Together We Grow
Becoming a Real Church • Sermon • Submitted
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15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Principle: Relationship with God through Christ creates the atmosphere for spiritual growth.
The church’s goal for growth:
We are a church where people are mentored and nurtured in good works and through sound doctrine as they are being transformed into followers of Christ.
In other words:
When someone experiences REAL CHANGE by being transformed into followers of Christ...
That person’s REAL CHANGE will be accompanied by good works AND sound doctrine...
And this is accomplished by experiencing meaningful mentoring and nurturing.
THIS IS GROWTH.
But, far too often, many people experience a hindrance to growth.
When something is supposed to grow and doesn’t, something is wrong.
When something is supposed to grow and doesn’t, something is wrong.
What may go wrong?
Jesus gives as an answer that is important for us to take note.
Matthew 13:
19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path.
1. Satan hinders spiritual growth.
1. Satan hinders spiritual growth.
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
NOTE
20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy,
21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.
2. Hardship hinders spiritual growth.
2. Hardship hinders spiritual growth.
NOTE
Matthew 13:
22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
NOTE
3. Distractions hinder spiritual growth.
3. Distractions hinder spiritual growth.
NOTE
23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
Through God’s Word, we can grow and experience blessing.
Through God’s Word, we can grow and experience blessing.
The reality of who we are in Christ and the connecting with one another promotes growth.
The reality of who we are in Christ and the connecting with one another promotes growth.
NOTES
15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
Know the truth.
Know the truth.
NOTES
Together in love.
Together in love.
Small groups have historically been the vehicle for discipleship and spiritual growth in the church.
From the very beginning of the church 2,000 years ago, Christians thrived in a small group setting.
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
When I was a child, we called small groups Sunday School. In fact, in the 1960’s and 1970’s, many churches experienced larger attendance in Sunday School rather than their Sunday worship service.
No matter what you call it, people meeting together in a small group setting is essential for spiritual growth.
Acts
46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.