Living the Transformed Life: Biblical Principles of Growing and Helping Others Grow in the Christian Life Lesson #1: Growth Lessons From Nature Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Spiritual Maturity Myths (Part #1) Maturity Myth #1: Spiritual growth is automatic once you are born again. 2 Peter 3:18 Maturity Myth #2: Spiritual maturity can occur instantly if you just find the right key. Maturity Myth #3: All you need is Bible study to grow. What are some lessons we learn from the Redwoods? What unique trait(s) should Christians share with Redwood Trees? 1
How Do We Grow? How do we grow by strength or resolve can we make it so can we shape the course of our lives according to our purpose and designs or add a single hour to the measure of our time how can we ever venture into what is unknown when we are incapable of the smallest change on our own looking back over the span of our lives we can see the marks that testify to how far we ve come how much we ve grown how much of his grace we have been shown the marks of maturity on our lives the evidence of the work of Christ the seed that he has planted on our heart the lord has also watered and will refine every part it is his intention to give it growth until it comes to fruition he has sealed it with his oath that he who began this good work in you will see it through in this lies our hope 2
not in what we do but we do not grow alone our roots are intertwined one with another so that your strength is mine while we wait in expectation no growth can be seen the tender shoots that so quickly spring up must grow strong less they remain frail and green would we be overwhelmed by perils in store that his timing seeks to prepare us for let us endure our trials with patience for it s in his goodness that we trust and hold fast to our commitment resting in his faithfulness to us his goal is for our good on this our assurance falls that he who began this good work will surely make it grow tall from Perfect Love Bible Study with Lisa Harper - RightNow Media 3
What does Colossians 2:7 suggest is the strength of spiritual maturity? What does Colossians 2:2 suggest is the strength of spiritual maturity? Spiritual Maturity Myths (Part #2) Maturity Myth #4: Spiritual growth is a personal and private matter. Maturity Myth #5: Spiritually mature Christians are always busy with church Maturity Myth #6: Spiritually mature Christians don't mingle with those that are not like them. Your Thoughts? Growth depends on life. Growth is a necessity, not an option. Growth is gradual, not instantaneous. Growth is difficult, not easy. 4
Four Soils/Four Hearts Did you know? The Sower is one of only three parables in the Gospels that have detailed interpretations attached to them. The other two are the Weeds among the Wheat (Matt 13:24-30, Matt 36-43) and the Net (Matt 13:47-50). The parable is one of only three parables found in all three Synoptic Gospels, along with the Mustard Seed and the Wicked Tenants. The parable of the Sower is the only parable that begins with the command to Listen, and the Greek word for hear is used thirteen times in Mark 4:1-33. The sower virtually disappears from the parable after the first part of verse 4, which focuses attention on the reception of the audience the productivity (or lack thereof) of the seeds that are sown. The Parable of the Soils Matthew 13:1-23 Mark 4:1-25 Luke 8:4-18 Evangelism or Growth? Describes how we respond to the Word Our Hearts can be different soils in different areas. 5
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Pathway People -- "For the Birds" Closed, callous, indifferent, passive Unresponsive will How does someone become a pathway person? Ezekiel 33:31-32 Proverbs 28:14 Jer. 6:10 How can we avoid becoming a pathway person? Matthew 7:24-27 8
Rocky People -- "without Deep Roots" Cloudy, shallow, superficial, no foundation. No roots, unstable Impulsive will How does someone become a rocky person? John 6:66 Eph. 4:14 How can we avoid becoming a rocky person? Ps. 1:1-6, Jer. 17:5-10, Col. 2:6-7 Thorny People-- "Lost in the Weeds" Cluttered, distracted, divided mind, confused priorities Pre-occupied will How does someone become a thorny person? 3 weeds: worries, wealth, wants How can we avoid becoming a thorny person? Heb. 6:7-8 Proverbs 24:30-34 Productive People -- "Good Soil" Committed, open, deep, teachable, submissive, sensitive Humble will Proverbs 18:15, Acts 17:11, 1Thes 2:13 9
Describe a Productive Person with Good Heart Soil Matt. 13:23, Mark 4:20, Luke 8:15 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Every time the Word is opened... God is speaking. Are you listening? 10
Reading with heart attitude adverbs for the Word of God: Expectantly, Thoughtfully, Repeatedly, Patiently, Prayerfully Actively, Purposefully, Openly, Attentively, Meditatively, Submissively, Gratefully Spiritual Maturity Myths (Part #3) Maturity Myth #7: Spiritual maturity is measured by what you know. Maturity Myth #8: Spiritual growth is mystical and maturity is attainable by only a select few. Maturity Myth #9: Spiritually mature Christians will experience nothing but health, wealth and prosperity. How do we measure spiritual growth? How do you respond to these sentences? 1. Spiritual growth takes more effort than physical growth. 2. Spiritual growth is a slow process that extends over our entire lifetime. 3. Spiritual growth is putting what you learn into practice. Application Questions How can we know if we re growing spiritually? What are some Biblical tests for growth? What is the difference between knowing about Christ and knowing Christ? Can you have one without the other? 11
We get up, eat up, sit up, listen up, catch up, pack up and sometimes feel like giving up. We feel beat up and sometimes get upset. but the Bible says to look up, grow up and live up to what we know. Parting Words from a Brother Mature... Be mature in your thinking. And keep living the will of God and grow and line up with what 2 Timothy 2:15 says, Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. So continue to grow in Christ and love everybody. Bill Bishop on Feb 16 th 2008 Home Stretch Have a Table Talk about the maturity myths Read and compare the Parable of the Soils in your Bible Ask God to show you personal areas you can spiritually grow in. 12