Spiritual Growth is a Choice

Spiritual Growth is a Choice

Just as a healthy physical life involves growth, so too a healthy spiritual life is a process of growth

Physical growth takes place naturally/automatically.

  • But spiritual growth is not automatic – it is a choice we have to make.

Sadly, not all Christians grow spiritually

Spiritual Growth Is A Choice

  1. Commanded by God
  2. Requires diligent effort
  3. Assisted by God
  4. The example of the Thessalonians

How to live as a Christian

Eph. 4:1-6 is on how to live as a Christian!

Lessons:

  1. Walk in a manner worthy of our calling (Eph. 4:1)
    Col. 1:10 so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
  2. Have all humility, gentleness, patience, and tolerance in love (Eph. 4:2)
    Matt. 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  3. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in peace (Eph. 4:3-6)
    1Cor. 1:10 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.

We Are More than Conquerors through Him who Loved Us!

  1. Victory in Christ

(i) Victory over sin

(ii) Victory over the evil one

(iii) Victory in temptation

(iv) Victory over error

(v) Victory in growth

(vi) Victory in suffering

(vii) Victory in all things

(viii) Victory even in death

  1. Our part in this victory

(i) Get into Christ

(ii) Stay in Christ

(iii) Encourage others to do (i) and (ii)

We do not Walk According to the Flesh, but walk According to the Spirit (Rom 8:12)

  1. Walking according to the Spirit – OT
  2. Walking according to the Spirit – NT

(a) Galatians

(b) Romans

(c) Ephesians

  1. Walking according to the flesh

(a) Don’t go back

(b) Don’t become choked