Spiritual Growth Series
1John 2:5-6;9-10;12; 15-17
Luis Cruz, GCF Durham
Love from God, for God and others prompts spiritual growth. And we know God’s love through Jesus. His unconditional love in us spur us to grow for His glory. However, it is our responsibility to desire growth and to partner with His Spirit. In this sermon, we will examine ourselves and look for the primary signs of growth. The intention is to keep on growing in these areas so as to give glory to God. But let me tell you first what spiritual growth is not. (cf. John MacArthur, GTY.org)
Spiritual growth has nothing to do with your eternal position before God.
Spiritual growth is not measured by the calendar.
Spiritual growth has nothing to do with the amount of biblical information you have.
Spiritual growth has nothing to do with church activity (though it may be a good start).
Spiritual growth is not about Christian lingo either.
Spiritual growth is a lifelong process.
It begins as you get to know Jesus as your Lord not just savior.
The Spirit of God creates a godly character in you as you apply God’s word.
And then, that’s the time that Christian service becomes integral in your spiritual growth.
Christian service is actually the expression your intimacy with God and the godliness He had created in you.
Here are the basic signs of spiritual growth that you may examine yourself.
1. Knowing God’s love that leads to obeying His Word.
“5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. 9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness…“12 I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.” 1John 2: 5-6; 9; 12
“3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:3.
*We overcome the world by lovingly obeying His word.
*Obedience gives rise to understanding His will.
On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest, “Where am I in this process?” (Circle the number that fits you) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
2. Imitating God’s love that leads others to Him.
“10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble.” 1John 2: 10
"Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify the Father" Mat. 5:16
“4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.” 1 Cor. 13:4-8
*Lovingly share the Word in words and deeds consistently, without asking anything in return and see how people respond.
*Love like God so you can lead others to Jesus.
On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest, “Where am I in this process?” (Circle the number that fits you) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
3. Remembering God’s forgiveness that leads to forgiving others.
“12 I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.” 1 Jn. 2:12
“25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25
*We receive mercy so we can be merciful with others.
*We are obligated to forgive as God has forgiven us.
On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest, “Where am I in this process?” (Circle the number that fits you) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
What are we going to do about these numbers?
Come before God and ask Him to help us improve.
Ask someone to disciple you or mentor you.