"SPIRITUAL GROWTH"

Concluding Thoughts

INTRODUCTION
  1. In this series, I've emphasized elements necessary to spiritual growth...
    1. Choosing to obey the command of God to grow - 2Pe 3:18
    2. Believing that we are capable of growth, with God's help - Php 2:12-13; 4:13
    3. Setting behavioral, functional, and congregational goals - 2 Pe 1:5-8; Ro 12:3-5
    4. Developing habits to reach our goals - 1Pe 2:2; Php 4:6-7; He 10:24-25; Ro 12:6-8
    5. Maintaining positive attitudes about the value of our efforts - 1Co 15:58
    6. Perseverance to remain steadfast in our efforts - He 10:36-39
    7. Inspired by role models whose pattern we should follow - Php 3:17; 4:9
  2. In this final lesson in the series, I wish to offer some concluding thoughts...
    1. Pointing out things that can hinder spiritual growth
    2. Suggesting steps to take to ensure spiritual growth

[As mentioned throughout this series, spiritual growth is not automatic. Indeed, there are a number of things that can work against us...]

  1. HINDRANCES TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH
    1. LACK OF EFFORT...
      1. Such as failing to set proper goals, develop the daily habits
      2. Those who are spiritually lazy tend to follow the course of least resistance
        1. Such will forever remain "babes" - cf. He 5:12-13; 1Co 3:1-2
        2. If they do not fall away altogether
        -- Just as the lazy man's vineyard lies in ruins and leads to poverty (Pr 24:30-34), so spiritual sloth leads to spiritual ruin!
    2. DISCOURAGEMENT...
      1. Some people make a good beginning, but get discouraged and quit
      2. Reasons may vary: church troubles, personal problems, lack of encouragement from others, etc.
      3. But consider the example of the apostle Paul:
        1. Few of us would ever have the problems he had - 2Co 11:24-29
        2. Yet he did not "lose heart" (become discouraged) - 2Co 4:8-9
        3. Why? Because he knew his labor was not in vain - 2Co 4:16-5:1
      4. And so he encourages us not to grow weary in doing good - Ga 6:9; 1Co 15:58
      -- Discouragement happens; we must not allow it to deter us from pressing on!
    3. LACK OF USE...
      1. A knife stays bright when used, but unused it becomes rusty
      2. So it is with Christians, we lose what knowledge, ability, and opportunity we have when we do not use them!
      3. To use another metaphor, unless we are earnest in our endeavor, we will simply "drift away" from the Lord - He 2:1
      -- There is no concept of "retirement" when it comes to the service of the Lord!
    4. INTERFERENCE...
      1. Crops, trees and flowers do not grow well when crowded
      2. So our spiritual growth will be hindered if we let things crowd out our spiritual life
        1. Businessmen may become too busy to attend to God's business
        2. A woman may be so occupied with housekeeping that she has little time for the house (family) of God
        3. Young people may be so busy with school activities that prayer, worship, good works and Bible study are neglected
        4. Preachers might get so tied down with meetings, administrative duties, etc., that they too do not take time to spend alone with God
      3. Jesus warned about the danger of interference - Mk 4:18-19
        1. By things like the cares of the world, the desires for other things
        2. Which can choke the word, such that it cannot bear fruit in our lives
        -- If we desire a healthy spiritual crop, we may need to "weed out" some things in our lives

      [A lack of effort, discouragement, lack of use, interference: these are some of the things that hinder spiritual growth. Have you allowed them to hinder yours? If so, perhaps the following steps may help put you back on the right track...]

  2. STEPS TO ENSURE SPIRITUAL GROWTH
    1. BECOME ACTIVE IN THE WORK OF THE CONGREGATION...
      1. Begin immediately!
        1. It is important not to delay (remember the "hindrances")
        2. There is work for everyone, and it is best to start with something you are able to handle
        3. Even the most humble service can be a source of joy for those who are doing it to please God - cf. Ps 84:10; Jn 13:12-17
      2. Offer your services to the elders!
        1. These men will be glad to find work for you to do in keeping with your ability
        2. Sometimes they hesitate to call on people for work if they are not sure the people are willing
        3. But let them know that you have the attitude of Isaiah: "Here am I! Send me." - Isa 6:8
      3. Look for work needing to be done!
        1. The best servant is one who can see things to be done and does them without having to be told every step to take
        2. Most of us are good critics; here is how we can put that ability to good use:
          1. Whenever we see something we want to criticize, take that as an opportunity to SHOW (not tell) how it should be done
          2. Someone else's failure is often our opportunity to be of service
          3. In other words, "Don't criticize, energize!"
    2. START A PROGRAM OF REGULAR PRIVATE DEVOTIONS...
      1. Spend time each day alone with God, engaged in prayer, Bible study, singing praises
      2. Such time consistently spent will supply the spiritual nourishment necessary for spiritual growth
      3. Many Christians do not grow because they try to exist on a "spiritual starvation diet"!
    3. PARTICIPATE IN AN INFORMAL BIBLE STUDY GROUP...
      1. Meet weekly with other Christians in an informal setting to study the Bible together
      2. This provides opportunity for mutual sharing and encouragement which leads to even more knowledge and spiritual growth
    4. BECOME INVOLVED IN LEADING PEOPLE TO CHRIST...
      1. Even if you don't do the actual teaching, you can do what Andrew and Philip did: lead a friend to Christ! - Jn 1:40-46
      2. Those involved in leading others to Christ rarely ever stop growing in Christ themselves!
    5. PRACTICE CONSTANT SELF-EXAMINATION...
      1. The Scriptures call us to examine ourselves in our relation to Christ - 2Co 13:5
      2. Here are some questions we should often ask ourselves:
        1. Do I have a better Bible knowledge than one year ago?
        2. Am I as interested in Jesus Christ today as when I was baptized?
        3. Have I helped someone else to become a Christian?
        4. Am I enjoying life as a child of God?
        5. Am I improving my life, my disposition, and becoming more like Christ?
        6. Do I set a good example for other Christians?
        7. Am I growing in such activities as Bible study, prayer, worship?
        -- Self-examination is not an easy process, but true spiritual growth is impossible without it!
CONCLUSION
  1. It is sad, but true, that many Christians are often just religious enough to be miserable...
    1. But the life of the Christian is intended to be one filled with love, joy, peace, and so much more! - Ga 5:22-23
    2. Where the fruit of the Spirit is not present, a lack of spiritual growth is the reason!
  2. Rather than be defeated by things which hinder spiritual growth...
    1. Make the choice to grow in the Lord!
    2. Believe that He will assist you in efforts!
    3. Set the proper goals, develop the habits that will help you reach them!
    4. Remain positive in your outlook, persevering through the occasional setbacks!
    5. Look to role models for direction and inspiration!

As we thereby grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, we will truly experience the "abundant life" that Jesus provides! - cf. Jn 10:10