Main Thought
Have you ever played a sport, or learned some form of martial arts? Developing skill in these things takes time. If you remain committed, then you’ll grow gradually. It may seem slow, but the results can be incredible! Spiritual growth can be very similar to this. Spiritual growth is intentional, or planned. There are some things - like the Bible, prayer, and community - that are vital for growth. Spiritual growth is incremental. It’s a process that takes time. Finally, spiritual growth comes as we invest time and energy into our own relationship with God and other people. As we remain committed to spiritual growth, we’ll become more and more equipped for the purposes that God has called us to.
Main Passages
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
- Ephesians 4:11-13
27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
- Colossians 1:24-29
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?
What do you think it means to be “equipped to minister”?
Spiritual growth is intentional, incremental, and requires an investment. Which of these three things, if any, do you struggle with most?