and connect with testimonies and prayer requests.

Two, they are a place to PROTECT each other.

Church… we need each other. We need the encouragement of brothers and sisters who share in the faith and are led by Jesus. We need to be looking our for each other and holding each other up! We need accountability, mentorship, and friendship. WE NEED FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER BELIEVERS!

Three, they are A Place to GROW Together.

I truly enjoy opportunities for discussions regarding the Word of God! I enjoy getting to hear from one another and growing together! When we attend one of these groups, we do so to learn not only as individuals, but as a group… we glean wisdom and understanding from each other as we explore the Word of God together!

Are YOU Ready to Grow in Him?

This morning, I going to encourage you to place action to Jesus’ If-then statement he made. IF you want to be His disciple, THEN you must actively pursue the Lord. In that pursuit… be ready to grow and mature in your faith! Because as you intentionally and actively follow Jesus, YOU WILL GROW IN JESUS!

If you are in Christ, you ARE a new creation and Christ now lives in you. In that new life, in the new pursuit, EXPECT GROWTH to take place. ALL LIVING THINGS GROW.

So the question to ask ourselves is this: If we find ourselves in a position where growth is not happening in our walk with Jesus… how alive are we IN Jesus?

I walked through a season in life where my growth in Christ stagnated. It wasn’t because Jesus was no longer accessible… it wasn’t because I did not have access to the Word… it wasn’t because God’s Spirit took a vacation… IT WAS BECAUSE I CHOOSE TO GO THROUGH THE MOTIONS INSTEAD OF TRULY LIVING IN THE NEW LIFE JESUS HAD POURED INTO ME!

It wasn’t until I got in the the altars and earnestly sought the Lord that the dry spell broke.

I didn’t realize how dead I had become in my walk until Jesus made me alive again!

Christ died so we can LIVE. And in that new life, we have the opportunity to become MORE LIKE HIM and less like the world.

So I ask you this question… HOW ALIVE ARE YOU IN CHRIST… or IS CHRIST TRULY ALIVE IN YOU?

We can experience dry spells when we choose to become fixated on what was instead embracing the new life that comes with Christ.

We can experience a dry spell when we choose not to deny ourselves.

We can experience a dry spell when we choose not to pick up our cross… when we choose not to follow Him no matter what.

There are many things that we can choose to do that can distract us in our walk. That is why Jesus described the gate and road that leads to destruction as broad and wide.

There is only ONE CHOICE that leads to life more abundantly… and that choice is Jesus.

How well are your following Him? Are you growing in Him today? Are you pursuing Him with all your heart, soul, and mind?

PRAYER - I choose you over all else.

Lastly, I have some homework for you.

Part of our growing in Christ is knowing who He created us to be. In your book are two different assessments I would encourage you to consider in your journey to grow closer to Him.

All of the instructions are there and your results are for you alone.

Maybe it will tell you what you already know. Maybe it will reveal something you’ve yet to consider.

Ultimately, we look to the Holy Spirit for His guidance and direction… but the Lord has created you for His purpose and gifted you accordingly. Allow the Lord to guide you and… be ready to grow in the Lord!