Call to worship Ephesians 4:15.
“We are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head”
We all desire to grow, expand and increase. Life is all about perspectives, you have freedom to choose between what is optional or mandatory. God wants us to grow up, mature and develop the characteristics of Jesus Christ. It is a tragedy to remain at the same levels all the time. It is unfortunate that many Christians grow older but never mature in faith. What steps are you taking to improve?
SEVEN GREATEST HUMAN NEEDS:
Humans have seven great needs that affect all of us:
- Comfort- certainty
- Variety- unexpected events
- Significance- value addition
- Love-Being cared for
- Growth- become better
- Contribution- make world better
- Belonging- feel connected -God is looking for people who are prepared and taking steps to improve.
WE ARE TO GROW UP IN EVERY WAY
“…We are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head.”
Sometimes for you to be productive you need to take a break and sharpen your axe. -The wealthiest places on earth are not oil fields but commentaries. Buried on ground are countless records of
- Businesses that were never formed
- Books that were never written
- Songs that were never sung.
Unity in the body of Christ cannot happen without growth. The Church is one body but with many parts joined and held together. When each part is working properly, makes body grow. John 15:4-5: “Abide in me and I in you”, -You cannot grow without being connected and sharing in a community.
Until we all attain to unity of faith, we will not stop to be tossed to and fro by:
- Every wind of doctrine
- Human cunning
- Human Craftiness
- Deceitful schemes
The Big Challenge Is FIXED MINDSET Which Stifle GROWTH.
DO NOT SETTLE WHERE YOU ARE
Stir up what God has put in you. Believe in God who believes in you. Think about David-shepherd boy to a king. When God sought somebody to defeat a giant, somebody to lead His chosen people, he looked to see who among his people was prepared. God looks for people who have developed their skills. God has new levels in your future, but if you are not prepared you can miss.
WHAT IS SPIRITUAL MATURITY?
It is being like Christ. -Ephesians 4:13 until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ. As per this verse, spiritual maturity in one phrase. Is being like Christ. Most of us want to grow. Most of us want to mature. Most of us want to be like Christ. But we don’t know how to get started.
SEVEN HABITS/ SKILLS OF MATURING CHRISTIANS
In order to grow we need:
- To eat—The Bible
- To breathe—Prayer
- Good spiritual hygiene —Confess
- A caring family —Fellowship
- Regular exercise —Service
- Protection —Temptation
- To give —Stewardship
“We are not meant to remain as Children”Eph, 4:14a
Growth always begins with a decision.
“Come, be my disciple, Mathew got up and followed Him.”Matt.9:9
He did not understand all the implication of the decision. That is all you need to get started. Decide to become a disciple
“Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think”Rom 12:2b