Disciples Grow with God

Main Idea: Jesus is guiding us on a journey of becoming more like him in every area of our lives: heart, mind, soul, and strength.

Recap: Be One, Make One.

• Being a disciple is a lifelong commitment and a full-time calling, not a part-time responsibility.

Today: Disciples Grow with God

What does it mean to “grow with God”?

• It could include knowing the Bible better (knowledge), making better choices (action), working on our hearts (character), or trusting God more (faith).

A Simple Description of Growing:

• As disciples, Jesus is guiding us on a journey of becoming more like him in every area of our lives: heart, mind, soul, and strength.

Jesus Is an Empowering Guide.

He not only points us in the right direction (where God wants us to go), he equips and empowers us to be successful on the journey. 

• This is especially important for people who struggle to stay consistent in their growth, and follow through on their commitments. 
• Case in point: “Quitters Day” was January 9th… the day when a large portion of the population abandons their New Year’s Resolutions. 
• Jesus helps us achieve things we’d never be able to do on our own.

Out With the Old (Self), In With the New (Self)

Scripture: Ephesians 4:22-24

• We have to take an active role in our growth. “Put off the old self… put on the new self.” 
• But we also have to remember that only God has the power to make us new. We are taught “to be made new,” by God, not try to “make ourselves new” on our own.
• The goal of the new self is to become like God in righteousness and holiness. 

“The Paradox of Change”

Key Point: God loves you just the way you are, but he doesn’t want you to stay that way. 

1. God Loves You Unconditionally

• You are made in his image (Genesis 1:26-27) and he demonstrated his love by sending Jesus to die while you were still a sinner (Romans 5:8).
• “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” –Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

However, we can’t confuse God’s unconditional love for us with an unconditional approval of our sins. Love does not equate to endorsement. 

2. God Doesn’t Want You To Stay This Way.

• He knows who you were created to be and who you can become in Christ, so he doesn’t want you to stay the same forever.

Example: Dinner at Matthew’s House (Mark 2:15-17; Luke 5:31-32)

• Many sinners followed Jesus because he invited everyone to spend time with him.
• But everyone who chose to follow Jesus was expected to repent of their sins and become more like him.

Two Mistakes People Make:

1. Mistake #1: Thinking you have to be perfect to follow Jesus (you don’t).
2. Mistake #2: Thinking that being loved by God means never having to change (you do).

Reflection Questions:

• Where are you in your walk with God? 
• Where does God want you to be? 
• How will you make progress?

Asking questions like these is a vital part of the growth process as disciples.

What We Can Learn About Growth from Paul and Timothy

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:6-16

1.  Spiritual growth takes intentional focus. (“Train yourself… be diligent… devote yourself wholly to them.”)

2. Spiritual growth involves multiple aspects of our lives:

• In our knowledge of God and His Word.
• In our character (heart, attitudes).
• In our actions (way of life).
• In our faith (trust in God).

Our challenge is to study, worship, and pray with a growth mindset.

• How is God using this experience to help me become more like Jesus? 
• How can I cooperate with Him in that work?
• Am I growing in my walk, or just busy with my religion?
• How is Satan trying to sabotage my growth?

Faith Challenge for the Week

This week, read Matthew 5-7 (the Sermon on the Mount). 

As you read, reflect on the following (use extra space if needed):

1. Knowledge: What does God want me to know?
2. Character: What kind of person does God want me to be?
3. Action: What is God teaching me to do?
4. Faith: How has God earned my trust?

Lastly, talk to someone about what you learned, how you felt God speaking to you, and any commitments you have made.