Summary: Growth is a normal part of life. Growing is expected in our physical, emotional, relational, and social lives. In fact, a lack of growth in a person's life is usually a cause for concern and a red flag for a parent or family member that something isn't right. Growth in our spiritual lives is no different. God expects it, and if it isn't happening then it should be an indicator that something isn't functioning properly.
Text: Philippians 3:12-14, Hebrews 5:12-14
1. READ Hebrews 5:12-14.
a. What is the author of Hebrews challenging the Church with in these verses?
b. What are areas of your spiritual life that are still on milk? How have you moved from milk to meat in other areas?
2. READ Philippians 3:12-13.
a. The first step in our spiritual growth that Paul shares is "Forgetting."
-Paul took some great steps in his walk with Jesus before writing these verses. He grew tremendously throughout his ministry. What was the last growth step you took in your walk with Jesus?
-Have you become satisfied with that step? Are you so busy patting yourself on the back for your last step that you lost sight of taking your next step?
-On the flip side: Do your past sins, struggles, mistakes, and pains leave you nervous or feeling unready to take the next step?
-How can a negative experience in your life prevent you from seeing future spiritual growth?
b. The second step in our spiritual growth is "Straining."
-Are there areas of your spiritual life that are on cruise control? Are you playing it safe, not making much progress, and simply cruising effortlessly?
-Spiritual growth will NEVER happen by accident. It takes effort. It takes determination. It takes the will and desire to actually move forward and take the next step. What does "showing effort" look like in our spiritual lives? How can you strain spiritually towards something?
3. READ Philippians 3:14.
a. Have there been times where you have been discouraged in your spiritual life? Had a dry season? Spent a season without much growth?
b. How can you defeat those feelings of doubt, fear, anxiety, failure, and lack of results?
c. What does "pressing on" in your spiritual life mean? How can you do that practically this week to make sure you are growing and moving forward?
4. Everyone has a next step to take. So what's keeping you from taking yours? Out of these 3 growth steps (or others examples in your life), what do you think is your biggest hinderance to seeing spiritual growth? What's your practical solution for getting beyond that excuse and seeing some growth in your life?
0 comments:
Post a Comment