7 Exciting Discoveries of Spiritual Growth
To underscore the never-ending aspect of spiritual growth, let’s look at 7 Exciting Discoveries of Spiritual Growth:
Fact 1: There is a __________________________________________________ in that all of us are to grow and continue in growth. Paul said he put all his energy into presenting “everyone perfect in Christ”. In 2 Peter 1:5-7 take note of all the “adds” connecting the spiritual qualities, indicating the forward progress of life in Christ.
Fact 2: There is an ___________________________________________________ in that we do all not grow at the same pace nor learn in the same ways. It is very important to note that we are not to be “cloned” by processes of discipleship that take away each person’s uniqueness. Like snowflakes we all are created with our own mixtures of personality, talents, emotions and life experiences. Neither do we all learn or grow in the same ways. As God extends his grace and patience to us, so we should extend the same to ourselves and the ones we are mentoring.
We are to “grow up into Christ” Ephesians. 4:15 and to “grow up in your salvation” 1 Peter 2:2
- Have you reached your full potential for spiritual growth?
- Are there some areas of spirituality where you wish you were stronger?
- Do the demands of your life intrude on your desires to grow in the Lord?
- Do you feel your spiritual life is sometimes stale or stuck?
- Do you know how to gauge your growth?
- Are you aware of what next steps you need to take?
Fact 3: Spiritual growth is a ____________________________________________ thing! Read: 1 Corinthians 3:7, 16; Colossians 2:19; John 15:1-8; Galatians 5:22-23; and Ephesians 3:16. Clearly the work of the Godhead is imminent to every person’s growth. Without it, we are helpless!
Fact 4: Godly character consists of traits of ____________________________. Every spiritual quality can be deepened and expanded which indicates that our growth will be a part of our lives until the day we die. Note the “degrees” of growth in the following phrases: “do this more and more,” 1 Thessalonians 4:1, 9- 10; “grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ”, Ephesians 3:16-19; “if you possess these qualities in increasing measure…”, 2 Peter 1:8.
Fact 5: One can be spiritually _______________________ to their spiritual condition. Don’t discount the need to grow! We all have our blind spots! Work on your ambition to become stronger and to humble yourself to work on every area of your life (2 Peter 1:9-10; Revelation 3:17-18).
Fact 6: Spiritual growth “can” equate to __________________________ growth. It doesn’t always do this, but it can! As each disciple grows individually, the church grows proportionately. “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does it work” Ephesians 5:16.
Fact 7: The ultimate __________________________ of our spiritual growth is “What?”. While Heaven may be our final destination and growth helps us to have a better life here on earth, our purpose in growing is beyond those two worthy goals. It is to present ourselves as having “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27) and to lead others to do the same (Matthew 5:16)!
QUESTIONS & EXERCISES
For Daily Devotionals or Bible Study Group
- Out of the 7 discoveries about spiritual growth in this week’s message, which one struck you the most and why?
- As you begin to get in touch with your growth needs, start identifying some areas for growth and begin praying daily for yourself in those areas. (more on this in the next lesson, but start a list here)
- What are the ways you learn best? At least 5 ways people learn were mentioned: by listening (auditory learning); by watching (visual learning); by reading and studying; by participation (hands-on approach); and by serving others. List these in the order you learn from the best to the least:
- Looking back over the past 5-10 years of your spiritual life, what are some spiritual qualities where you have increased (i.e., the characteristics of degree) in your understanding and maturity? Did these increases come quickly or take place over an extended period of time?
- Where are your blind spots? Can you name some? What are you doing to become more transparent in these areas? Do you have someone you trust to pray with you, confess sins to and encourage you?
