Grow or Die

Sermon Date:  May 3, 2015

Sermon Topic: Growing in the Spirit – Grow or Die

Scriptures: Psalm 141:3, Proverbs 10:11, Matthew 6:33, Proverbs 10:23, 1 John 2:15, Romans 13:14, 2 Peter 1:5, Galatians 5:22 – 23, 2 Peter 1:3, 2 Thessalonians 1:3, 1 Peter 4:17, Ephesians 4:14 – 15, Ephesians 3:17 – 19, John 15:4, Leviticus 27:8

Sermon Notes:

Grow in grace and in the knowledge. Sanctify yourselves and be Holy. We are commanded to grow in our faith, understanding, commitment and holiness. Leviticus 27:8 - But if he be poorer than thy estimation, then he shall present himself before the priest, and the priest shall value him; according to his ability that vowed shall the priest value him.

John 15:4 - Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. – Abide in me and I in you. Don’t be deceived into believing that all it takes to get to heaven is to show up for service.

We need to repent and accept Christ as our Lord. We must be born again and now we must grow in faith.

God commands us to grow in the spirit. Ephesians 3:17 – 19 – 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

We must first be rooted and grounded in love. Faith worketh by love. Being like Christ is the goal for spiritual growth. Ephesians 4:14 – 15 - 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ shows us how to be like Christ.

Everything you hear is not the truth. Every preacher, preaching isn’t teaching the truth. The truth sets you free – not a fell good message.

We have to speak the truth in love. Not beating anyone over the head with the gospel. Speak the truth in love. Don’t witness to people by condemning them. Aspects of spiritual growth – grow in grace in the knowledge of Christ. Study to show yourself approved. The grace will enable us to understand the knowledge.

1 Peter 4:17 –  For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? If judgment begins with us, what of those who do not obey. Revelations 21:8 – the second death. The soul that sinneth shall die – we must grow or die.

Spiritual growth, we mist preach the truth – regardless if others like it or not. In order to grow we must grow in faith and in love.

2 Thessalonians 1:3 – We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; Your faith, growing exceedingly. We should love each other more and more each day. We can disagree but we must disagree in love.

Whenever you listen to a preacher, analyze the word that you receive.

2 Peter 1:3 – According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue. God supplies the resources for spiritual growth.

Galatians 5:22 – 23 - 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Don’t ask for peace. Get the knowledge then you receive the peace through the knowledge.

We have to make every effort to grow. 2 Peter 1:5 - And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge. Knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness. When Christ saved us, we were washed. Old sins have passed away. You were purged from those sins. Don’t let the enemy remind you.

Until our minds are renewed we don’t know what we already have. We need to transform our minds.

In order to grow you must deny yourself. It’s not about us. You must die to self and study the word.

You want to grow have a little talk with Jesus.

Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation. The spirit is writing, but thr flresh is weak. We need to walk in the spirit.

Romans 13:14 – But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Make no provisions for the flesh. The flesh is always lusting.

Come out from among them. If there are people who have a hold on you that causes. You to sin – stay away from them until you are strong.

When we grown – there has to be evidence. 1 John 2:15 – 17 – 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Our minds have to be transformed.

Seek those things that are above where Christ. Sits. Constantly seek Christ – don’t let material things distract you. He gives you what you need.

Matthew 6:33 – But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Seek first the kingdom of God.

Change your conversation – some of the things that you say, you shouldn’t be saying. Proverbs 10:23 -  It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.

Proverbs 10:11 - The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

Be still – you don’t have to prove anything.

Psalm 141:3 – Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Set a watch over my mouth. Keep the door of my lips.  I don’t need to eat that, drink that, respond to that or have the last word.

Grave yards are filled with people who had the last word. There are marriages that would be still intact if they didn’t have the last word.