Lesson 5Habits to Grow by

Last Time Reasons to grow.

1. Behavioral Goals2. Functional Goals3. Congregational Goals

Behavioiral Habits- Bible Reading

God’s Word is crucial to Growth

1 Peter 2:2 (ESV) Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—

David’s value of God’s WordPsalm 19:7-11 (ESV) 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of

the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;

sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

David’s Thought on Meditation in the Word

Psalm 1:1-3 (ESV) 1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Behavioiral Habits- Bible Reading- Praying

Mercy and Grace Helps Us

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV) Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Peace to Guard out Hearts

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Constant in Prayer

Romans 12:12 (ESV) Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

David’s Example for us

Psalm 55:17 (ESV) Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice.

Daniel’s example for us

Daniel 6:10 (ESV) When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.

Behavioiral Habits- Bible Reading- Praying- Singing

David’s Example of Praising God

Psalm 104:33 (ESV) I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.

Psalm 119:164 (ESV) Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules.

Learning from our Singing

Colossians 3:16 (ESV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Sing when we are happy

James 5:13 (ESV) Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.

Sing when we are in trials

Acts 16:25 (ESV) About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,

Behavioral Habits- Bible Reading- Praying- Singing- Assembling

Importance of AssemblingHebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Ministry of Righteousness

2 Corinthians 3:7-9 (ESV) 7 Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? 9 For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory.

Functional Habits- Assembling Together

- Aiding in the Assembly- Familiarity of others needs- Roles needed in the Service itself

- Serving One another

Functional Habits- Assembling Together- Participating in the Work of the

Church

Participating in Service- Teaching class- Preaching- Bible Readings- Leading Singing- Offering Invitations

Other Worship Needs- Counting the contribution- Attendance recording- Serving the Lord’s Supper- Prayer- Announcements

Outside the Worship- Preparing the Lord’s Supper- Ministering to the Sick- Encouraging the weak- Setting up Personal Bible Studies- Cleaning & Setting up room

Congregational Habits- Define roles that are available- Providing opportunities to learn

Create opportunities to Learn and Grow

2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV) and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to

teach others also.

Congregational Habits- Define roles that are available- Providing opportunities to learn- Encouraging Participation

1 John 3:18-22 (ESV) 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 19 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; 20

for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22 and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.