The Importance Of A Positive Attitude – Part Two
For spiritual growth to continue, however, requires maintaining a positive attitude. Having noted in the previous lessons the need for a positive attitude in and towards our spiritual growth let's consider a few thoughts about maintaining a positive mental attitude. Choose to be positive! We can control our attitudes, our moods. We may not be able to control or change our circumstances, but we can control how we react to them. For example, we can choose to rejoice when times are hard as James commanded - Ja 1:2 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,” And as we understand the value of difficult times - Ja 1:3-4 “for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” ; Ro 5:3-4 “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,” When we know that hope and prayer can help us to rejoice - Ro 12:12 “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” -- With a proper understanding, we can maintain a positive attitude despite our external circumstances - 2 Co 4:16-5:1 “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”; Ph 2:17-18 “Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.”
How do we control and maintain a positive attitude? By avoiding negative self-talk and looking for the positive. Such as "I can't do it..." to "I can do it...". Such as "It's too hard..." to "It's easy with God’s help...". By constantly reminding yourself of such things as:
You can do what God wants you to do (i.e., grow) - Ph 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”; 2:12-13 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
The more effort you make, the more results you will see - Ga 6:7-9 “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”; 1 Ti 4:15 “Practice these things, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.”
Your labor will not be in vain - 1 Co 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
We can control and maintain a positive attitude by avoiding negative people. Choose your friends carefully - 1 Co 15:33 “Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals."’ Stay away from "toxic" people (whose negativity poisons other people's attitudes by feeding their negativity to others). Otherwise you will join what Rick Pitino calls "The Fellowship Of The Miserable" and the killers of the dream. By surrounding yourself with positive people; people who will encourage you to do what is right - He 10:24 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,”; people who refresh your spirit, not discourage it - 1 Co 16:17-18 “I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men.”; Phe 4-7 “I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” Become an encourager, by noting such people like Barnabas, "Son of Encouragement" - Ac 4:36 “Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus,”; 11:22-24 “The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.” When we become the encourager even though our emotions or our brain may tell us that our positive statements of encouragement to others is a lie, the more our brain hears what we say to others, the more it accepts the statements as being true. – So with the right self-talk and the right companionships, we can avoid becoming hardened by the sin of negativity - He 3:13 “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
We can control and maintain a positive attitude by living in the present, not the past. If anyone could have bemoaned his sinful past, it was Paul - 1 Ti 1:12-15 “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” Yet he chose not to dwell on past mistakes (or even past successes), but to press on in the future - Ph 3:12-14 “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Live in the present, with an eye to the future. This is what Paul did, reaching forward to the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus - Ph 3:12-14. It was the future glory that enabled him to endure the present trial - 2 Co 4:17-18 “For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” -- This mature attitude (Ph 3:15 “Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.”) is what helped Paul to maintain a positive attitude even in the most difficult of times - 2 Ti 4:18 “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
We have every reason to have a positive attitude about our spiritual growth.... God is ready to help us grow - Ph 2:12-13 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” He provided tools to help us grow (the Word, prayer, etc.) - 1 Pe 2:2 “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation”; Ph 4:6-7 “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” He designed the church to provide an environment conducive to growth - Ep 4:16 “from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” Our labors will not be in vain, nor go unnoticed - He 6:10 “For God is not so unjust as to overlook your work and the love that you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do.” Even when we fall, He provides forgiveness - 1 Jn 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
The challenge we face is not allowing our positive attitude to be destroyed through negative self-talk, through negative people or through trying circumstances. The choice is ours.... We can choose to be positive through faith in God. We can block out negativity that surrounds us. We can live in the present (instead of the past), with an eye on the future. Will we make the right choice? Have you made to choice to follow God?
"And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." - Josh 24:15
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Spiritual Growth - VA
Spiritual Growth
The Importance Of A Positive Attitude – Part One
A good start toward spiritual growth is achieved when we:
Accept the challenge to obey God's command to grow - 2 Pe 3:18
Believe we are capable of growing with God's help - Ph 4:13
Set both behavioral and functional goals as described in the Scriptures:
1) Striving to develop Christ-like behavior - 2 Pe 1:5-8
2) Seeking to determine and develop our function in the body of Christ - Ro 12:3-5
Create good habits that slowly but surely help us reach those goals:
1) Habits that change our behavior (Bible reading, prayer, etc.) - 1 Pe 2:2; Ph 4:6-7
2) Habits that utilize our functions in the body of Christ (assembling, participating)
- He 10:24-25; Ro 12:6-8
For spiritual growth to continue, however, requires maintaining a positive attitude:
Believing that all our efforts will be worthwhile - 1 Co 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
Encouraging us to persevere through difficult times - 2 Co 4:8-9 “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;”
Paul certainly had a positive attitude. But why is a positive attitude so important to spiritual growth...? Let’s look into this question, but first we need to look at the the dangers of a negative or “I/we can’t” attitude. The danger in a negative attitude is illustrated in the example of the twelve spies of Israel. Ten did not believe they could take the land of Canaan - Num 13:31 “Then the men who had gone up with him said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are."’ Their negative attitude discouraged the rest of Israel - Num 13:32-14:4 “So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, "The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height. And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them." Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night. And all the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, "Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! Why is the LORD bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become a prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?" And they said to one another, "Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt."’; se also 32:7-9 “Why will you discourage the heart of the people of Israel from going over into the land that the LORD has given them? Your fathers did this, when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to see the land. For when they went up to the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the people of Israel from going into the land that the LORD had given them.” It led to Israel complaining and rebelling against God - Deu 1:26-28 ‘"Yet you would not go up, but rebelled against the command of the LORD your God. And you murmured in your tents and said, 'Because the LORD hated us he has brought us out of the land of Egypt, to give us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us. Where are we going up? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying, "The people are greater and taller than we. The cities are great and fortified up to heaven. And besides, we have seen the sons of the Anakim there."' It prompted them not to believe in God - Deu 1:29-33 “Then I said to you, 'Do not be in dread or afraid of them. The LORD your God who goes before you will himself fight for you, just as he did for you in Egypt before your eyes, and in the wilderness, where you have seen how the LORD your God carried you, as a man carries his son, all the way that you went until you came to this place.' Yet in spite of this word you did not believe the LORD your God, who went before you in the way to seek you out a place to pitch your tents, in fire by night and in the cloud by day, to show you by what way you should go.” It resulted in many dying in the wilderness - Num 14:26-38. When negative attitudes are allowed to develop we stop believing in God and in ourselves; we stop trying to do what God wants us to do; we discourage those around us in that negativity is contagious; and we fail to reach the goals God has placed before us.
The value of a positive attitude is illustrated in the example of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. The people had a mind to work - Neh 4:6 “So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.” It helped them overcome ridicule by their enemies - Neh 4:1-3 “Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, "What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?" Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, "Yes, what they are building--if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!"’ Their positive attitude and willingness to work led to the rebuilding of the walls - Neh 6:15 “So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days.”
When positive attitudes are maintained we continue to believe in God and our ability to serve Him; we keep trying to do what God wants us to do; we encourage those around us, and overcome those who would discourage us; thus we ultimately reach the goals that God has placed before us. Spiritual growth, like any other successful venture, requires a positive attitude! With it, God will help us reach our goals for spiritual growth. Without it, we fall short of becoming what God would have us to be. When we continue this lesson we will look at how we can maintain a positive mental attitude.
The Importance Of A Positive Attitude – Part One
A good start toward spiritual growth is achieved when we:
Accept the challenge to obey God's command to grow - 2 Pe 3:18
Believe we are capable of growing with God's help - Ph 4:13
Set both behavioral and functional goals as described in the Scriptures:
1) Striving to develop Christ-like behavior - 2 Pe 1:5-8
2) Seeking to determine and develop our function in the body of Christ - Ro 12:3-5
Create good habits that slowly but surely help us reach those goals:
1) Habits that change our behavior (Bible reading, prayer, etc.) - 1 Pe 2:2; Ph 4:6-7
2) Habits that utilize our functions in the body of Christ (assembling, participating)
- He 10:24-25; Ro 12:6-8
For spiritual growth to continue, however, requires maintaining a positive attitude:
Believing that all our efforts will be worthwhile - 1 Co 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
Encouraging us to persevere through difficult times - 2 Co 4:8-9 “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;”
Paul certainly had a positive attitude. But why is a positive attitude so important to spiritual growth...? Let’s look into this question, but first we need to look at the the dangers of a negative or “I/we can’t” attitude. The danger in a negative attitude is illustrated in the example of the twelve spies of Israel. Ten did not believe they could take the land of Canaan - Num 13:31 “Then the men who had gone up with him said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are."’ Their negative attitude discouraged the rest of Israel - Num 13:32-14:4 “So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, "The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height. And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them." Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night. And all the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, "Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! Why is the LORD bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become a prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?" And they said to one another, "Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt."’; se also 32:7-9 “Why will you discourage the heart of the people of Israel from going over into the land that the LORD has given them? Your fathers did this, when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to see the land. For when they went up to the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the people of Israel from going into the land that the LORD had given them.” It led to Israel complaining and rebelling against God - Deu 1:26-28 ‘"Yet you would not go up, but rebelled against the command of the LORD your God. And you murmured in your tents and said, 'Because the LORD hated us he has brought us out of the land of Egypt, to give us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us. Where are we going up? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying, "The people are greater and taller than we. The cities are great and fortified up to heaven. And besides, we have seen the sons of the Anakim there."' It prompted them not to believe in God - Deu 1:29-33 “Then I said to you, 'Do not be in dread or afraid of them. The LORD your God who goes before you will himself fight for you, just as he did for you in Egypt before your eyes, and in the wilderness, where you have seen how the LORD your God carried you, as a man carries his son, all the way that you went until you came to this place.' Yet in spite of this word you did not believe the LORD your God, who went before you in the way to seek you out a place to pitch your tents, in fire by night and in the cloud by day, to show you by what way you should go.” It resulted in many dying in the wilderness - Num 14:26-38. When negative attitudes are allowed to develop we stop believing in God and in ourselves; we stop trying to do what God wants us to do; we discourage those around us in that negativity is contagious; and we fail to reach the goals God has placed before us.
The value of a positive attitude is illustrated in the example of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. The people had a mind to work - Neh 4:6 “So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.” It helped them overcome ridicule by their enemies - Neh 4:1-3 “Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, "What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?" Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, "Yes, what they are building--if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!"’ Their positive attitude and willingness to work led to the rebuilding of the walls - Neh 6:15 “So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days.”
When positive attitudes are maintained we continue to believe in God and our ability to serve Him; we keep trying to do what God wants us to do; we encourage those around us, and overcome those who would discourage us; thus we ultimately reach the goals that God has placed before us. Spiritual growth, like any other successful venture, requires a positive attitude! With it, God will help us reach our goals for spiritual growth. Without it, we fall short of becoming what God would have us to be. When we continue this lesson we will look at how we can maintain a positive mental attitude.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Spiritual Growth - IVB
Habits For Spiritual Growth – Part Two
Having looked at some behavioral habits we now want to look at some functional habits. That leads us to our next point, in which we assemble together with the church. Yes, we have already mentioned the habit of assembling with Christians. But that was in connection with your personal spiritual growth. If we are to reach our functional goals, it will be within the framework of the local church. Through frequent assembling with the church we become familiar with identities and needs of other members. We learn what functions are needed in the body of Christ – see Ro 12:3-8. We are given opportunity to be of service to one another. -- The habit of going to church is essential if we are going to be of much use to the Lord's church; otherwise, we cannot be counted on for much service.
Participation in the work of the church such as the habit of participating in the assemblies of the church, teaching classes, preaching, Bible reading, leading singing., ushering, counting attendance, and serving the Lord's Supper is where a young man or new Christian desiring to grow might develop the habit of participating in the following activities, starting with what is easy and progressing to the more difficult:
1) Serving on the Lord's table
2) Reading Scripture
3) Leading the closing prayer
4) Leading the opening prayer
5) Serving as usher, welcoming and seating visitors
6) Presiding at the Lord's table
7) Making announcements
8) Extending the invitation
9) Leading singing
10) Teaching the adult classes
11) Preaching sermons
Participation in the work of the church such as the habit of providing for other services needed in the church such as greeting visitors, ministering to the sick, encouraging the weak, and teaching the gospel to the lost. Or the more mundane chores of cleaning the building, providing maintenance for the building and grounds, or preparing the Lord's Supper. All of these are area where one can grow and be of service to others. -- If we hope to reach our functional goals in which we are useful to the Master, then we need to make participation in the work of the church a habit!
Finally, a thought or two about congregational habits and what the leaders need to do. Participation in functional roles is more likely when members are aware of what needs to be done. A congregation can encourage spiritual growth by clearly defining what functional roles are available for service. -- A congregation needs to be in the habit of letting its members know what kind of functional roles are available.
A congregation needs to provide opportunities to learn, to serve, and thereby grow a need to be provided - 2 Ti 2:2 “and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Such as, providing training classes to develop the various abilities of the membership. Making sure those trained are making good use of their abilities. The habit of developing a duty roster can assist in this, in which people are assigned to serve in various capacities, making sure that all who wish to serve are given opportunities. By sharing to various responsibilities all the members will have an opportunity to serve rather than just a few doing the work all of the time. -- Each congregation should have some habitual way of training and involving its members in the work and worship of the church.
A congregation should also be in the habit of encouraging spiritual growth by encouraging participation in activities of service. One good habit is to let the inexperienced gain experience; for example, allowing those who desire to preach the opportunity to do so. Such as providing one night a month for them to preach. Such as encouraging them to do fill-in preaching for neighboring congregations. -- A congregation should have the habit of encouraging participation, even if it means utilizing those who are inexperienced, nervous or awkward, even if it means letting them go to serve elsewhere as the need arises.
In conclusion, remember, goals are obtained whenever good habits are established.... The creation of good habits sets the stage for spiritual growth. As spiritual habits are developed, spiritual growth is incremental but steady. Wholesome and well-rounded spiritual growth occurs wherever:
An individual develops both behavioral and functional habits that will help them along to reaching their behavioral and functional goals.
A congregation promotes habits that will encourage participation in its work, especially in helping Christians develop their functional goals in the body of Christ.
Are we developing the kind of habits that will help us grow spiritually?
Having looked at some behavioral habits we now want to look at some functional habits. That leads us to our next point, in which we assemble together with the church. Yes, we have already mentioned the habit of assembling with Christians. But that was in connection with your personal spiritual growth. If we are to reach our functional goals, it will be within the framework of the local church. Through frequent assembling with the church we become familiar with identities and needs of other members. We learn what functions are needed in the body of Christ – see Ro 12:3-8. We are given opportunity to be of service to one another. -- The habit of going to church is essential if we are going to be of much use to the Lord's church; otherwise, we cannot be counted on for much service.
Participation in the work of the church such as the habit of participating in the assemblies of the church, teaching classes, preaching, Bible reading, leading singing., ushering, counting attendance, and serving the Lord's Supper is where a young man or new Christian desiring to grow might develop the habit of participating in the following activities, starting with what is easy and progressing to the more difficult:
1) Serving on the Lord's table
2) Reading Scripture
3) Leading the closing prayer
4) Leading the opening prayer
5) Serving as usher, welcoming and seating visitors
6) Presiding at the Lord's table
7) Making announcements
8) Extending the invitation
9) Leading singing
10) Teaching the adult classes
11) Preaching sermons
Participation in the work of the church such as the habit of providing for other services needed in the church such as greeting visitors, ministering to the sick, encouraging the weak, and teaching the gospel to the lost. Or the more mundane chores of cleaning the building, providing maintenance for the building and grounds, or preparing the Lord's Supper. All of these are area where one can grow and be of service to others. -- If we hope to reach our functional goals in which we are useful to the Master, then we need to make participation in the work of the church a habit!
Finally, a thought or two about congregational habits and what the leaders need to do. Participation in functional roles is more likely when members are aware of what needs to be done. A congregation can encourage spiritual growth by clearly defining what functional roles are available for service. -- A congregation needs to be in the habit of letting its members know what kind of functional roles are available.
A congregation needs to provide opportunities to learn, to serve, and thereby grow a need to be provided - 2 Ti 2:2 “and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Such as, providing training classes to develop the various abilities of the membership. Making sure those trained are making good use of their abilities. The habit of developing a duty roster can assist in this, in which people are assigned to serve in various capacities, making sure that all who wish to serve are given opportunities. By sharing to various responsibilities all the members will have an opportunity to serve rather than just a few doing the work all of the time. -- Each congregation should have some habitual way of training and involving its members in the work and worship of the church.
A congregation should also be in the habit of encouraging spiritual growth by encouraging participation in activities of service. One good habit is to let the inexperienced gain experience; for example, allowing those who desire to preach the opportunity to do so. Such as providing one night a month for them to preach. Such as encouraging them to do fill-in preaching for neighboring congregations. -- A congregation should have the habit of encouraging participation, even if it means utilizing those who are inexperienced, nervous or awkward, even if it means letting them go to serve elsewhere as the need arises.
In conclusion, remember, goals are obtained whenever good habits are established.... The creation of good habits sets the stage for spiritual growth. As spiritual habits are developed, spiritual growth is incremental but steady. Wholesome and well-rounded spiritual growth occurs wherever:
An individual develops both behavioral and functional habits that will help them along to reaching their behavioral and functional goals.
A congregation promotes habits that will encourage participation in its work, especially in helping Christians develop their functional goals in the body of Christ.
Are we developing the kind of habits that will help us grow spiritually?
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Spiritual Growth - IVA
Spiritual Growth
Habits For Spiritual Growth – Part One
In our previous lesson we talked about goals for spiritual growth....
Behavioral goals - in which we seek to become like Jesus, emulating His character. Functional goals - in which we aim to determine and develop our abilities and functions
in the body of Christ.
Congregational goals - in which brethren unite in our aspirations to grow as a congregation as well as individual Christians.
To meet our goals requires the development of good habits.... Habits are stepping stones which ensure that we eventually meet our goals. Habits are things done on a frequent basis (daily, weekly, etc.) that slowly produce a certain effect -- Unless we establish good habits, bad habits will set in that hinder our spiritual growth!
What are some good habits that will help us meet our spiritual goals? Let's first consider a few that will help us meet our behavioral goals, what we might describe as behavioral habits. Bible reading: not just reading alone, but studying and making personal application. The Word of God is crucial to growing spiritually - 1 Pe 2:2 “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation”. David described the value of God's Word - Psa 19:7-11 “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” He also illustrated the blessedness and fortitude of one who meditated daily on the Word of God - Psa 1:1-3 “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” The Christian who wants to grow spiritually must therefore develop the habit of daily
Bible reading, study and application. Such as reading through the Bible each year (about 3 chapters a day). Or perhaps the New Testament one year, the Old Testament the next -- By feeding upon God's Word daily, we receive the spiritual nourishment necessary to grow; have you developed the habit of daily Bible reading?
Praying: the practice of prayer is also required for spiritual growth. Through prayer we find mercy and grace to help - He 4:16 “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Through prayer we find peace to guard our hearts - Ph 4:6-7 “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The Christian must therefore continue steadfastly in prayer - Ro 12:12 “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Perhaps emulating the example of David - Psa 55:17 “Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice.” And the custom of Daniel, who prayed three times daily - Dan 6:10 “When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” -- Just as we must listen to God daily through His Word, so we must talk to Him daily if we are to grow; have you developed the habit of praying regularly?
Singing: praising God in song is also conducive to spiritual growth. David, the man after God's own heart, developed the practice of praising God daily - Psa 104:33 “I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.”; 119:164 “Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules.” If we teach one another through songs, do we not also teach ourselves when we sing? - Co 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” The Christian should make singing a habit that is second nature to him or her. When happy, we should sing - Ja 5:13 “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.” In times of trial, we should sing - Ac 16:25 “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,” -- As we develop the habits of daily Bible reading and prayer, let us also develop the habit of singing praises to God daily if we seek to grow!
Assembling: assembling together with other Christians is very important - He 10:24-25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” It is a means of stimulating one another to love and good works. We exhort one another in our service to Christ. Therefore Christians should make a strong habit of attending church. Attending as often as possible, for worship, Bible study, etc. The more we attend, the stronger the habit becomes; the less we attend, the
weaker the habit becomes. -- Christians who make it a habit to skip the assemblies struggle in their efforts to grow spiritually; no Christian has become stronger by neglecting the assembly!
The formation and exercise of such behavioral habits builds the foundation for solid spiritual growth that leads to maturity in Christ. Bible study, prayer, and singing bring us closer to God which can transform our character (cf. 2 Co 3:18). Assembling together brings us closer to one another, and provides the opportunity to develop our functional goals in the body of Christ. That leads us to our next point, in which we consider what I call functional habits. We will look into this in the next part of this lesson to follow.
Habits For Spiritual Growth – Part One
In our previous lesson we talked about goals for spiritual growth....
Behavioral goals - in which we seek to become like Jesus, emulating His character. Functional goals - in which we aim to determine and develop our abilities and functions
in the body of Christ.
Congregational goals - in which brethren unite in our aspirations to grow as a congregation as well as individual Christians.
To meet our goals requires the development of good habits.... Habits are stepping stones which ensure that we eventually meet our goals. Habits are things done on a frequent basis (daily, weekly, etc.) that slowly produce a certain effect -- Unless we establish good habits, bad habits will set in that hinder our spiritual growth!
What are some good habits that will help us meet our spiritual goals? Let's first consider a few that will help us meet our behavioral goals, what we might describe as behavioral habits. Bible reading: not just reading alone, but studying and making personal application. The Word of God is crucial to growing spiritually - 1 Pe 2:2 “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation”. David described the value of God's Word - Psa 19:7-11 “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” He also illustrated the blessedness and fortitude of one who meditated daily on the Word of God - Psa 1:1-3 “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” The Christian who wants to grow spiritually must therefore develop the habit of daily
Bible reading, study and application. Such as reading through the Bible each year (about 3 chapters a day). Or perhaps the New Testament one year, the Old Testament the next -- By feeding upon God's Word daily, we receive the spiritual nourishment necessary to grow; have you developed the habit of daily Bible reading?
Praying: the practice of prayer is also required for spiritual growth. Through prayer we find mercy and grace to help - He 4:16 “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Through prayer we find peace to guard our hearts - Ph 4:6-7 “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The Christian must therefore continue steadfastly in prayer - Ro 12:12 “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Perhaps emulating the example of David - Psa 55:17 “Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice.” And the custom of Daniel, who prayed three times daily - Dan 6:10 “When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” -- Just as we must listen to God daily through His Word, so we must talk to Him daily if we are to grow; have you developed the habit of praying regularly?
Singing: praising God in song is also conducive to spiritual growth. David, the man after God's own heart, developed the practice of praising God daily - Psa 104:33 “I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.”; 119:164 “Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules.” If we teach one another through songs, do we not also teach ourselves when we sing? - Co 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” The Christian should make singing a habit that is second nature to him or her. When happy, we should sing - Ja 5:13 “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.” In times of trial, we should sing - Ac 16:25 “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,” -- As we develop the habits of daily Bible reading and prayer, let us also develop the habit of singing praises to God daily if we seek to grow!
Assembling: assembling together with other Christians is very important - He 10:24-25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” It is a means of stimulating one another to love and good works. We exhort one another in our service to Christ. Therefore Christians should make a strong habit of attending church. Attending as often as possible, for worship, Bible study, etc. The more we attend, the stronger the habit becomes; the less we attend, the
weaker the habit becomes. -- Christians who make it a habit to skip the assemblies struggle in their efforts to grow spiritually; no Christian has become stronger by neglecting the assembly!
The formation and exercise of such behavioral habits builds the foundation for solid spiritual growth that leads to maturity in Christ. Bible study, prayer, and singing bring us closer to God which can transform our character (cf. 2 Co 3:18). Assembling together brings us closer to one another, and provides the opportunity to develop our functional goals in the body of Christ. That leads us to our next point, in which we consider what I call functional habits. We will look into this in the next part of this lesson to follow.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Spiritual Growth - IIIB
Goals For Spiritual Growth – Part Two
Having looked and some personal spiritual growth goals we will now turn our attention to how our growth is tied to congregational goals. As members of the body, we must grow. We must find and develop our unique function(s) in the body of Christ - Ro 12:6-8 “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” For some, it may be laboring in the Word (preaching, teaching). For others, it may involve ministering to others (visiting, serving). For many, it may involve a multitude of talents and abilities. We must utilize our gifts (functions) in the service of God - 1 Pe 4:10-11 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Those who speak, doing so as the oracles of God. Those who serve, with the strength God supplies. -- Failing to grow brings reproach (e.g., He 5:12-14;), for we are guilty of wasting what God has given us (cf. Mt 25:14-30).
The challenge of reaching our functional goals is one of determining our function(s) in the body of Christ. Not all members have the same function; what is mine? Am I lacking in certain talents, or are they simply needing to be developed? Am I truly a one-talent individual, or am I using that possibility as an excuse not to develop what I am truly capable of? The challenge is one of developing our function(s) in the body of Christ. While some skills may come naturally, others may take time and energy. Is my lack of development the result of indifference or laziness? Am I selling myself short through negative self-talk? Am I allowing the allurements of the world to preoccupy my time and energy? -- We need to be honest with ourselves; indeed, the day of Judgment will reveal whether or not we have been honest (cf. 2 Co 5:10; Mt 25:14-30).
Finally, a thought or two about congregational goals as individual growth is intertwined with church growth. A primary function of the church is the edification of the saints - Ep 4:11-16 “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” We are challenged to minister our gifts to one another - 1 Pe 4:11 “whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” -- As we grow individually, so we grow as a church, and vice versa.
Church goals should incorporate individual goals. A congregation's goals should allow for the fulfillment of individual goals providing encouragement through its educational programs and providing opportunity for Christians to serve in their various roles. A congregation's goals will require the fulfillment of individual goals. Does a church have a goal for growth? It requires teachers and others who minister to the flock. Does a church have a goal for spreading the gospel? It requires preachers and those who will support them - Ro 10:14-15 “But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"’ -- To grow individually, we benefit greatly with the help of congregational goals!
The challenge of reaching our congregational goals depends heavily upon the cooperation of all the members. If we are not united in the need for spiritual growth, it is unlikely we will set congregational goals that will nourish such growth. If we are not growing individually, any congregational goals will not likely be met -- If we desire to grow as a congregation, we need to be growing as individuals, and set our goals to allow for such!
In conclusion, spiritual growth requires the setting and obtaining of goals.... Individuals must have both behavioral and functional goals. Both individuals and congregations must have similar goals. As we obtain our goals as individuals and as congregations Christ will be glorified! As disciples and as members of His body we will become what He desires us to be! If we desire to grow spiritually, then we need to set and strive for behavioral, functional, and congregational goals that will inspire us in the right direction!
Having looked and some personal spiritual growth goals we will now turn our attention to how our growth is tied to congregational goals. As members of the body, we must grow. We must find and develop our unique function(s) in the body of Christ - Ro 12:6-8 “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” For some, it may be laboring in the Word (preaching, teaching). For others, it may involve ministering to others (visiting, serving). For many, it may involve a multitude of talents and abilities. We must utilize our gifts (functions) in the service of God - 1 Pe 4:10-11 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Those who speak, doing so as the oracles of God. Those who serve, with the strength God supplies. -- Failing to grow brings reproach (e.g., He 5:12-14;), for we are guilty of wasting what God has given us (cf. Mt 25:14-30).
The challenge of reaching our functional goals is one of determining our function(s) in the body of Christ. Not all members have the same function; what is mine? Am I lacking in certain talents, or are they simply needing to be developed? Am I truly a one-talent individual, or am I using that possibility as an excuse not to develop what I am truly capable of? The challenge is one of developing our function(s) in the body of Christ. While some skills may come naturally, others may take time and energy. Is my lack of development the result of indifference or laziness? Am I selling myself short through negative self-talk? Am I allowing the allurements of the world to preoccupy my time and energy? -- We need to be honest with ourselves; indeed, the day of Judgment will reveal whether or not we have been honest (cf. 2 Co 5:10; Mt 25:14-30).
Finally, a thought or two about congregational goals as individual growth is intertwined with church growth. A primary function of the church is the edification of the saints - Ep 4:11-16 “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” We are challenged to minister our gifts to one another - 1 Pe 4:11 “whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” -- As we grow individually, so we grow as a church, and vice versa.
Church goals should incorporate individual goals. A congregation's goals should allow for the fulfillment of individual goals providing encouragement through its educational programs and providing opportunity for Christians to serve in their various roles. A congregation's goals will require the fulfillment of individual goals. Does a church have a goal for growth? It requires teachers and others who minister to the flock. Does a church have a goal for spreading the gospel? It requires preachers and those who will support them - Ro 10:14-15 “But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"’ -- To grow individually, we benefit greatly with the help of congregational goals!
The challenge of reaching our congregational goals depends heavily upon the cooperation of all the members. If we are not united in the need for spiritual growth, it is unlikely we will set congregational goals that will nourish such growth. If we are not growing individually, any congregational goals will not likely be met -- If we desire to grow as a congregation, we need to be growing as individuals, and set our goals to allow for such!
In conclusion, spiritual growth requires the setting and obtaining of goals.... Individuals must have both behavioral and functional goals. Both individuals and congregations must have similar goals. As we obtain our goals as individuals and as congregations Christ will be glorified! As disciples and as members of His body we will become what He desires us to be! If we desire to grow spiritually, then we need to set and strive for behavioral, functional, and congregational goals that will inspire us in the right direction!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
