spiritual growth is necessary any living organism that does not grow will soon die
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“but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” 2 Pet. 3:18 NKJV “your faith grows exceedingly” 2 Thes. 1:3TRANSCRIPT
Spiritual Growth is Necessary
Any living organism that does not grow will soon die.
“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Eph. 4:15
“As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,” 1 Pet.2:2
“but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” 2 Pet. 3:18 NKJV
“your faith grows exceedingly” 2 Thes. 1:3
Balanced Spiritual Growth
Knowledge Zeal Faith
Christ-like characterGood Works
God help the goodpeople to be nice
1. Lack of Effort“an old baby”
Heb. 5:13 “child”
1 Cor. 3:1,2 babes - infants
Growth Requires Effort
2. DiscouragementExample of Paul - 2 Cor.11:24-29
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;”
2. Discouragement2 Cor. 4:16 - 5:1 – “faint not”
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Gal.6:9
1 Cor. 15:58 - steadfast, unmovable, always abounding
3. Law of DisuseUnused knife becomes rustyWe lose what we do not use !
“For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.”
Matt. 25:29
4. The Law of InterferencePlants do not grow well when crowded
Spiritual growth hindered by being crowded
Mark 4:18-19 - thorns , choke
Strangle, drown, crowd
1. Lack of Effort
2. Discouragement
3. Law of Disuse
4. Law of Interference
1. Become Active in WorkBegin immediately
There is Work for all
Ps. 84:10
2. Offer your services
Tell the elders / deacons
What you can do to help“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”
Isa. 6:8
3. Look for Work to be done
Do without being told
Criticize something - then show how it should be done
Failure is opportunity
“Don’t criticize, energize!”
4. Regular Private Devotions
Spend time with God - daily
Spiritual nourishment
We Can’t exist on A “Spiritual Starvation diet”
5. Lead People to Christ
Look for people interested in studying the Bible
John 1:40-46 - Andrew
Those who lead others to Christ will continue to grow
6. Practice Self-Examination
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith.”
2 Cor. 13:5 ESV
Questions to ask ourselves
1. Become Active in Work
2. Offer your Services
3. Look for Work to be done
4. Regular Private Devotions
5. Lead People to Christ
6. Practice Self-Examination
Sermon by Arthur Pigman
Evans Church of Christ
515 Gibbs Road
Evans, Ga. 30809
706-855-1249
[email protected]@bellsouth.net
www.evansgachurchofchrist.orgwww.evansgachurchofchrist.org
Sunday Morning November 8, 200