A Closer Walk With God
Continuing To Grow - Cont.
Having looked at some hindrances to spiritual growth such as discouragement and the law of interference, we will now look at some ways to overcome these hindrances. In an effort to prevent succumbing to these hindrances, here are some suggestions for continuing your spiritual growth. Become active in the work of the congregation. Begin immediately! It is important not to delay (remember the "hindrances"). There is work for everyone, and it is best to start with something you are able to handle. Even the most humble service can be a source of joy for those who are doing it to please God - Psa 84:10 "For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness."; Jn 13:12-17 "When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them."
Offer your services to the elders! These men will be glad to find work for you to do in keeping with your ability. Sometimes they hesitate to call on people for work if they are not sure the people are
willing. But let them know that you have the attitude of Isaiah: "Here am I! Send me." - Isa 6:8. Look for work needing to be done! The best servant is one who can see things to be done and does them without having to be told every step to take. Most of us are good critics; here is how we can put that ability to good use:
1) Whenever we see something we want to criticize, take that as an opportunity to show (not tell) how it should be done.
2) Someone else's failure is often our opportunity to be of service.
3) In other words, "Don't criticize, energize!"
Start a program of regular private devotions. Spend time each day alone with God, engaged in prayer, Bible study, singing praises. Such time consistently spent will supply the spiritual nourishment necessary for spiritual growth. Many Christians do not grow because they try to exist on a "spiritual starvation diet"!
Participate in an informal Bible study group. Meet weekly with other Christians in an informal setting to study the Bible together. This provides opportunity for mutual sharing and encouragement which leads to even more knowledge and spiritual growth.
Become involved in leading people to Christ. Begin implementing the suggestions in the lesson on increasing opportunities to share the gospel. Even if you don't do the actual teaching, you can do what Andrew and Philip did: lead a friend to Christ! - Jn 1:40-46. Those involved in leading others to Christ rarely ever stop growing in Christ themselves!
Practice constant self-examination. The Scriptures call us to examine ourselves in our relation to Christ - 2 Co 13:5 "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" Here are some questions we should often ask ourselves:
Do I have a better Bible knowledge than one year ago?
Am I as interested in Jesus Christ today as when I was baptized?
Have I helped someone else to become a Christian?
Am I enjoying life as a child of God?
Am I improving my life, my disposition, and becoming more like Christ?
Do I set a good example for other Christians?
Am I growing in such activities as Bible study, prayer, worship?
Self-examination is not an easy process, but true spiritual growth is impossible without it!
Though we have come to the end of this series of studies, if we implement the suggestions in this lesson and those preceding, we will successfully embark on a spiritual journey with Christ that will last through eternity! It is sad that many Christians are often just religious enough to be miserable; but their life is intended to be one filled with love, joy, peace, and so much more! - Ga 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." It is my prayer that these lessons may be useful in helping you to truly experience the abundant life that Jesus provides! - Jn 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." (1 Th 5:23-24)
This material is from an outline series from ExecutableOutlines.com, a web site containing sermon outlines and Bible studies by Mark A. Copeland. Visit the web site to browse or download additional material for church or personal use. The outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel. Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style.
To God Be The Glory! This series of lessons has been presented in textual format from these outlines with little to no changes in content. Any changes made were done to make the text read smoothly. (JMN)
