Romans 8:29 (NLT) “For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son...” ------------------------------------- God’s desire for us is not to just be saved by Jesus, but to become like Jesus.

The Church is referred to as the “body of Christ” So… we can’t grow 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Encourage one another and build each other up” ----------------------------------------------------- The Church is referred to as the “body of Christ” (1 Corinth. 12:7 / Rom. 12:5) So… we can’t grow fully mature in Christ apart from other Christians.

We help each other grow in Christ by affirming each other’s worth… * by showing acceptance (Romans 15:7) * by showing attention (Galatians 6:10) * by showing affection (Romans 12:10) * by showing appreciation (1 Thess. 5:12)

We help each other grow in Christ by praying for each other’s growth. Colossians 4:12 (NCV) “Epaphras… [I] always prays for you that you will grow to be spiritually mature.” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (CEV) “I pray the Lord will guide you to be as loving as God and as patient as Christ.”

We help each other grow in Christ by admitting our mistakes. Ephesians 4:25 (NCV) “Tell each other the truth, because we all belong to each other.”

Benefits of Honesty: 1.) Emotional Healing * James 5:16 2.) A Fresh Start * Prov. 28:13 3.) You Access God’s Power to Change * James 4:10 4.) Deeper Fellowship * 1 John 1:7

“I want us to help each other with We help each other grow in Christ by lovingly holding each other accountable. Romans 1:12 (NCV) “I want us to help each other with the faith we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you.”

5 Basic “Christ Commitments” 1.) Commit to love Jesus Christ 2.) Commit to love other Christians 3.) Commit to grow in God’s Word & Prayer 4.) Commit to serve in ministry 5.) Commit to share the Gospel of Jesus

Spiritual maturity is a CHOICE, but it's also a life-long JOURNEY that we aren't meant to take alone!