Intro:
Today, we continue our series “Rooted.” In part 1, we explored Matthew 13, the parable of the sower. We discovered that regarding the word of God, or the seed, it is never a seed problem, but the state of the soil of our heart that determines the harvest that may or may not produce fruit.
Psalm 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
It’s essential to remember today that it is God who makes things grow. The seed matters, the soil matters, the water matters, and the sunlight matters, but ultimately, God releases the agents of growth in our lives.
Focus:
My life can change, and I can grow. No matter what my situation is, with the right conditions, God’s work will be effective.
Quote:
C.S. Lewis:
“If you are progressing, you will be thinking less about yourself and more about Him.”
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 3:5-9 NIV
5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.
After a seed is planted, what do you expect it to do next? (GROW!) That’s right, we expect the seed to grow, and ultimately, we all want the seed to grow and bear tons of delicious fruit.
In the first part, we examined the soil conditions necessary for fruit-bearing. Today, we will explore other vital growth factors (agents) in a believer’s life that help the seed of the Word reach its full maturity in bearing fruit.
Five Agents Of Spiritual Growth
1. Spiritual Growth is not Growth by
Hands.
Vs 5-6 5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.
It is not my responsibility to grow myself; that’s God’s job. God does the growing. I am responsible for cultivating a heart and life that are conducive to God’s plan of growth for me.
- I don’t have the ability to supernaturally grow myself but i do have the free will to offer myself unto the Lord for His growth plan to be released in my life.
- The church in Corinth was arguing about who did what better and which leader they should follow. Paul emphasizes that these leaders are merely servants of God and that their disputes hinder spiritual growth, which comes from God alone.
- Unfortunately, we still argue today about the best path for growth, the best Christian speaker, which church is most impactful, and it goes on and on. According to Paul, these matters all have their place, but ultimately, growth is up to God.
2. We Are God’s
.
VS 8-9 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.
According to verse 9, we are co-workers with God in growth.
What does our contribution look like?
- Invest In Community.
- Read God’s Word
- Spend Time In Prayer.
- Live A Worship-Filled Life.
- Evaluate And Repent Consistently
Rick Warren: “Spiritual growth is not automatic. It takes an intentional commitment.”
3. Growth Is Not An
.
1 Corinthians 3:1-2 NIV 3 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.
The expected journey of salvation begins in spiritual infancy and develops into spiritual maturity.
Some Christians are comfortable with their current relationship with God, even if it reveals immaturity and sin. This should not be so. It is our responsibility to take the necessary steps in our lives and others’ lives to be the agents of change God intends us to be.
Stagnancy is not an option; we must choose milk or meat.
A.W. Tozer: “The important thing about a man is not where he is, but in what direction he is moving.” Paul said that we are to press forward in our spiritual growth.
4. Growth Needs The
Environment.
Colossians 2:6-7 NIV 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
The environment we spend time in is a key agent in spiritual growth. You would not grow an apple tree in a desert.
It’s hard to stay stagnant when you are overflowing with gratitude.
Atmosphere affects Attitude, and Attitude determines Altitude.
5. Recognize Adversity as an
for Growth
James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Four Steps in Processing Growth In Adversity
1. Continue In Prayer.
2. Saturate in His Word.
3. Seek Mature Godly Counsel.
4. Ask for Help Where Needed.
Conclusion:
Oswald Chambers:
“Spiritual maturity is not reached by the passing of years, but by obedience to the will of God.”
Response:
a. Has growth become optional?
b. Are you tired of trying to do it on your own?
c. Do you need to make some changes in your life today?
d. Are you ready to overcome the roadblocks to growth in your life?