Direcctions of Growth Directions of Growth Spiritual Growth

Introduction It is a natural process for living things to grow Direcctions of Growth Introduction It is a natural process for living things to grow An infant begins to grow at the point of conception In Psalms 1:3 the writer compares man to a flourishing tree Spiritual Growth

Introduction The tree grows in four directions: downward upward inward outward

I. The Christian Must Grow Downward The root system of a tree is very important Withstands wind & storms and draws in food

I. The Christian Must Grow Downward We must have deep spiritual roots Eph. 3:17 Col 2:7 Col. 1:23 Lk. 8:6, 13

II. The Christian Must Grow Upward Many are concerned only with the physical life They never look up! We must look up to God in order to grow spiritually

II. The Christian Must Grow Upward Direcctions of Growth II. The Christian Must Grow Upward Heb. 12:1-2 As we are going upward, we are growing upward Phil. 3:14 Phil. 3:20 Spiritual Growth

III. Christians Must Grow Inward Many fail to grow because they never truly change their hearts Mt. 5:8 Proverbs 23:7 2 Pet. 1: 5-8

III. Christians Must Grow Inward One’s outward life reflects what is inside Mt. 5:16 If you are not getting stronger spiritually, it is because you are not growing inwardly.

IV. Christians Must Grow Outwardly We are to bear spiritual fruit Jn. 15: 4-6 1 Cor. 3:6-7 Let us look outward-to the lost, the needy, the discouraged, the wayward

IV. Christians Must Grow Outwardly Mt. 28:19-20 Gal. 6:10 Gal. 6:1

Direcctions of Growth Conclusion 2 Pet. 3:18 We are to grow in a way which is pleasing to God As we grow, the Kingdom of God will grow Spiritual Growth