Sunday Preview: Spiritual Growth 3

Spiritual growth is the process of becoming more like Christ, marked by a decreasing frequency of sin and an increasing frequency of godliness. On Sunday, we’ll look into what may be the most critical lesson in this series: spiritual growth is uncomfortable. But what do we need to remember as we navigate the discomfort we may feel?

God’s Purpose in Your Growth
First, it’s crucial to understand that God has a purpose in our growth. Ephesians 1:17 states, “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 him.” This verse emphasizes not just the acquisition of knowledge, but the practical application of that truth in our lives—wisdom.
Philippians 3:10 furthers this by saying, “My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death.” This is not merely about knowing facts about God but experiencing Him intimately as our Father. Our growth is personal and designed uniquely for each of us by God.

Going back to Ephesians 1, we see how Paul prays that “the eyes of your heart may be enlightened.” The Spirit’s role is to help us understand the Word more deeply. Colossians 3:16 instructs us to “let the word of Christ dwell richly among you,” which means allowing the scriptures to saturate our lives and influence our actions.

Appreciating the Tension Found in Scripture
Scripture calls us to maturity. Philippians 4:1 urges us to “stand firm,” while 2 Timothy 1:13-14 tells us not to depart from the teachings we have received. Psalm 1 compares us to a tree planted by the water, and Colossians 2:6-7 speaks of being rooted, established, and immovable.

Yet, maturity acknowledges that growth is uncomfortable and recognizes the multiple paths to achieve it. An inability to grasp this tension can lead to two extremes: resisting change at all costs or abandoning God’s teachings altogether. It’s essential to understand that there can be more than one way to accomplish the same result in our spiritual journey.

Discovering What is Excellent
Philippians 1:10 encourages us to “discover the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and blameless for the day of Christ.” To discover what is excellent, we must move beyond reactionary living. We are called to think critically and reflectively.

Romans 12:2 tells us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” while Philippians 4:8 encourages us to dwell on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, morally excellent, and praiseworthy. Ephesians 5:8-10 and 1 Thessalonians 5:21 further instruct us to test and hold onto what is good and pleasing to the Lord.

In conclusion, will you be an active participant in the Spirit’s transformative work? Let your faith guide you. Growth is challenging but immensely rewarding. If you find yourself stuck, it’s time to get out of the rut and start moving again. Embrace the discomfort, for it is through this that we are shaped and molded into the likeness of Christ. Let your spiritual growth be marked by perseverance, wisdom, and a deep, personal relationship with our Lord.

As you prepare for Sunday, please consider:

1. How can the practical application of wisdom and the intimate experience of God shape our personal growth journey?
2. What does it mean to let the word of Christ "dwell richly among you," and how can this influence your daily actions and decisions?
3. How can acknowledging the discomfort and tension in spiritual growth prevent us from falling into the extremes of resisting change or abandoning God's teachings?
4. How can we move beyond reactionary living to achieve the level of discernment and transformation called for in Scripture?
5. What steps can you take to actively participate in the Spirit’s transformative work and embrace the discomfort associated with spiritual growth?

OPENING / WELCOME
Matthew Allen
SONG LEADER
Jim Grushon
PRAYER OF PRAISE
Dave Pennington
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Greg Morrison
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER

SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew Allen
Ephesians 1
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Randy Mullins
CLOSING COMMENTS
Dan Spargo
WELCOME CENTER
Judy Hickey / Pam Grushon
USHERS
Richard Jacobs / Roy Pyle
SONG DEVOTIONAL
Chris Terrian
COMMUNION PREP
Vicky Mullins
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Josh Childers