Spiritual Growth is Necessary

Any living organism that does not grow will soon die.

“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Eph. 4:15

“As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,” 1 Pet.2:2

“but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” 2 Pet. 3:18 NKJV

“your faith grows exceedingly” 2 Thes. 1:3

Balanced Spiritual Growth

Knowledge Zeal Faith

Christ-like characterGood Works

God help the goodpeople to be nice

1. Lack of Effort“an old baby”

Heb. 5:13 “child”

1 Cor. 3:1,2 babes - infants

Growth Requires Effort

2. DiscouragementExample of Paul - 2 Cor.11:24-29

“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;”

2. Discouragement2 Cor. 4:16 - 5:1 – “faint not”

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Gal.6:9

1 Cor. 15:58 - steadfast, unmovable, always abounding

3. Law of DisuseUnused knife becomes rustyWe lose what we do not use !

“For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.”

Matt. 25:29

4. The Law of InterferencePlants do not grow well when crowded

Spiritual growth hindered by being crowded

Mark 4:18-19 - thorns , choke

Strangle, drown, crowd

1. Lack of Effort

2. Discouragement

3. Law of Disuse

4. Law of Interference

1. Become Active in WorkBegin immediately

There is Work for all

Ps. 84:10

2. Offer your services

Tell the elders / deacons

What you can do to help“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”

Isa. 6:8

3. Look for Work to be done

Do without being told

Criticize something - then show how it should be done

Failure is opportunity

“Don’t criticize, energize!”

4. Regular Private Devotions

Spend time with God - daily

Spiritual nourishment

We Can’t exist on A “Spiritual Starvation diet”

5. Lead People to Christ

Look for people interested in studying the Bible

John 1:40-46 - Andrew

Those who lead others to Christ will continue to grow

6. Practice Self-Examination

“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith.”

2 Cor. 13:5 ESV

Questions to ask ourselves

1. Become Active in Work

2. Offer your Services

3. Look for Work to be done

4. Regular Private Devotions

5. Lead People to Christ

6. Practice Self-Examination

Sermon by Arthur Pigman

Evans Church of Christ

515 Gibbs Road

Evans, Ga. 30809

706-855-1249

evanscoc@bellsouth.netevanscoc@bellsouth.net

www.evansgachurchofchrist.orgwww.evansgachurchofchrist.org

Sunday Morning November 8, 200