Spiritual growth is a decreasing frequency of sin in one’s life and an increasing frequency of godliness, which moves us toward Christlikeness. Today, we’ll learn about what may be the most critical lesson of all in this series: Spiritual growth is uncomfortable. What do we need to remember as we navigate the uncomfortable?
I. God’s Purpose in Your Growth.
A. Your Growth is Personal.
Ephesians 1:17: I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation *In the knowledge of *
. This is not about the mere receiving of facts (knowledge), but the application of truth to life (wisdom) … a practical understanding of how to live.
a) Philippians 3:10: My goal is to
him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, b) Not only knowing about Him but knowing him experientially as Father.
B. The Goal of the Spirit’s Work
Ephesians 1:18 -I pray that the eyes of your heart may be
… Paul’s prayer is that the Spirit will help them better understand the Word.
Colossians 3:16: Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you,…
I. Appreciating the Tension Found in Scripture
A. Scripture calls for maturity.
Philippians 4.1: “
.” 2 Timothy 1.13-14: don’t depart from that which we have received.
Psalm 1: Be like a tree planted by the water,
Colossians 2.6-7:
. established. being built up. Stable. Secure. Immovable. B. Maturity understands Growth is uncomfortable.
Maturity understands there are multiple ways to get up the mountain.
An inability to understand this tension and respond often leads to two extremes: resisting change at all costs or abandoning God’s teaching.
There is more than one way to do something and accomplish the same result.
III. Discovering What is Excellent
A. Philippians 1:10: so that you may
the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and blameless for the day of Christ;
How do you discover what is excellent?
You have to get out of reaction mode.
B. We have been called to think.
Romans 12:2: be transformed by the
of your mind, … Philippians 4.8:
on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, morally excellent, and praiseworthy. Ephesians 5.8-10:
what is pleasing to the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 5:21: test all things.
to what is good.
IV.As We Close
A. Will you be an active participant in the Spirit’s work of transformation?
B. Let your faith be your sight. Growth is challenging … but so rewarding.
C. If you’re stuck, get out of the rut and get moving again.