REFERENCE BIBLE VERSES
Hebrews 6:1 (TPT) | Now is the time for us to progress beyond the basic message of Christ and advance into perfection. The foundation has already been laid for us to build upon: turning away from our dead works to embrace faith in God,
OBJECTIVE
CONTENT
TIME TO GROW AND TAKE ACTION
- The spiritual growth of a believer should be the outcome of our new life in Christ. We are to progress into a deeper relationship with God and develop a more secure faith in Christ's sufficient grace, in every circumstance of life. This is because our maturity is closely related to our faith.
- Being a Christian does not mean to sit still - our faith is either growing or dying. In terms of dying, we all know that a field full of dead weeds must be burned— symbolic of judgment-before it can start to produce / grow again (Hebrews 6:8).
- In order to grow, we need to take action. And by doing so, we can catch up and elevate ourselves to perfection. It starts with having a desire to grow; We will not grow spiritually if we don't have a desire to grow.
- Actions that we can do includes praying, Bible study, worship, being involved in communities, and most importantly sharing the Gospel. Most of us often get scared of prosecution and judgment from others that we shy away from taking action even with sufficient knowledge. But know this, God can still use us even with our insufficiency, but it all starts with our desire to be used by God.
SPIRITUAL MATURITY
- Faith is a continual growth and progress, not just stopping at the initial stage of belief. Apply God's teachings and principles in our lives. As a community we should seek spiritual growth, knowledge and understanding of the Kingdom.
- By leaving behind the "elementary doctrine" and moving towards maturity, we can engage more purposefully in fulfilling God's plan for our lives and making a meaningful impact in the world. Maturity comes through training, not through coasting or indulging desires for immediate comfort. For an athlete, even before the competition, even before the discomfort of enduring on race day, is the obstacle of training. This training even before the competition, helps them be prepared to face what is to come.
- We have to develop good habits to grow and reach our goals. These daily habits will shape the direction of our lives. No athlete is ever magically successful and strong without training and building a healthy habit, the same goes for us in life. We determine our habits, and our habits determine us. Effective training requires pain and discomfort (Hebrews 12:11). The body is not conditioned by leisure but by stress and strain, and especially through persisting in discomfort. Both body and mind are "trained by constant practice" (Hebrews 5:14).
- As we grow towards maturity in Christ the devil will want to attack us more, questions will come and doubts will be put in our hearts. It is time to take action and defend our faith in Christ, to take charge when the devil attacks and to be able to stand our ground in Godly love. Through these training, it produces maturity.
- When it’s God’s timing and His calling, we learn to obey, serve and offer ourselves willingly. The hallmark of a mature Christian is their faith. When we are able to obey and trusting that God has a purpose and will provide for His calling, it is then we truly reach spiritual maturity.
REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- How’s your personal spiritual growth so far in 2024? Are you progressing or has it been a roller coaster ride?
- Share an experience this year where you “encounter” or being called by God or just feel His presence
REFERENCES