1. Spiritual Growth is Necessary Any living organism that does not grow will soon die.

2. “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Eph. 4:15 “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,” 1 Pet.2:2

3. “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” 2 Pet. 3:18 NKJV “your faith grows exceedingly” 2 Thes. 1:3

4. Balanced Spiritual Growth Knowledge Zeal Faith Christ-like character Good Works God help the good people to be nice

5. 1. Lack of Effort “an old baby” Heb. 5:13 “child” 1 Cor. 3:1,2 babes - infants Growth Requires Effort

6. 2. Discouragement Example of Paul - 2 Cor.11:24-29 “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;”

7. 2. Discouragement 2 Cor. 4:16 - 5:1 – “faint not” “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Gal.6:9 1 Cor. 15:58 - steadfast, unmovable, always abounding

8. 3. Law of Disuse Unused knife becomes rusty We lose what we do not use ! “For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.” Matt. 25:29

9. 4. The Law of Interference Plants do not grow well when crowded Spiritual growth hindered by being crowded Mark 4:18-19 - thorns, choke Strangle, drown, crowd

10. 1. Lack of Effort 2. Discouragement 3. Law of Disuse 4. Law of Interference

11. 1. Become Active in Work Begin immediately There is Work for all Ps. 84:10

12. 2. Offer your services Tell the elders / deacons What you can do to help “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” Isa. 6:8

13. 3. Look for Work to be done Do without being told Criticize something - then show how it should be done Failure is opportunity “Don’t criticize, energize!”

14. 4. Regular Private Devotions Spend time with God - daily Spiritual nourishment We Can’t exist on A “Spiritual Starvation diet”

15. 5. Lead People to Christ Look for people interested in studying the Bible John 1:40-46 - Andrew Those who lead others to Christ will continue to grow

16. 6. Practice Self-Examination “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith.” 2 Cor. 13:5 ESV Questions to ask ourselves

17. 1. Become Active in Work 2. Offer your Services 3. Look for Work to be done

18. 4. Regular Private Devotions 5. Lead People to Christ 6. Practice Self-Examination

21. Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga. 30809 706-855-1249evanscoc@bellsouth.netwww.evansgachurchofchrist.org Sunday Morning November 8, 200