How we grow
One of our goals is to be a people of yielded minds and yielded hearts. God’s destiny for you is to be formed in the image of Christ. Christlikeness mean “To think, perceive, act, response like Christ.” We need to be so Christlike that when we people see us it needs to be so evident. Being formed in the image of Christ = GROWTH. We cannot grow spiritually alone and we cannot grow outside of servanthood.
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren
Romans 8:29
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
4 ways we help each other grow
- Affirming each other’s worth. – How do we actually do this?
1.1 Showing acceptance
Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you that God will be given glory.
Romans 15:7
1.2 Showing attention. What we put our attention on grows
Galatians 6:10 | Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people especially those who belong to the family of believers
1.3 Showing Affection
1.4 Showing Appreciation
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
- Pray For Each Other’s Growth
Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God.
Colossians 4:12
‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
14 My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, 15 this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. 16 I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit – not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength – 17 that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love,
Ephesians 3:14-17
- Admitting our mistakes – Sometimes we’re afraid that if we admit our mistakes we may be met with rejection. It’s uncomfortable but necessary.
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body.
Ephesians 4:25
So admit your sins to each other, and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
James 5:16
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
James 4:10
- Encourage each other’s commitment – It is easier to work out when you are working out with someone
Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God – no spiritual flabbiness, please!
1 Timothy 4:7
… that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.
Romans 1:12
Unless we are growing, we are dying. Growth doesn’t happen in isolation but rather in connection and relationship.
