Spiritual Growth - July 12, 2015

Date: July 12, 2015

Scriptures: Exodus 15:26, Joshua 1: 8, Psalm 119-97, 1 Corinthians 1:5, Ephesians 4:14, 2 Peter 1:3, 2 Peter 3:18, Jeremiah 10:23, Romans 5:1 

Sermon Topic: Spiritual Growth

Sermon Notes:

You need the right soil and water to grow. Jesus said, “I am the living water, if you thirst come to me and drink.” Spiritual growth is a choice. Change is inevitable, but growth is optional. Choose this day who ye will serve. As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.

Winning is a choice. It’s by your attitude, acts of obedience and commitment to God.

There must be a willingness to learn. Exodus 15:26 – And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee. I’m the Lord that healeth thee – some of the things that people are struggling with shouldn’t occur. Some things we struggle with we shouldn’t. We must purpose to live an abundant life. We have abundant peace when others are crazy, abundant joy when others are sad. Joshua 1: 8 – This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Meditate on the word day and night. 

If God says that you’ll make your way prosperous if you meditate on the word, it will happen. Speak faith filled words. Stop saying it’s too hard, I can’t, I don’t have – God supplies all of our needs.

The word is alive. Take the word and apply it to your life. 

There are times when you can’t trust yourself, but you must ask God to order your steps. 

Psalm 119-97 – O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. We can’t miss it. Don’t love the world. You can’t have a piece of the world and piece of the kingdom. 

I hate every false way. If it doesn’t lead to life eternal, I hate that way. 1 Corinthians 1:5 – That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge. When I was a child, I spake as a child, but when I became a man, I put away all childish things. 

Grow in understanding; we develop ourselves into spiritual maturity. Ephesians 4:14 – 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.  Every teaching that comes along isn’t right. There are false teachers all around. As long as you know the truth you won’t accept everything. 

If you deal with something and every so often you’re overcome by it – don’t make provisions for it.

When you’re tempted there’s a way out – You can’t say, I couldn’t help myself. You can be tempted, but don’t provide opportunities for sin to live in your life.

We have all the resources right now to live an abundant life. 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. You have it, but you need the knowledge to know that you have an abundant life.

He has blessed us. We must abide in him and let his word abide in us. That’s why some are struggling. They’re trying to make it without Jesus. If you’re at the same place you were at last year, something is wrong.

God gives special care to us. Ask and it is given, seek and ye shall find.

Live in me, trust in me and wait for me. Some don’t want to wait.

2 Peter 3:18 – But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. You have to make an effort to grow. Talk to God before talking to anyone else. There is a whole lot of stuff waiting for you at the door. You must have a talk with Jesus first thing in the morning. I need the word more than my necessary food. 

We need the God-kind of faith that works by love. Love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus didn’t say it depends on the behavior of your neighbor. 

We need to break free of our bad habits.

Spiritual Growth – means to discern between truth and error and apply the word to my life. 

Whenever I got to God, I ask him to open my eyes so I may grow from you.

Spiritual maturity – means that you’re able to come to a place of knowing.

Jeremiah 10:23 – O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. Put away carnal things and grow in the spirit. When I grow in Christ. When these things come I’m able to withstand. I’m secure. So secure that if there is nothing in the house to eat, I set the table anyhow.

Romans 5:1 – Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We are justified by faith. We have peace with God and we have access. Tribulation worketh patience. Watch when you ask for patience – tribulation worketh patience. 

Be careful what you ask for. 

You’re a winner right now!

You’re blessed right now!

Your standing in Christ is secure but your state in Christ is progressive.

You can tell when you’re not as close to God as you need to be. To grow, discipline your mind and your actions. Learn how to praise in the midst of. Bless the Lord in the midst of circumstances. 

Let nothing separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Forget about what’s behind. Don’t let the enemy weigh your mind down with the past. What’s before you is better than what’s behind you.

You have the victory but you must love this word. God is first.