Let's Be Growing People
Pastor Chris Casoni
Part of Let's Be Church
July 24, 2023

Big Idea: Disciples of Jesus grow in maturity as they are shaped by His presence and Word.

1. Let’s be a church that grows Personally

  • a. The Word (Ezra 7:10, Heb 4:12)

    For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. —Ezra 7:10
    For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. —Hebrews 4:12


It is our goal to be
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into the image of
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by experiencing God through
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.

  • b. Pray (Col 4:2; 1 Thess 5:17)

    Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. —Colossians 4:2
    pray without ceasing, —1 Thessalonians 5:17

  • c. Fasting (Matt 4; Acts 14:23)

    And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. —Acts 14:23

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; Often.

  • d. Silence and Solitude (Matt 4)
  • e. Journaling (Psalm 62:8)

    Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah —Psalm 62:8


Journaling helps to process our own thoughts and emotions and
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the
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of God
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our lives.

  • f. Stewardship (Eph 5:15-16)

    15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. —Ephesians 5:15-16

  • g. Evangelism (Matt 28:19, Col 4:5-6)

    Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, —Matthew 28:19
    5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. —Colossians 4:5-6

  • h. Serving (Psalm 100:2; John 12:26; Phil 2:3-4)

    Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! —Psalm 100:2
    If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. —John 12:26
    3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. —Philippians 2:3-4

2. Let’s be a church that grows corporately

  • a. Gathering (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:24-25)

    And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. —Acts 2:42
    24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. —Hebrews 10:24-25

  • b. Worship (Eph 5:19; Rev. 4:11; 5:12)

    addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, —Ephesians 5:19
    “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” —Revelation 4:11
    saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” —Revelation 5:12

  • c. Loving (John 13:35)

    By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” —John 13:35

Disciples of Jesus have the blessing of

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next to
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as they enjoy the power of His
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, the comfort of His
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, and Hope of His
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.

Small Group Questions

  1. What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.

  2. What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?

  3. Pastor Chris shared that personal growth is nurtured through experiencing God’s Word. Share a specific passage or verse that has been transformative in your life and explain how it has shaped you.

  4. How can we balance our individual spiritual growth with the importance of growing corporately as a church community? Why is it vital to have both aspects in our Christian journey?

  5. “Loving” is highlighted as a vital aspect of our growth as a church. Share an example of a time when you experienced love from someone in the church community that deeply impacted your spiritual walk. How can we actively show love to one another on a regular basis?