Spiritual Growth Eph. 4:11-16 “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Ephesians 4:15
Growth is necessary Plants Animals Children Adults Spiritually
The need for Growth “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever.” 2 Pet. 3:18 The growth of the church depends on each member Eph. 4:11-16 apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers perfecting, work of the ministry, edifying of body no more children – may grow up
The need for Growth “may grow up” Be mature – put away childish things - 1 Cor. 13:11 Spiritual growth can continue and flourish “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” 2 Cor. 4:16 Spiritual growth is a renewal
Spiritual Birth John 3:5 “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” Spirit - given us the word of God – obey 1 Pet. 1:22-23 Water Acts 2:38 repent and be baptized Titus 3:5 washing of regeneration
Right Food Requirement for growth Spiritually malnourished - skeletons - Matt. 4:4 “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Must desire spiritual food 1 Pet. 2:1-3 - desire – that you may grow
Children desire to grow Do you desire to grow spiritually ?? Attendance Read and study Bible “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matt. 5:6
“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” Heb. 5:12 How long have you been a Christian ? Have you grown ? Are you still on milk ?
Proper Climate “Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits.” 1Cor.15:33
Free from Disease Sin is the disease of the soul - It affects spiritual growth “For the wages of sin is death” Romans 6:23 Treat sin like a dangerous disease Laying aside - 1 Pet. 2:1 Love not – 1 John 2:15-17
Free from Disease Vaccinate ourselves against sin 1 John 2:14 “I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.” Ps. 119:9-11 “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
Regular Exercise The Christian life is a race that requires exercise “exercise thyself rather unto godliness” 1 Tim. 4:7 “Godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” 1 Tim. 4:8 “your faith groweth exceedingly” 2 Thes. 1:3 2 Pet. 1:5-11 - Christian graces
Spiritual Growth Have I grown spiritually ? “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” 2 Cor. 13:5 Have I grown spiritually ?
Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga. 30809 706-855-1249 evanscoc@bellsouth.net www.evansgachurchofchrist.org Sunday Evening June 12, 2011